Fort Bend Transit, in partnership with the Houston Downtown Management District, seeks to develop pilot commuter bus service to downtown from the I-69 corridor in Fort Bend County, and has submitted a proposal to H-GAC for two years of Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funding to support this Commuter and Transit Pilot Project.

This new service would close a significant gap in the commuter transit system between the most populous suburban county and the largest employment center in the Houston-Galveston region. Studies conducted in 2014 and 2017 by the Texas Transit Institute show strong demand for transit services in this corridor. Under guidelines established by the Transportation Policy Council, H-GAC evaluated this proposal on factors such as service, fare, and ridership, reduced emissions, sustainability, and transportation needs.

Fort Bend Transit anticipates beginning this service in early 2022, and plans to run 28 revenue vehicles with 8-minute frequency of service in AM peaks and PM peaks. They also propose limited midday service and will provide a Guaranteed Ride Home service to fully assure riders of reliable transportation. The $4 one-way fare charged for this service is competitive to attract robust ridership.

Net operating expenses for this service to Downtown Houston are estimated to be $3,384,252 over two years. ($1,792,083 for Year 1; $1,592,169 for Year 2)  The proposed agreement will provide up to $2,000,000 of federal (Congestion Management and Air Quality) funds to for this project. Remaining funds will be provided by Fort Bend Transit as the project sponsor. H-GAC staff will review the agreement after one year of service and can make a recommendation for the second year. 

Total: $3,384,252

Federal: $2,000,000

Project Sponsor: $1,384,252

Yes

Request authorization to enter into an agreement with Fort Bend Transit for up to two years for the Fort Bend County-Downtown Houston Commuter Express Bus Service; amount not to exceed $3,384,252. (Staff Contact: Craig Raborn)