Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

Houston METRO Expands Access By Removing Seats

Sometimes expanding access to transit can be as easy as reexamining
assumptions about riders’ needs. That may be the early lesson from
a 30-day experiment Houston METRO is conducting on 11 trains. The transit
authority has removed four benches -- or eight seats -- from cars on those trains in a bid to increase comfort for users who need extra space.

The move is a win
for a diverse group of transit riders, from cyclists to wheelchair users to parents with young children,
explains Dean Hall at NEOHouston:

This is a boon for bicyclists who can use the open space for their bikewhile holding on to the new overhead straps.  The open area can also beutilized by persons in wheelchairs.

However, I think the biggest gains will be for parents who transporttheir infants and toddlers in strollers.  Previously, only the smallestumbrella-style strollers could easily negotiate an LRT car’s narrowcenter aisle. I have a personal experience trying to manage one of thelarger style strollers and I received looks from other passengers whohad to make room for me and the stroller that was convenient for me,but an imposition to those around me...

So, thank you, METRO. By taking something away, you’ve improved options for three types of riders.

Also on the Network: m-bike wonders if sharrows are the right
prescription for Detroit; Publicola criticizes the Seattle Times'
handling of a story about a road diet scheduled for 125th Street; and
the transportation director at the Central Texas Council of Governments
asks Dallas residents how to move forward on transportation funding via
the Dallas Morning News’ Transportation Blog.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: Are We All Living in a ‘Carspiracy’?

How does "car-brain" shape the way we think about the world — even in relatively bike-friendly countries like the U.K.?

July 26, 2024

Friday’s Headlines Share and Share Alike

Bikeshares, and e-bikes and scooters generally, are becoming more popular. That's led to more injuries, highlighting the need for better infrastructure.

July 26, 2024

What the Heck is Going on With the California E-Bike Incentive Program?

The program's launch has been delayed for two years, and currently "there is no specific timeline" for it. Plus the administrator, Pedal Ahead, is getting dragged, but details are vague.

July 26, 2024

Talking Headways Podcast: Have Cities Run Out of Land?

Chris Redfearn of USC and Anthony Orlando of Cal Poly Pomona on why "pro-business" Texas housing markets are catching up to "pro-regulation" California and what it might mean for future city growth.

July 25, 2024

The Paris Plan for Olympic Traffic? Build More Bike Lanes

A push to make Paris fully bikable for the Olympics is already paying dividends long before the opening ceremonies.

July 25, 2024
See all posts