METRO’s Board of Directors has recently unanimously approved an updated policy that guides how it advances Joint Development and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) initiatives. TOD is high-density development within walking distance of a transit station with diverse uses such as housing, employment, shops, restaurants, and entertainment. It creates walkable, mixed-use spaces near high-quality public transportation…
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration, or FTA, has recently awarded CapMetro with $20 million as part of its Bus and Bus Facilities Grant Program. The funding will go toward establishing a permanent North Demand Response Operations and Maintenance facility. “As CapMetro continues to grow as an agency and as a regional partner,…
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has launched a new pilot program that will substantially increase the agency’s commitment to riders to provide a safe and clean transit experience. The DART Clean Team Initiative will utilize onboard contract cleaning personnel from the United Community of Faith to remove trash and debris aboard DART light rail vehicles…
The Unified Transportation Program (UTP) is TxDOT’s 10-year plan that guides the development of transportation work across the state. Organized into 12 funding categories, with each one addressing a specific type of work, the UTP authorizes the distribution of construction dollars expected to be available over the next 10 years. Within the UTP framework, TxDOT…
Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the adoption of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) 2023 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), advancing a record $85 billion, 10-year statewide roadway construction plan. The 2023 UTP reflects an unprecedented level of projected transportation funding dedicated to improving transportation safety, addressing congestion and rural connectivity, and preserving roadways for Texas…
CapMetro has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. CapMetro’s overall DBE goal for FY2020-22 is 19% of the Federal financial assistance expended in DOT-assisted contracts, exclusive of FTA funds to be used for the purchase of transit vehicles. It…
METRO’s Board of Directors voted recently to create two programs to ensure equal access and opportunity for veterans and people living with a disability seeking to do business with the Authority. The Veteran Owned Business Enterprise (VOBE) and the Disability Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) programs will be run by the Office of Economic Business Opportunity,…
After an extensive national search, Charles Cato has been selected as the new chief of police at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). A public safety executive with almost 33 years of law enforcement and leadership experience, Cato will direct and oversee the DART Police Department including sworn officers, emergency preparedness, security services, and related functions…
Collins Aerospace recently opened a new 120,000-square-foot facility located at the Houston Spaceport. An anchor tenant at the Houston Airport System’s newly-created space hub, Collins will transition its current local operations to the new site, further advancing its space exploration programs. With more than 40 years in the Houston area and the current site filled…
In its latest sustainability move, Port Houston announced an agreement with Shell to explore opportunities to work together to meet the Port’s strategic goals in the areas of sustainability, resilience, and carbon reduction. Port Houston and Shell signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlines a shared intention to explore key energy, mobility, and decarbonization…
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Reich has joined the agency as the new chief financial officer (CFO). A proven and distinguished finance leader, Reich assumed her new role and responsibilities on July 18th. A key member of the executive team, reporting to DART president & chief executive officer Nadine…
The passenger experience for millions of travelers will soon be elevated at the new international terminal, currently under construction, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH. Houston Airports is enhancing its world-class experience by offering a new selection of diverse culinary and retail options. The Houston City Council gave final approval recently on a retail concessions…
METRO Board of Directors Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran joined other Board members and agency leaders along with local, state, and federal officials to celebrate the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) recent award of $21.6 million to the Authority for the purchase of additional electric buses and related charging infrastructure. U.S. Department of Transportation leaders issued the following…
Plans for San Antonio’s first Advanced Rapid Transit corridor are progressing with a recommendation for $158 million from the federal government, marking a historic funding opportunity for the region and a step forward for the project that’s part of VIA’s Keep SA Moving plan. VIA’s Advanced Rapid Transit (ART) project is the only Texas project…
Port Houston, in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, held an event recently, officially kicking off the $1 billion expansion of the Houston Ship Channel. Described as a “generation-defining project,” these improvements to the nation’s busiest waterway – more safely and efficiently welcoming import and export container ships and other vessels – will…
Our region’s population is projected to exceed 10 million people by 2040. That’s why Houston METRO worked closely with the community to develop a plan that addresses the growing demand for expansion of public transit. Approved by voters in November 2019, it includes 500 miles of travel improvements to help ease traffic congestion and give…
CapMetro has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program in accordance with regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), 49 CFR Part 26. CapMetro’s overall DBE goal for FY2020-22 is 19% of the Federal financial assistance expended in DOT-assisted contracts, exclusive of FTA funds to be used for the purchase of transit vehicles. It…
Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) submitted the following Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) overall goal and methodology for Federal Fiscal Years (FFY) 2023-2025 to Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for review in accordance with 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 26.45. Small businesses should take heed to this information, as it opens doors for contractors…
PROJECT DESCRIPTION ANTICIPATED LETTING DATE ANTICIPATED PROJECT VALUE (ESTIMATED) ANTICIPATED SBE % UNIVERSITY CORRIDOR BRT Q3 2024 – Q3 2025 $1.5B – $2B 35% INNER KATY BRT Q3 2024 $350M – $400M 35% WEST BELFORT PARK AND RIDE AND PARKING STRUCTURE Q3 2022 $60M – $70M 35% NORTHLINE TRANSIT CENTER PARKING STRUCTURE Q4 2022 $35M…
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) announced recently that Bernard Jackson has been selected as the agency’s new chief operations officer. Jackson assumed his new role on May 23, 2022. Reporting directly to DART president & chief executive officer Nadine Lee, Jackson will lead the agency’s operations teams, including bus, light rail, facilities maintenance, GoLink, and…
