For owners of small- and medium-sized businesses, there are so many elements to be handled that finances often do not get the attention required to drive a sustainable and growing business. It is widely reported that 82% of small businesses shut down due to poor cash flow management, and CB Insights reports 39% ran out…

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…