Houston Metro’s anticipated $2 billion 2026 budget was called out recently by community leaders who feel the agency is back-burnering voter-approved projects from the MetroNext plan in favor of the newer safety- and service-oriented MetroNow program.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Houston Metro faces debate over $2B 2026 budget plan
Source: www.houstonchronicle.com

Houston Metro budget controversy and vote concerns

Voters in 2019 approved the 20-year MetroNext plan of light rail extensions and bus rapid transit. Metro officials, however, introduced MetroNow, a focus on cleaner stations, reliability, and added policing, much to the dismay of advocates for projects already approved for implementation.

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At open hearings, citizens were vocal in their displeasure, with critics calling MetroNow a “watered-down” version of MetroNext. They argued light rail, bus lanes, and bike-share initiatives were sacrificed in favor of microtransit, roadwork, and security upgrades systemwide.

Houston Metro’s priorities: safety, buses, and World Cup

2026 budget includes bus funds, committing 160 vehicles and 141 paratransit vans, plus $18.4 million in transit service funds for the period of the FIFA World Cup. Metro also budgets a $27 million downtown Houston police facility.

Officials cited MetroNow’s focus on reliability, efficiency, and safety for the public. Concurrently, civic groups promote vote-approved MetroNext projects as the primary focus, citing unrealized promises for sidewalks, accessibility upgrades, and increased transit infrastructure for future growth.

How much is Houston Metro’s budgeted amount for 2026?

Houston Metro has introduced a $2 billion budget in which it regards the MetroNow program as a high priority. It makes provisions for safety upgrades, additional buses, and increased transit service before the FIFA World Cup.

What are citizens complaining about in the Houston Metro budget?

Residents criticize the MetroNow program for ignoring voter-approved MetroNext projects such as extensions of light rail, bus rapid transit, and accessibility improvements in favor of a shift in attention towards policing, microtransit, and road resurfacing.

How is Houston Metro preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

It allocates $18.4 million for expanded bus and rail coverage throughout the tournament in a bid to provide efficient and consistent public transportation for visiting fans as well as Houston residents.

Source: www.houstonchronicle.com

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