Business owners rally against bus lane planned on Post Oak Boulevard

HOUSTON – Several business owners are coming forward to speak out against a plan that would create a bus lane in the center of Post Oak Boulevard in the Galleria area.

Renderings from the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County show what the road will look like once Bus Rapid Transit Lanes are constructed.

"(The lane) will destroy the largest tax base that this city has with all of the retail," said business owner Ziggy Gruber.

Business owners say having buses run up and down the center of the road will create a traffic nightmare-- slowing traffic in turn lanes and clogging up traffic trying to exit parking lots.

Jane Coble owns a book store nearby and is disgusted with the idea of the bus lane.

"To think that they are going to rip (the road) out and run buses down the middle of the street. Buses (give out) fumes and block all of the turn lanes so it's going to be dangerous," she said.

A restaurant owner said the lane would be detrimental to his business.

"I've worked too hard to build a business with my father to have individuals come across and do what they think is good work and jeopardize my business and my 80 employees," said Russell Masraff.

Business owners and residents who live near Post Oak Boulevard are trying to gain support and sign petitions against the plan. They had 200 signatures Wednesday evening.