Board Members on Board: Interview with Mayor Bob Fry

1. Your background has given you unique insights into the complexities of moving people and goods efficiently. How do those experiences shape your views on the challenges and opportunities around building a more connected transit network in Houston and the surrounding areas?

With a professional background in marine transportation, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the importance of maintaining equipment to ensure optimal performance and sound financial stewardship. As a mayor, I was committed to listening to our community and continually seeking ways to enhance public services. Serving on the HGAC board and as a voting member of its Transportation Policy Council has given me firsthand insight into the complex challenges and opportunities posed by our region’s ongoing growth.

2. As Houston continues to grow, the need for seamless transportation between the city and its neighboring communities becomes increasingly important. From your perspective, why is regional connectivity a priority for METRO, and how can it enhance economic and social opportunities?

As Houston continues to grow, the role of its suburbs and surrounding areas becomes increasingly vital to the economic strength not only of the city but of the entire region. Expanding and improving public transportation across these communities is essential to ensuring seamless access to quality jobs and the many amenities our area has to offer. As the region’s largest and most experienced public transit provider, METRO is uniquely positioned to lead these efforts—bringing the vision, expertise, and infrastructure needed to connect our communities effectively.

3. METRONow is focused on delivering practical, people-first improvements across our region. How do you see these investments supporting the essential workforce and business community in neighboring cities, and why is it important that METRO services extend beyond the Houston city limits to keep our economy moving?

METRONow is a commonsense approach to providing quality service to transit riders by ensuring our equipment, vehicles, and infrastructure are well maintained and the system operates smoothly. With a focus on doing the little things right, we will encourage riders to see METRO as an alternative to the car as their primary source of mobility. METRONow focuses on improving safety systemwide—both for its assets but, more importantly, with an emphasis on rider safety on all our forms of public transportation.

4. What does it mean to serve on the METRO Board, and what drives your commitment to strengthening public transportation for the region?

I represent fourteen cities on the METRO Board, whose residents made the deliberate choice to tax themselves in support of our region’s public transportation system. These citizens recognize the immense value—and necessity—of ensuring reliable transit services in a region as large and complex as ours. It’s an honor to collaborate with my fellow board members to deliver the highest quality transportation to as many people as possible. I also take seriously my responsibility to keep the cities I represent informed about METRO’s actions and to ensure their interests are thoughtfully considered in every decision at the board level.