METRORapid Inner Katy Corridor Project

METRORapid is a transit service that combines elements of light rail and bus to deliver faster connections and a smooth, convenient ride.

It features:

• Modern design offering 100% accessibility, with wider doorways and level boarding
• Outstanding customer amenities such as station-like platforms at every stop
• Dedicated, transit-only lane to move through traffic
• Convenient schedule for easy trip planning

The new METRORapid Inner Katy line will provide:

Fast and frequent service

Universally accessible service for all between Downtown and Uptown throughout the day, at night and on weekends.

Faster and more reliable trips

The project will accommodate all of METRO’s Regional Express trips along the I-10 West and Hwy. 290 NW freeways that currently get bogged down in traffic between I-610 and Downtown. Transit-only lanes in both directions will help reduce travel time and improve schedule reliability for thousands of current riders.

More connectivity

At Northwest Transit Center:

• Create direct connection with METRORapid Silver Line so you can ride from Downtown to Uptown without having to transfer
• Link with several METRO local and Regional Express routes – increasing connectivity to destinations like Texas Medical Center, Greenway Plaza, Memorial Park and Westchase

The project will also provide a fast connection between the METRORapid Silver Line and the METRORail Green and Purple Lines.

More access

• Serve current riders
• Accommodate expected population growth in this area
• Improve access to jobs and economic opportunity

The METRONext Moving Forward Plan identified a general alignment within the Inner Katy corridor. With input from community stakeholders, METRO conducted a detailed evaluation of the corridor and potential alignment options. The recommendation for the locally preferred alternative (LPA) was presented to the public for feedback in January 2022. METRO’s Board of Directors approved the LPA in March 2022.

The METRORapid Inner Katy Project is a separate project being developed by METRO. It will be designed to connect with the METRORapid Silver Line at the Northwest Transit Center and enable you to connect between Uptown and Downtown without transferring.

During the planning phase, METRO evaluated potential station locations between Northwest Transit Center and downtown Houston. We assessed the following locations identified in the METRONext Moving Forward Plan, which were ultimately included in the locally preferred alternative (LPA) approved by the METRO Board in March 2022:

• Shepherd Street/Durham Street
• Studemont Street
• Theater District
• Central Station
• Convention District

We also evaluated additional potential station locations suggested by the community. Based on this input along with planning studies, the project’s LPA also proposes stations at:

• Memorial Park
• Franklin Street / Bagby Street
• St. Emanual Street / East Downtown

The project began in late 2020. The planning phase occurred from late 2020 through early 2022. Environmental studies occurred from early 2021 through late 2022 and will be followed by design. Construction is expected to begin about a year after design is complete. It’s anticipated that construction would last about three years. Public and stakeholder engagement are ongoing and will continue throughout the timeline.

METRO is currently in the planning phase, evaluating the features of the project. Once an alignment (route) is determined, we will have more information.

This project is funded via the Houston-Galveston Area Council's Transportation Improvement Program.

Yes. On January 23, 2023, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) notified METRO that the project met the criteria under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) categorical exclusion (CE). Access a copy of that letter and other related materials here.

METRO doesn’t expect an increase in air pollution. Any reduction in automobile travel as a result of having new transit options generally has a positive effect on air quality.

Overall, noise impacts are expected to be minimal compared with existing freeway noise. However, a noise analysis will be conducted. If it finds that any actions are needed, they’ll be conducted in accordance with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines on noise and vibration.