METRO's Busiest Route One Step Closer to BOOST Transformation

The road ahead looks clear and bright for METRO’s most popular local bus route, the 82 Westheimer. The busy corridor is one step closer to a BOOST transformation that will bring enhanced infrastructure and service improvements, providing customers with a better walk, a better stop, and a better ride.

On Feb. 22, 2023, METRO Board Members, executive leadership, the Westchase District and the Montrose Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) joined U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher to celebrate $5 million in new federal funding secured by the congresswoman and awarded to the Authority for 82 route enhancements.

The improvements are designed to provide faster transit connections between downtown, Greenway Plaza, Uptown, Westchase, and West Oaks. BOOST will mean bus stop improvements, new lighted bus shelters, real-time passenger information, transit-friendly signaling, easier boarding, and safe, all-door access for METRO passengers along the 19-mile corridor.

METRO President & CEO Tom Lambert said this is all part of a promise to Houston area voters who made it clear in 2019 that investments in transit are a priority.

“Nearly 70 percent of Houston-area voters approved the METRONext Moving Forward Plan, which will bring 500 miles of travel improvements to the region,” said Lambert. “The 82 Westheimer BOOST METRONext Project is part of METRO's promise to fulfill that plan,” said Lambert.

"I was thrilled to partner with Houston METRO as well as community organizations to ensure its important work of making sure that transit and transportation across our community is accessible, affordable, and efficient so that we keep Houstonians moving," said Fletcher.

METRO Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran thanked Fletcher for her efforts and added that METRO's highest-ridership bus route is a lifeline for the Houston region.

"At METRO, we are incredibly thankful for partnerships — from individuals to community organizations, local businesses, and our elected officials who care about leaving this city — this region — better than they found it," said Ramabhadran. "And because of this grant, that’s exactly what people like Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher are doing."

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: METRO Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran thanked Rep. Lizzie Fletcher for her efforts and added that METRO's highest-ridership bus route is a lifeline for the Houston region.