Houston Gets More Rail

As a native Houstonian, I've always hoped and wished for more rail. Every year when I blew out those birthday candles I would wish for better public transit...just kidding. I didn't take it that far, but Houston has been far behind the rest of the country in developing public transit, and I think train service has got to be one of the main points of focus for METRO.

When the downtown light rail line opened, a lot of people laughed. Who would ride this ridiculous 7.5 mile line that doesn't serve anybody? I must admit, the only time that I've used the rail is when I've gone to the rodeo, and it's probably more for fun than actual convenience. Turns out (at least last i heard), Houston has the highest light rail ridership in the entire nation, ahead of Philadelphia (#2).

Today we hear that METRO has approved four new lines, and I think it's great news. The total rail lines will only total 30 miles, and the cost is in the billions, but I think it's a worthwhile investment. Ridership will increase, and 60,000 jobs are being created (so says the propogranda from METRO at least). I hope that this will provide an impetus for rail lines that will run along the major highway corridors (I-10 east and west to downtown, 290 up to AT LEAST Cypress, if not Waller County, I-45 from the Woodlands to Galveston and maybe even up to Conroe, and of course a 59 line down to Sugar Land and up somewhere NE). That's my vision, and I think it would be great for Houston!

I'm excited, and I'm living in Austin. Let me know your thoughts!