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This story was updated at 4:45 p.m.
Metro officials say they’ve heard the concerns of the community, and the new plan is designed to provide frequent service seven days a week across Greater Houston.
The Metro Board of Directors approved changes to the region’s bus network today. Officials estimate that the System Reimagining Plan will speed up many trips between key destinations by ten minutes.
Kurt Luhrsen with Metro spoke at a board meeting. He said the new routes will better connect riders across Greater Houston.
“What this system is about is freedom,” said Luhrsen. “It’s freedom to let people live their lives, do everything they need to do on transit.”
The move comes after months of public comment on how to improve the bus network. Some common complaints were long wait times and areas of town that were underserved by public transit.
Kurt Luhrsen with Metro said the new system is designed to meet riders’ needs.
“It is now 23 frequent routes that run in a crisscross pattern across the service area extending further from downtown and allowing us to serve many more people, many more employment centers effectively,” he said.
Metro Board member Cristoff Spieler says the plan is a smarter use of taxpayer dollars.
“This is transformative,” he said. “I think this is one of the most important things this city or any city can do to improve its transit system.”
Metro has seen a decline in ridership in recent years, but they’re hoping the new plan will help change that. Officials say the updated routes and schedules will provide frequent service to more riders.
Metro will hold public hearings to get feedback on the plan. It’s expected to be implemented this August.