METRO EXPANDS METRORAIL BIKE HOURS

Press Release from the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas


July 14, 2010


As part of its transition to a new METRO, the agency is working with BikeHouston to develop additional ways to make public transportation a viable option when biking around Houston.

The regional transportation authority is working with the bicycle advocacy group to get the word out about expanded hours for bicycles boarded on METRORail and the need for safety as the new policy takes effect.

Starting Monday July 19th, 2010, bike riders can board light-rail vehicles Monday-Friday except for peak hours (6:30 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.) when passenger loads are heaviest and boarding with a bike most difficult. Bikes are limited to two per rail car including weekends at all service hours.

“Our partnership with BikeHouston represents the kind of collaboration the community will see from the new METRO,” said Acting President & CEO George Greanias. “Biking and METRO are important alternatives to driving and are natural complements, reducing both traffic and helping clean our air. With these expanded hours we can accommodate riders during our busiest light-rail hours, and make more room on the system for those whose commute includes bicycles.”

Bikes, until now, were allowed on trains from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. until the last evening run.

Working with the biking community, METRO launched a highly successful bike rack program on buses in 2007. Today, most METRO buses are equipped with either bike racks or storage compartments, and total bikes boarded since the launch have topped 156,000.

BikeHouston and METRO are examining other ways to make Houston transit more bike friendly with collaboration on placement of bike racks along light-rail boarding platforms and utilization of interior space on rail cars as more miles are added to local light-rail systems.

Peter Wang, League Cycling Instructor and advisor to BikeHouston noted, “Bicycling advocates welcome the expansion of bikes-on-board hours to accommodate both "Early Bird" and "Late Sleeper" commuters. We urge bicyclist commuters to be mindful of the needs of fellow passengers. Walk (don't ride) your bike on train platforms and sidewalks. Stay out of people's way, don't cram into a crowded rail car, and keep your bike clean."

METRO is working with the City of Houston to improve residents’ ability to get around and exercise at the same time. The new Irvington Bike Lanes, will give bikers a safe trail near the North Line light rail which is now under construction. METRORail bike guidelines and Houston Bikeways Program can help you understand how to get around Houston fast, safe and economically.

Please show up for this photo opportunity!

We need ALL cyclists to show up at UH Downtown METRO train stop at 6:00 am on Monday 7/19 to take pictures in celebration of expanded bike hours on the train! METRO Board Member Christof Spieler will be there to meet us.

Houston METRO seeking input regarding bikes on the light rail

Harris County (Houston) METRO is seeking input as to whether and how bikes should be accommodated on the light rail.

Write to METROSolutions@ridemetro.org

Let's fill up their email box!

Riding Austin's new rail line (with bike)

From BikeTexas

Austin has a new commuter rail system called the MetroRail Red Line. Since I live close to one of the stations, I decided to try to take the train to my internship at BikeTexas and see how it went. The first time I tried to take the train, I mistimed my arrival and ended up waiting some time before deciding that I would not be taking the train that day. Next time I made sure to arrive at the Crestview Station with plenty of time to spare.... (click here for complete story)

Changes at METRO

I think the upcoming changes at METRO are going to be quite good for cyclists. I talked to the Mayor's METRO task force leader, former Council Member George Greanias, and he said METRO is going to be configured to be a much more customer-centric organization in the future.

The Board appointment of Christof Spieler is really going to help. He is formerly a CTC Board Member. He walks, he bikes, he uses METRO, and he can engage in "reality-based" thinking. We can't do any better than that.

bikes and METRO

Dear Mr. Wang,

As I expressed at the TIA committee meeting, I am very supportive of making the light rail very bicycle friendly. Cyclists should be able to board at all hours and there should be adequate access for those with bikes. We need to encourage pedestrians and cyclists to use the rail system and I look forward to supporting efforts to move in this direction.

Many thanks,

Stephen C. Costello

Houston City Council At-Large Position 1

Transportation, Infrastructure, and Aviation Committee

Citizens Regina Garcia, Aaron Chang and Peter Wang addressed the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Aviation Committee today, 2/11/10, at Houston City Hall. The Council Members who spoke were all very supportive of improving bicyclist access to the light rail system. They were Ms. Clutterbuck (by proxy), Ms. Noriega, Mr. Bradford, Mr. Gonzales, Mr. Costello, and Committee Chair Ms. Lovell. No Council Members spoke in opposition to bikes on trains.

Council Member Bradford expressed some frustration quite pointedly to METRO Solutions Managing Director Couch concerning that fact that two years have elapsed since the issue was raised and still the cycling community was not satisfied.