The light rail transit project of Houston, Texas, USA: Phase 1

摘要

On 1 January 2004, after more than two decades of debate, the first light rail transit (LRT) line of Houston, Texas, was opened: the METRORail line. Planned, designed, built and operated by the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO), this 7.5-mile (12 km) north-south corridor links Houston's central business district with numerous residential and commercial areas, as well as several colleges, universities, medical and research institutions, and entertainment/cultural venues. Due to federal funding constraints, only local funds were used for this USD324 million project, which was completed ahead of schedule and within budget. This article looks at the various aspects of the new line, and extensions planned.