METRORapid is a top-of-the-line service that operates like light rail to deliver faster connections and a smooth, convenient ride.

It features:

• Modern design offering 100% accessibility, with wider doorways and level boarding
• Outstanding customer amenities such as station-like platforms at every stop
• Dedicated, transit-only lane to move through traffic
• Convenient schedule for easy trip planning

The maximum capacity of a METRORapid vehicle is estimated at 126.

This project is part of the METRONext Moving Forward Plan, to create faster, more reliable and more frequent service. The project will:

Deliver on voter-approved plan

The University Corridor project was a key component of the plan, which was approved by nearly 70% of area voters in 2019.

Increase mobility

The University Corridor is home to some of the region's busiest and most congested streets. Currently, buses in the corridor operate in mixed traffic. This reduces the efficiency for METRO customers and impacts motorists as they wait for buses to load and unload passengers in a shared lane.

The new METRORapid University line will provide:

Frequent service to key destinations

Universally accessible service to multiple residential, business and education centers.

More reliable trips

Transit-only lanes will help reduce travel time and improve schedule reliability for riders.

More connectivity

The line would connect with:

• Various local METRO bus routes
• METRORail Red, Green and Purple Lines
• METRORapid Silver Line in Uptown
• Multiple METRO Park & Ride facilities
• Multiple METRO transit centers

More access

• Serve current riders
• Accommodate expected population growth in the region
• Improve access to jobs and economic opportunity

The line will offer a one-seat ride from Westchase to northeast Houston. It will serve the following communities and more:

• Westchase
• Gulfton
• Sharpstown
• Uptown
• Greenway / Upper Kirby
• Montrose
• Midtown
• Greater Third Ward
• Greater Eastwood
• Second Ward
• Greater Fifth Ward
• Denver Harbor
• Kashmere Gardens
• Eastex / Jensen

The line will run past or nearby to:

• Houston Community College (four Campuses)
• University of St. Thomas
• Texas Southern University
• University of Houston (Main Campus)

At the Westpark / Lower Uptown Transit Center, you can transfer to the METRORapid Silver Line. That line runs along Post Oak Blvd. through the Galleria area before ending at the Northwest Transit Center.

Along the University line, you’ll also be able to connect with:

• Over 50 METRO local bus routes
• METRORail Red, Green and Purple Line
• 377 Kashmere Late Night - curb2curb
• Multiple METRO Park & Ride facilities
• Multiple METRO transit centers

The project began in early 2021. Project Development (which includes planning, adoption of a locally preferred alternative, environmental study and 30% design) is expected to be complete in 2024.

In April 2023, the METRO Board of Directors approved what is referred to as a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA), which identifies the route that best meets the needs of the community for this new service.

In November 2023, the Federal Transit Administration made a favorable National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) determination. This confirms that the project does not pose any significant environmental impacts.

Construction is now expected to begin summer 2026. It’s anticipated that construction will last about four years with a start of service now planned for 2030. Public and stakeholder engagement is ongoing and will continue throughout the project.

At this early stage of the project, there are initial project cost estimates that will be refined and adjusted based on design and engineering that will occur in the coming months. METRO is working with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and will be requesting up to 60% federal match under the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program. We are continuing to monitor the market conditions as we refine our concepts and associated cost estimates. This information will be updated as project costs are finalized.

METRO has indicated to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that we will be requesting up to 60% federal match under the Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program. The remaining funds will be generated through METRO bond funding capacity as authorized by Houston area voters who overwhelmingly approved the METRONext Moving Forward Plan in 2019.

The environmental study has been completed. After review the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) determined that the project does not pose any significant environmental impacts. The FTA determination letter is available to view here.

The Categorical Exclusion Checklist/Report summarizes the project’s potential environmental impact on air quality, noise, traffic, land use, historical and cultural resources, and water quality, among other factors. The  Categorical Exclusion Checklist/Report and the Appendices to the report are available for viewing.

The project goal is to stay within the existing right-of-way as much as possible. However, METRO anticipates some right-of-way will need to be purchased to accommodate stations, at elevated structures. This will be necessary to address left turns, at certain locations for vehicle traffic, and to improve universal accessibility to meet current City of Houston standards. METRO's intent is to minimize the need for these acquisitions.

METRO continues its assessments of the trees in the right of way. Our intent is to save as many trees as possible during the design process. METRO will develop a tree mitigation plan for any tree removals to be replaced along the corridor and in the vicinity of the project limits.

In addition, we're studying the optimization of sidewalks and preservation of trees along the corridor.