North Corridor route selected

Metro has designated a route for the North Corridor BRT line.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority board chose a route today on North Main, Boundary and Fulton for its planned North rapid transit line from the University of Houston-Downtown to Northline Mall.

The board rejected an alternative with a center segment on Irvington and Cavalcade, which some had favored on grounds that a Fulton route would hurt businesses and endanger schoolchildren.

John Quintero, president of the Parent-Teacher Organization at Roosevelt Elementary School, 6700 Fulton, said concerns about pupils having to cross the tracks were addressed by Metro's plan to elevate the line in that location.

"A vote on any route but Fulton would ignore the ridership in favor of personal property interests," said Quintero, one of five speakers who urged the board to adopt that alignment. Several also urged Metro to get it built as soon as possible.

"It's time to saddle up and get going," said Richard Leal. He also advised the board to "brave up" and not give in to pressure from opponents.

"We've been waiting a long time," said Ed Reyes. As to the impact on business, he added, "There are a lot of bars and cantinas that need to be weeded out."

That's an interesting take on the issue of business disruption. Reyes is the president of the Lindale Park Civic Club, which as we know very much wants this line built, and the sooner the better. The Fulton route was what he and his neighbors wanted, so I imagine there's a lot of happy people over there today. Well done all around.

UPDATE: Christof reviews how we got here.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on August 24, 2006 to Planes, Trains, and Automobiles | TrackBack