The Next Stop: METRO Houston's Podcast

The world of microtransit service is expanding. Transit agencies across the country are announcing more customized, curb to curb type services. This episode explores the growth of microtransit service at METRO. It examines how technology and this form of transit's ability to fill service gaps is driving the expansion.

A local US Army veteran shares his story of how losing his sight has led him to gain vision. He has found a broad community of support including transportation from Houston METRO. It's a powerful transit connection that he says provides him and other veterans freedom.

METRO connects customers to essential destinations. In this episode, we hear directly from some of those customers as they explain how the service impacts their lives.

Vision Zero Houston is on a mission to end traffic deaths and serious injuries on Houston roads by 2030. With a draft plan taking shape, help from the entire community is needed to reach that goal.

The greater Houston region is introduced to bus rapid transit technology with the launch of the METRORapid Silver Line.

We get the details on this new route, learn what makes it different from METRO’s other services and discuss why this is just the beginning for this transit option in the region.

We revisit some of the most interesting stops made during the podcast's previous 24 episodes.

A conversation with researcher and author Kyle Shelton examining the historical context of transit infrastructure investments and the role expansion of equitable access to public transportation can play in the conversation about improving civil rights overall.

Shelton is the author of Power Moves: Transportation, Politics and Development in Houston and deputy director at Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research.

COVID-19 has meant dramatic changes for public transportation. METRO is now restoring service as businesses begin to reopen. Some services and operations may be changed forever.

The episode examines the changes, long term impact and opportunities for public transit as recovering from the pandemic begins.

METROLift, one of the nation's largest paratransit services, continues to serve the disability community during the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode takes a close look at the dedicated efforts to ensure continued safe operations of this essential service.

Even during a world pandemic, public transportation remains a lifeline to frontline workers and other riders. From increasing sanitization to changing boarding procedures, METRO is adapting to protect the safety of its passengers and employees while continuing to provide its vital service.