A commuter corRidor that improves urban areas,
not destroy them.

Instead of creating tollways though residential areas, what if we reflect on the system and find an alternative solution? Creating a more efficient corridor that fills a growing need for commuter transportation, creates commerce and improves property value and quality of life for residents close to the corridor.

Imagine a light rail corridor surrounded with green space with access from Tomball to Downtown Houston, complete with hike and bike trails. Quiet inner city neighborhoods with quick access to the Galleria area, Uptown and Downtown without ever getting behind the wheel of your car could be a reality. Transit stations with markets and shops, so that you could drop off your laundry or grab a cup of coffee on your morning commute.

We all know Houston is going to grow, but are more freeways the answer? The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) has proposed more than quadrupling the toll-lane miles in the City limits of Houston. There are so many reasons to give commuters an alternative to driving on crowded freeways.

Metro has proposed such a light rail route as a "future rail extension" in their METRO Solutions Plan. The proposed route would begin at the Northwest Transit Center at I-10 & 610, run North along 610 to T.C. Jester, then utilize the existing BNSF rail line North and then follow 249 to Tomball.

By creating an advanced high capacity transit envelope with frequent service and the capacity to carry up to 400 passengers per train, METRORail will help decrease overall congestion without destroying established neighborhoods, increasing flooding risks and lowering the quality of living for urban and suburban residents alike.

Unlike creating a 4-lane thoroughfare with fast moving traffic, the footprint of a light rail line would take no more than the existing BNSF rail line tracks. Currently vacant retail space along the proposed light rail route could be transformed into transit stations with connections to buses. Abandoned parking lots and near by brown-fields could be transformed into public parks and retail space.

Quick access to the Galleria, Uptown and Downtown without the frustration of traffic would make existing housing in the area more desirable. This would attract working families, students and young professionals to the area. Local businesses would also benefit from an increase in pedestrian traffic around local establishments.

Four-lanes of traffic would create noise, pollution and a large footprint. These are all attributes that do not encourage pedestrian traffic and lower property values.

This area does not need another freeway. What it needs is an opportunity for a revitalization that would improve the value of existing urban property, promote under-utilized commercial space and provide redevelopment of brown-fields and vacant property.

Let your local leaders know you agree. Tell those in charge you want a smarter vision for Houston. Also, watch the Upcoming Events page and keep up with all developments.