Agency promises "rapid delivery of rapid transit" to Houston 

METRO's Board of Directors today voted to enter into negotiations with the Washington Group International (WGI) to design and build four transit corridors as part of the Phase 2 METRO Solutions plan.

The time for planning and debate is over," said David Wolff, METRO Chairman of the Board. "Today we begin the rapid delivery of rapid transit."

Under the METRO Solutions plan, four new Guided Rapid Transit (GRT) lines will be built in North and Southeast Houston, Uptown and the East End. In addition to 20 miles of GRT, METRO's plan also includes a major transfer hub, or "Intermodal Terminal," to connect numerous modes of transit.

"This expansion of METRO's transit system will boost economic prosperity, improve mobility and enhance our quality of life," Wolff continued. "When it comes to significantly improving public transit, we have never been at such an historic moment."

Upon successful completion of contract negotiations, WGI would start with program development and early construction activities from about March through September.   A second contract would then be awarded in the fall for final design and overall construction.  Taken together, these contracts - excluding operations and maintenance - could cost approximately $1billion.    

Wolff said that among the reasons WGI was selected was their "exceptional staff and a proven track record of successfully designing, building and operating major transportation projects throughout the U.S." As examples, he cited five major transit projects across the U.S., as well as program management for the Hardy and Sam Houston Toll Roads.

Chairman Wolff also read a statement from Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who said "METRO provides vital transportation services in the Houston area.  This important step forward will help meet the needs of a rapidly growing population."

In a separate statement, Houston Mayor Bill White praised today's METRO Board action. "I fully support this decision which helps METRO live up to the commitment of providing Houstonians with more rapid transit, sooner rather than later, in a cost-effective manner," said Mayor White. "I respect the recommendations of the transit professionals in making this contract selection. I have confidence in the METRO procurement process. It was handled in an innovative manner, designed to lower costs and create incentives for the contractor to carry out the work in a timely manner. That is effective management and good business."

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Al Green and Jeff Moseley, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, also participated in the announcement and praised  METRO's progress to improve mobility in the Houston area.

For more information, visit www.ridemetro.org.

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