Is it possible to get around Houston for shopping or go to work by public transportation?

[Mom2Feebs]

The simple answer is yes...but be prepared to double your commute time, depending on where you live.

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by Mayor_McCheese

To me the light rail doesn't cover enough area. And the bus isn't exactly cheap.

Well, you're right, but the rail we have is just the start of the new system. I don't understand why people thought/think that the one line was the be-all-end-all of LRT in Houston and that it was a failure just because it didn't come through where they live. (And then there are those who don't want it where they live at all). But constructing the whole system would have been impractical - aside from the cost, it would be disruptive to traffic in a more widespread area.

Before there was one giant leap there was one small step...

As for the cost of the bus, if you are only traveling *local* (e.g. the Inner Loop or the outlying edges) the monthly bus pass is $35. Compare to one fill-up for the average personal vehicle, then insurance and upkeep...relying on public transit is always cheaper in the end than owning and operating a car. Houstonians pay more to get around than anyone else.

[nana053]

How can we get information on the long term plan for public transportation? Are there public meetings going on anywhere?

My suggestion would be to put a rail line in the median on 288 and perhaps another rail line down the median of whatever east-west route is heavily commuter.

Dorothy

[jfre81]

Originally Posted by nana053

How can we get information on the long term plan for public transportation? Are there public meetings going on anywhere?

My suggestion would be to put a rail line in the median on 288 and perhaps another rail line down the median of whatever east-west route is heavily commuter.

Dorothy

METRO Solutions

Of course much of what you see other than the University Line are strictly proposals at this point...there are some powerful anti-transit forces at work in this city...

[Bike4Life]

I'm the guy who likes to get a taste of all kinds of transportation not only in Houston but in many cities around the world. As I said before, one of the best alternative or mass transportation will be in Manhattan so I don't know where you are coming from.

If you've been comfortable with the bus system in another city, then Metro will be pretty generous to you 7 days a week. I can afford not to ride on Metro bus and rail but I do it just because I'm open to buck the status quo around Houston's narrow thinking, "I MUST have a car." If you see the Metro map, it will take you practically anywhere in and around the Loop. It's fairly safe, clean, and practical. The Metro Transit stations are a big deal around here because they are bright-lighted transfer stations with at least a Metro patrol prowling around frequently looking to tackle any lurking problems.

A new thing, by December 31, 2007, all city buses will have bike racks and you should be able to travel further with your bus and bicycle.

[pwright1]

I've been to Houston many times but one time for 1 day I decided to leave the rent a car and took the bus and light rail. I stayed at the Hyatt downtown. The bus stop was on Louisiana. (not sure of the bus #) I caught the bus to the Heights, the Galleria, Midtown, Reliant Stadium and Texas Southern U. It was clean, fast and efficient. Maybe Houstonians should take the time to know their public transportation system. At least those who live close in. Its no worse than other big city systems. In fact I found the buses ran more often, are cleaner and cheaper than most others I've used around the country.

[cutloose]

Originally Posted by holidaygift

I would like to move to Houston,single lady.

I don't drive. Is it possible to get around Houston for shopping or go to work by public transportation?

I would like to rent 700sqt apartment in a safe area with public transportation easy access. Is it possible? How much would it run? What area would it be?

Thanks

Houston is non friendly inter city for familes.

[Nanner]

Originally Posted by cutloose

Houston is non friendly inter city for familes.

She said she's single. Not to mention that there are plenty of inner loop neighborhoods that are family friendly.

[cutloose]

Originally Posted by Nanner

She said she's single. Not to mention that there are plenty of inner loop neighborhoods that are family friendly.

Well if she is a mom, im sure she considers her self to have a family.
Im not sure why she dont have transportation, if its do to funds, where could she afford to live inside 610, that would be family friendly? Just courious, i cant think of any off hand,

[cutloose]

Originally Posted by jfre81

Well, you're right, but the rail we have is just the start of the new system. I don't understand why people thought/think that the one line was the be-all-end-all of LRT in Houston and that it was a failure just because it didn't come through where they live. (And then there are those who don't want it where they live at all). But constructing the whole system would have been impractical - aside from the cost, it would be disruptive to traffic in a more widespread area.

Before there was one giant leap there was one small step...

As for the cost of the bus, if you are only traveling *local* (e.g. the Inner Loop or the outlying edges) the monthly bus pass is $35. Compare to one fill-up for the average personal vehicle, then insurance and upkeep...relying on public transit is always cheaper in the end than owning and operating a car. Houstonians pay more to get around than anyone else.

I believe hou long term plan is those hov lanes with the barriers, will become a train system, this in what i beieve. There are very few cities with barriers used in the hov lanes