Transportation Policy Council Meeting: Nov. 20 |
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At its meeting on Nov. 20, the Transportation Policy Council approved the updated Ten-year Transportation Plan (also known as the Ten-Year Plan). The Ten-Year Plan outlines funded projects over the next 10 years that will improve transportation, safety, and air quality in the eight-county metropolitan planning area. It is updated annually and must be consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program. Among various key transportation projects planned in the region, the updated plan also includes programming of funding for the North Houston Highway Improvement Project segments 2 and 3. Click here for more information about the updates to the Ten-Year Plan and the full list of projects.
The council approved an amendment to the Transportation Development Credit policy that will establish the Regional Strategic Transportation Fund. This new fund will support lower-cost, high-impact transportation projects that are quick to implement and improve funding flexibility. Focus areas for the fund will include: non-state routes in rural areas; investment in local active transportation projects; localized safety improvements with emphasis on pedestrian safety; and maintenance and preservation of roadways in small-urban, rural, and economically disadvantaged areas.
In advance of a public meeting held on Dec. 3, the council heard presentations on several long-term regional transportation planning and process updates. These updates included proposed amendments to the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan that would add 27 regionally significant projects to help improve air quality and better align transit projects with the MetroNext Plan, updates to the Congestion Management Process, and adding a virtual engagement component to the Public Participation Plan. The public comment period for these updates remains open through Jan. 7, 2021. For information on how to submit a public comment on any of these updates, read our online press release. A recording of the public meeting is available online.
The council also recognized the service of outgoing member Robert Hoskins, Baytown city councilmember representing District 5. Hoskins served on the Transportation Policy Council since 2015. He also served two terms on the Goose Creek Consolidated ISD Board of Trustees, on the Baytown/West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation Board of Directors, and he currently serves on the Baytown Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
To listen to the audio recording of the latest TPC meeting, click HERE. The next TPC meeting is scheduled to take place on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. The meeting agenda will be posted soon.
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Public Comment Period on Fall 2020 Transportation Update Public Meeting Items Continues Through Jan. 7, 2021 |
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The public comment period for each of these topics remains open through Jan. 7, 2021. Your feedback is essential to ensuring that these proposed updates and amendments truly meet the region's transportation needs and your community. To view a recording of the public meeting, click here. For more information on how to submit a public comment about any of the updates discussed, view our news release online.
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H-GAC Releases Final Report of 2019-20 Autonomous Vehicle Pilot at Texas Southern University |
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H-GAC has released the final report of an autonomous vehicle pilot study conducted on the Texas Southern University campus. The project assessed an autonomous shuttle's operational capabilities in different weather extremes, battery capabilities, and public perception of autonomous vehicles. The EasyMile Automated Vehicle operated along TSU's Tiger Walk promenade between June 5, 2019, and Feb. 25, 2020, providing nearly 7,500 trips to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The pilot project was done in partnership with the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), TSU, and H-GAC.
The full report can be viewed online at h-gac.com/autonomous-vehicles/default.aspx. Lessons learned from the pilot will help future autonomous vehicle operations in the region, including a possible second phase trial of the shuttle at the METRO Purple Line light rail station and the University of Houston campus at a future date.
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Conroe "First Out the Gate" in New H-GAC Partnership with Google |
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The city of Conroe transit department is helping to usher in a new era of commuter travel with the launch of its general transit feed specifications (GTFS feeds) with Google and H-GAC. Conroe's is the first of several transit agencies in the region working with H-GAC to bring this information directly to consumers.
GTFS feeds provide real-time information through mapping services, such as Google Maps, about routes, stops, bus arrival, and departure times. Travelers can use the information to map out their trip, find their nearest bus stop, and pinpoint when the next bus arrives.
In addition to map apps, the GTFS feeds will allow Conroe's transit information to integrate with tools such as the Texas Department of Transportation's Connect Smart app - set to launch in 2021 - and the regional trip planner in development with area transit agencies through the work of the H-GAC Regional Transit Coordination Subcommittee. They will also support developing a much anticipated regional transit fare system that allows travelers to use a single app or fare medium to travel throughout the region no matter what bus or train they ride.
For more information about GTFS feeds and H-GAC's regional trip planner and regional fares projects, contact Donte Green at [email protected] or Christopher Whaley at [email protected].
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Use Mobility Links to Find Free or Affordable Transportation Options in Your Community |
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Need help finding free or affordable transportation options in your community? Mobility Links is a user-friendly, one-stop search hub with directory information on hundreds of providers of medical transport, commute assistance, taxi and shuttle services, meals on wheels, and other essential mobility services for residents throughout the 13-county Houston-Galveston region.
Mobility Links can be used by anyone in need of transportation services and is especially suited for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. Results can be broken down by county service area, service type, passenger type, and organization name, and include each provider's hours of operation, cost information, contact information, scheduling requirements, and more.
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Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021
9:30 - 11 a.m.
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Friday, Jan. 22, 2021
9:30 - 11 a.m.
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