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Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas

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Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas is a public transportation agency serving Harris County, Texas, including the cities of Houston, Pasadena, Texas, Missouri City, Texas, and Pearland, Texas. The agency is a member of the American Public Transportation Association and is funded in part by the Federal Transit Administration. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas works closely with other regional transportation agencies, including the Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Texas Department of Transportation. The agency's services are also integrated with those of the Fort Bend County Transit and the Brazoria County Transit.

History

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas was established in 1978, following the passage of a referendum by Harris County, Texas voters, with the support of Houston Mayor Fred Hofheinz and Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe. The agency began operating in 1979, taking over the existing bus system from the Houston Transit Company, which was previously owned by the National City Lines company, and had been serving the city since the 1920s, with routes connecting to Downtown Houston, The Galleria, and Houston Hobby Airport. The agency's early years were marked by significant expansion, including the introduction of new bus routes and the construction of the Houston MetroRail system, which was planned in conjunction with the Urban Mass Transportation Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has also worked closely with other regional agencies, including the Gulf Coast Rail District and the Houston Airport System.

Services

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas operates a comprehensive network of bus and rail services, including the Houston MetroRail system, which connects Downtown Houston to The Texas Medical Center, Reliant Park, and other major destinations, such as University of Houston, Texas Southern University, and Houston Community College. The agency's bus network includes over 100 routes, serving communities throughout Harris County, Texas, including Chinatown, Houston, East End, Houston, and EaDo, with connections to George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport. The agency also operates METRORail services, including the Red Line (METRORail), Purple Line (METRORail), and Green Line (METRORail), which were planned in conjunction with the Federal Transit Administration and the American Public Transportation Association. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has partnered with other agencies, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Houston Texans, to provide special event services.

Fares_and_Payments

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas offers a variety of fare options, including single-ride tickets, day passes, and monthly passes, which can be purchased at METRO RideStore locations or online through the METRO website, with payment options including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. The agency also offers discounted fares for seniors, students, and people with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has implemented a Q Card system, which allows riders to pay their fares using a reusable card, similar to the Washington Metro's SmarTrip card and the New York City Subway's MetroCard. The agency has also partnered with Google Maps and Moovit to provide trip planning and payment options.

Fleet

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas operates a fleet of over 1,200 buses and 100 rail cars, including New Flyer buses and Siemens rail cars, which are maintained at the agency's METRO Houston facility, with support from Caterpillar Inc. and Cummins. The agency's fleet is equipped with GPS technology and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing riders to track their routes and stay connected on the go, similar to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's LA Metro fleet. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has also introduced electric buses and hybrid buses into its fleet, as part of its efforts to reduce its environmental impact, in accordance with the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The agency has partnered with General Motors and Ford Motor Company to develop and implement new fuel-efficient technologies.

Governance

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas is governed by a nine-member board of directors, appointed by the Harris County Commissioners Court and the Houston City Council, with the support of the Texas Legislature and the United States Congress. The agency's board is responsible for setting policy and overseeing the agency's operations, including the development of the METRO Houston budget, which is approved by the Harris County Auditor's Office and the Texas Comptroller's Office. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas is also subject to oversight by the Federal Transit Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation, with regular audits and inspections conducted by the Government Accountability Office and the Texas State Auditor's Office. The agency has partnered with the University of Houston and the Texas A&M University to conduct research and analysis on transportation issues.

Expansion_and_Development

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas is currently undergoing significant expansion and development, including the construction of new METRORail lines and the introduction of bus rapid transit services, with funding from the Federal Transit Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation. The agency is also planning for the development of a high-speed rail line connecting Houston to Dallas and San Antonio, in partnership with the Texas Central Railway and the Federal Railroad Administration. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas is working closely with other regional agencies, including the Gulf Coast Rail District and the Houston Airport System, to develop a comprehensive transportation plan for the Houston metropolitan area, with input from the Houston City Council and the Harris County Commissioners Court. The agency has partnered with AECOM and Bechtel Group to provide engineering and construction services for its expansion projects. Category:Transportation in Texas

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