Metro Magazine, November 2020

17 NOVEMBER 2020 METRO MAGAZINE COM From top Houston METRO COTA tem enhancements including a 25 increase in local bus service new local routes and improved amenities like bus stop improvements new shelters and upgraded customer information a METRORapid BRT network designed to provide station to station service similar to METRORail but with the flexibility to accommodate multiple routes and a BOOST network to include 17 of METROs high ridership frequent bus routes where speed reliability and access improvements are designed to enhance the customer experience Improvements could include bus stop relocation new shelters and accessibility upgrades transit signal priority and real time passenger information The plan also included the expansion of its light rail system to serve more people and places and accessibility and usability improvements and other investments designed to reduce barriers for seniors the disabled and other users of METROs transit system Early on we knew we would need the publics help The overwhelming passage of bonding authority nearly 70 approval for METRONext by Houston area voters in 2019 would not have been possible without a robust public engagement process developed by METROs public affairs department say METRO officials We reached out to riders and residents business and community leaders young people and senior citizens newcomers and lifelong Houstonians to learn more about their needs for a better transportation system hosting nearly 1000 community meetings and events We welcomed input from advocacy groups and elected officials People were also encouraged to submit their feedback on the plan through a survey on our website Part of the communication strategy was to engage with not only those who support public transit but those who were skeptical about the value of improved mobility options The key was starting at a place on which everyone could agree heavy traffic and gridlock adversely affect quality of life resulting in delays and increased transportation costs added stress and wasted time commuting FOCUS ON ADA Focused on the ADA community all of METROs vehicles are ADA accessible and all local bus rail and commuter bus services are free for riders over 70 METROLift Freedom Q Card holders and qualified veterans Additionally the agencys METROLift paratransit program provides curb to curb service in ADA accessible vans for disabled subscribers who because of their disability cannot access regular bus routes and rail lines A Travel Training Program intended to coach and educate participants on how to ride METROs local bus routes and the light rail system is also available to groups and individuals at no cost Taking its dedication to accessibility to the next level the agency launched a first of its kind Bluetooth beacon app in 2017 METRO was one of the first transit agencies in the country to take a significant step to improve accessibility to bus stops and rail platforms with the use of a smartphone Development of the program was made possible through a partnership between METRO and Texas A Ms Texas Transportation Institute and supported by a grant from the Google Internet of Things Technology Research Award Pilot Small beacons about the size of a garage door opener placed at all bus and rail stops allow users to plot their location using a mapping program Beacons are then integrated into directions As someone approaches their intended stop their phone receives signals from the beacon which sends an alert to their phone Alerts can be delivered either as audio instructions or as tactile directions that use pulsing so someone can understand the instructions via sense of touch While METROs entire fleet of buses and trains is already accessible we understand improvements to bus stops bus shelters and public facilities make it easier for riders to use the system say METRO officials The Universal Accessibility Initiative includes a commitment to ensure all bus stops are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act by 2024 Improved weatherproof signage will help customers find their way when using the system Installation of new shelters and improving the sidewalks leading to bus stops will make these stops more comfortable for all users The initiative also includes a process of engaging with stakeholders including groups such as the citys Office for People with Disabilities METRO has pledged 35 million for the Universal Accessibility Initiative in its FY2019 20 budget and received a 30 million financial commitment from the Houston Galveston Area Council in 2019 The agencys METRONext strategic plan also calls for an additional 70 million In 2017 METRO embarked on the development of a transformative long range transportation plan to provide 500 miles of travel improvements across the Houston region In 2019 COTA adopted a new five year strategic plan that outlined the agencys dedication to its core values of providing equitable and inclusive transportation