Direct connections to Houston's airports, new rapid transit lines linking downtown to uptown, and eight new Park & Ride lots are just a few of the transit projects proposed to the sold out room at the State of METRO luncheon today. The Greater Houston Partnership's annual event drew business and community leaders from across the area. METRO Board Chair Carrin Patman unveiled the METRONext Moving Forward Plan. The $7.5 billion plan calls for more than 40 projects for 2040 and beyond to address the explosive population growth predicted for the region.

"Grappling with that growth from a mobility perspective requires bold and aggressive planning," said Patman.

This video gave the audience a look at what life in the Houston area might be like if METRO didn't exist.

METRONext offers improvements for everyone including expanded commuter options, increased transit connections, more robust local bus service and technology investments.

Many of the projects are the result of key requests from the public and stakeholders received during METRO's 2017 community listening tour. Better connections to the airport was one of the top requests.

METRONext Moving Forward proposes nearly doubling the light rail system by extending the Green and Purple lines to Hobby Airport. It also calls for the development of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line to George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Houston's first BRT project is currently under construction in Uptown.

Patman characterized the proposal as a map to help keep the Houston region flourishing and moving in the coming decades. She urged the public to share feedback.

"This is our draft plan at this point, so we need your help. We need your expertise and business judgement to finalize the plan," said Patman.

Members of the public will have an opportunity to view the METRONext Moving Forward plan and share input at a series of community meetings starting in January. The schedule will soon be available at www.metronext.org.

In her address, Patman also detailed the Authority's recent accomplishments including a three percent increase in system-wide ridership over the past year and a 12 percent jump in bus and rail ridership since efforts to revamp the local network began in 2012. She emphasized METRO's commitment to sound financial stewardship and transparency, pointing out the strong credit ratings the Authority recently received.