Ready or not, here comes System Reimagining.
Metro officials on Wednesday approved minor changes to the agency’s redesigned bus system as they brace for response from tens of thousands of riders once the revamped system launches Aug. 16.
Metropolitan Transit Authority board members approved three changes aimed at solving specific problems caused when routes were redesigned.
“We are trying to be proactive to avoid being reactive,” board member Don Elder said.
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The new network is the most comprehensive redesign of Houston’s bus system in more than a generation. To christen it, rides on all Metro local buses and trains will be free from Aug. 16-22.
The new system relies more on buses running frequently along core routes. The current system involves many buses that cross downtown and take circuitous paths; the new network enables riders to criss-cross the Houston area along heavily traveled streets.
Though Metro officials and supporters said the new system will be better for most riders and for those considering using Metro, many riders and critics disagree. Various analyses of the new system have shown many, but not most, trips will take longer.
The Highwayman had a report from before the board meeting as well. Is it just me, or has the reporting on this upcoming change gotten more negative over time? Riders may be feeling anxious because change is always hard, even though we have been through this before and we’ll get through it again. As for the “critics”, it’s been the same singular critic quoted in each of these stories. I’m not sure what to make of that. The responses I’ve gotten from Council incumbents and candidates when I have asked interview questions about Metro’s reimagining plans have been pretty positive overall. I don’t think anyone would argue that the bus map we have now is optimal, so unless there was some other redesign option out there that could have been adapted but wasn’t that I haven’t heard about, maybe we should just wait and see how this goes. Either it lives up to the promises Metro has made or it doesn’t. Texas Leftist has more.
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