METRO

The cost of living crisis and a damning report on the handling of crimes by police lead the papers.

The spiralling cost of living and the ongoing Tory leadership race lead the papers.

METRO is answering their riders’ calls for better connectivity.

A pledge by Rishi Sunak to scrap VAT on energy bills and England's win in the Euros semi-final lead the papers

Authorities are investigating after two masked men entered a METRO bus in west Houston and started shooting, injuring a man Friday morning.

METRO will provide free bus shuttle service Saturday along METRORail’s Red, Green and Purple lines to allow work crews to complete rail maintenance and improvement projects, according to a release.

The express lanes that help you avoid traffic on weekdays are now open seven days a week as part of METRO’s most recent pilot program. These lanes will now be open on weekends through Monday, Sept. 5, including Labor Day.

The Biden administration announced spending to upgrade terminals, baggage screening and air traffic control towers.

More Nato troops in eastern Europe and a £15m rise in the Royal Family's grant feature in the papers.

A woman who suffers from dementia has been reported missing from the Houston area.

Rebel plans to paralyse the government and a rail workers' vote for industrial action lead the papers.

METRO is offering free rides to all Houston-area students from From June 1 to Aug. 31, transit officials announced.

The "informed elite" within Russian security forces "understand that the war is lost," said Bellingcat's lead Russia investigator Christo Grozev.

METRO celebrated the completion of 2,500 universally accessible bus stops early in May, marking a huge milestone for transportation equality. METRO is committed to upgrading all of its 9,000 bus stops to be universally accessible -- this means when riders choose to use public transportation, their experience will be safer, more comfortable, and they will have better access to health care, school, and work.

The papers cover tensions over the Northern Ireland Protocol and a cancer campaigner's damehood.

The front pages cover the Labour leader's pledge to quit if fined and the Queen missing her speech.

A METRO passenger bus that crashed into a house in Southeast Houston Friday afternoon broke through a brick wall on the side of the home. The accident occurred in the area of Martin Luther King Blvd. and Madden Ln.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County has been working on a new way to travel between Downtown and Uptown, as these areas are two of Houston’s largest employment and activity centers.

Reports a fake priest was able to infiltrate an Army barracks are among a mix of stories in the papers.

Local leaders have waged a nearly year-long battle with the owner of a deteriorating...

The death of an ex-British solider in Ukraine and new claims of harassment in Westminster lead the papers.

TOWNSQUARE | Known as the Margaux, the apartment building is part of a 2.3 million square-foot, mixed-use development that will include offices, retail space, housing and Metro’s new Maryland office building.

Members of the Houston Police Cadet Class #254 loaded onto METRO buses Friday morning for a cultural diversity tour across the city of Houston.

An accident involving a school bus from Spring Independent School District and a Metro bus left multiple students and a driver injured Thursday evening.

More than a dozen unsuspecting drivers were shocked to learn they were the victims of catalytic converter thieves who struck one Metro Park & Ride lot and one transit center lot in different parts of the city on Monday, officials confirmed.

Fears that Russian forces will soon take the city of Mariupol and ongoing questions over the chancellor's taxes lead the papers

The transit agency says the start of the Houston Rodeo helped boost ridership in February along with more workers returning to the office.

Claims that Moscow hopes to split Ukraine in two "like Korea" and plans for a royal shake-up lead the papers

The hit Netflix series is described as "less fun" with fewer sex scenes, but also "more dynamic".

Mayor Sylvester Turner, along with several leaders from Texas Medical Center, METRO, and several popular Houston-area attractions, will hold a joint news conference to discuss traffic and parking plans

Two children and two adults were injured following a crash involving a METRO bus and Katy ISD bus Tuesday, Harris County sheriff’s deputies said.

On Thursday's show: Harris County failed to finish the election count on time — a claim the elections administrator denies. So, what's going on and what does it mean? Plus, a conversation with the new chair of the Metro board, and remembering Houston blues musician and band leader Milton Hopkins.

The papers highlight the bravery of Ukrainians in the face of intensifying Russian missile strikes.

Pick the option that works best for you to get to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo safely this season.

Fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine and a jibe from the UK defence secretary lead the papers.

A driver shortage is affecting METRO’s Park and Ride operations this year.

Mayor Sylvester Turner will announce the appointment of the newest METRO Board of Directors chair Thursday afternoon.

If you’re looking for a ride to the voting polls during early voting and on Election Day, METRO has you covered.

Wednesday's front pages focus on Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre reaching an out-of-court settlement.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County will hold a press conference Monday at 6 p.m. to discuss the new Inner Katy Bus Rapid Transit Line, which will run along IH-10 connecting riders from West Loop into downtown Houston.

A woman has sustained life-threatening injuries after a crash involving a METRO light rail train Thursday, police said.

Wednesday's headlines focus on a video of No 10 staff joking about a party in Downing Street last year.

She quickly realized and turned around to change into more appropriate shoes.

New coronavirus variant concerns and more Channel crossings after fatal journey lead the papers.

The TV presenter became ill overnight while on the set of the show and was first seen by medics.

KPRC 2’s Anavid Reyes is the 2022 METRO Traffic Reporter Bus Rodeo champion.

The axles of more than half of D.C.'s Metro railcars are out of compliance with manufacturer's specifications, including the latest models.

The axles of more than half of D.C.'s Metro railcars are out of compliance with manufacturer's specifications, including the latest models.

Safety officials said Monday other transit systems using the manufacturer have not been notified.

Artist’s multiple techniques recognize and appreciate that materials have meaning.

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County has a huge project underway called the new Inner Katy Bus Rapid Transit Line, which will run along IH-10 connecting riders from West Loop into downtown Houston.

One person was killed and two others were injured in a wreck involving a METRO bus, authorities said.

Schools aren’t the only things closing across the Houston area as Tropical Storm Nicholas moves in. KPRC 2 is following all of the closures that are happening across our area, from major destinations to ports or shopping centers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration announced it is awarding $298.6 million of American Rescue Plan funds to the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County.Fed

Houston METRO wants to help make the air you breathe better and cleaner with the help of their new 20 electric zero-emission buses.

Authorities are investigating after a pedestrian was reportedly hit Sunday night by a METRORail train in downtown Houston, officials said.

A man suspected of allegedly fatally stabbing a Pentagon police officer outside the building's Metro stop on Tuesday previously attempted to join the U.S. Marines and faced charges in Georgia for aggravated battery and terrorist threats, among other counts, according to authorities.

The Rio Grande Valley was represented well at the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation’s Summer Games of Texas, held this past weekend in Corpus Christi.

Officials say gunshots were fired on a Metro bus platform that is part of the Pentagon Transit Center.

The Pentagon Force Protection Agency urged the public to avoid the area.

The incident caused the Pentagon to go into lockdown for roughly an hour.

The Metro is adding electric buses to their route.

By the end of the date, they covered some lighter topics, too: fun facts about the world and favorite TV shows.

One Humble woman now has to wait three months to have her catalytic converters replaced because they were stolen by thieves at the Townsen Park & Ride.

The IDF apologized for what it said was miscommunication, but did not offer a clear explanation of why foreign reporters were given false information.

Dillon Burdick, 29, is accused of attacking a METRO police officer and bus driver along with a detention officer.

A man was seriously injured Saturday night after he was hit by a METRO bus, Houston Fire Officials said.

After the disaster leaves at least 23 dead, people are asking how could it happen, reports Chris Havler-Barrett in Mexico City

You may have noticed a lot of roadwork by the West Beltway and Westpark Tollway in the Westchase District. Most of this construction kicked off in 2019 with the new reconstruction of Walnut Bend and then the work came on Westheimer, which carries METRO’s busiest local bus route. Most recently, a small but crucial bike connection was finished.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced today that the Department of Justice has opened a pattern or practice investigation into the Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government (Louisville Metro) and the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD). The investigation will be led by the department’s Civil Rights Division and conducted by career attorneys and staff in the Civil Rights Division and in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. Individuals can also report civil rights violations regarding this or other matters using the Civil Rights Division’s reporting portal, available at www.civilrights.justice.gov. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt. Information specific to the Civil Rights Division’s Police Reform Work can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/crt/file/922421/download.

A man is still at large after being accused of stealing a METROLift vehicle Friday morning, according to the Metro Police Department.

HOUSTON – METRO Houston will now offer free rides to anyone who plans to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. Houstonians within the METRO service area can hop on their local bus, METRORail, Park & Ride, METRORapid, and METROLift ride, according to a news release Thursday. Those who plan to use the free service must show proof of their appointment or vaccination card upon boarding. Eligible riders must also fall under categories 1A and 1B of the state vaccination guidelines, which includes frontline workers, residents at long-term care facilities and those at greater risk for complications. The free ride offer will be expanded along with the state’s vaccine expansion to other groups.

We remain in the midst of a severe winter weather event. 4: 40 a.m. - Houstonians rush to buy water after boil water advisory issuedHoustonians are rushing to buy water after a boil water advisory was issued. — County Judge KP George (@JudgeKPGeorge) February 17, 20214:20 a.m. - Houston, Harris County face issues from winter weather alertHouston and Harris County are facing issues from winter weather alerts. AdMondayDowntown Houston lit up during major winter power outageDowntown Houston lit up during major power outage due to winter storm on Feb 15, 2021. Officials said if residents lose power, which sporadic power outage is expected, the safest places to remain is at home.

The METRO logo is seen on the side of a bus in Houston on April 19, 2018. HOUSTON – All METRO services will be suspended Sunday starting at 7 p.m. due to the winter storm impacting the Houston region, the agency announced Saturday night. Services will remain suspended through Tuesday or until conditions improve. METRO HOV/HOT lanes and the METRO RideStore will also be closed. METRO’s services will resume only when it is safe to do so, and this may be a gradual return based on weather conditions.

HOUSTON – Just like the rest of Houston, METRO is seeing a post-holiday-season spike in employees testing positive for the coronavirus. In the middle of the bustling METRO hub in downtown Houston, you will find Lena Heller who wants to help keep the community safe. Since March of last year, 475 of the roughly 4,000 METRO employees have tested positive. AdOf all the positive cases, 228 of the employees had no contact with the public. Meanwhile, METRO wants its riders to know if they’ve been on a bus or train with a coronavirus-positive rider.

HOUSTON – A crash involving a METRO police unit has shut down the outbound lanes on the Northwest Freeway Friday, police said. Police said the crash happened around 2:10 a.m. on Highway 290 and Barker Cypress. According to investigators, a vehicle hit the METRO police unit while the METRO officer was assisting in traffic control. Officers said both drivers were transported to the hospital. The driver that hit the METRO unit was possibly intoxicated, police said.

Question: How can I get to a voting poll if I don’t have a car? Answer: Agencies around town are offering free rides to the polls. The free rides will be offered from Oct. 27-29 and on Nov. 3. BCycleEarly voting is here, and BCycle can get you to your nearest polling location while the lines are still short. Lyft will have 50-percent off one ride up to $10 to any polling location or dropbox using the promo code 2020vote.

40% of bus riders don’t have a carAccording to LINK Houston’s 2018 “Equity in Transit” report, 40% of local bus riders don’t have a vehicle to help them get around the city. 19% of bus riders use only public transportationThe same report found that 19% of people who ride the bus in Houston are using it as their only mode of transportation. According to a research article titled “Racism has shaped public transit and it’s riddled with inequities” written by Christof Spieler that was published by the Kinder Institute in August, 60% of local bus riders are minority. These services cater to suburban riders -- who drive to a location to catch a bus. Local bus riders have to catch the bus near their home and usually walk to a single stop.

HOUSTON – Rain is the only thing left of Beta and it is moving through the Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. This batch of rain will continue to push into the mid-Atlantic states Friday before moving off shore this weekend. Here is a look at what Beta left behind in Southeast Texas:Heavy Rain with Storm Totals over 12′'! Beta has dropped over a foot of rain in some locations in southern Metro Houston. The heaviest rain fell from Ellington Field and Pearland to west Houston.

HOUSTON – An investigation is underway after a violent encounter between a man and multiple Metro police officers. Metro chief Vera Bumpers says Activist Quanell X told her what happened earlier this week and she started an investigation. I’m burning, I’m burning,’” said Quanell X. Along with Quanell X, Cynthia Pharms and Dr. Candace Matthews with the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats are demanding justice for Morgan. Quanell X shared a graphic photo of Morgan’s stomach where he suffered from third degree burning.

HOUSTON – Kroger and partners kicked off a grocery donation event Wednesday morning for the community surrounding Jim’s Supermarket, which burned down last month. The partnership is with Kroger, the City of Houston, the Houston Food Bank and METRO to deliver groceries directly to Houstonians in need. “Usually we are in the business of transporting people, but today we are in the business of transporting food to people in need, so we are excited for the opportunity,” said METRO’s Senior Director of Contracted, Paratransit and Micro Transit Services, Art Jackson. Metro vehicles and drivers delivered the groceries directly to the homes of identified families in need. Representatives from Kroger said they are doing a similar grocery donation in the area next month.

As part of our new Ask 2 series, the newsroom will answer your questions about all things Houston. Question: When will METRO start charging again? Answer: METRO will resume collecting fares for all services beginning Sunday, July 12. For answers to common questions about fares, including fare costs, payment methods, where to buy fares and more please visit METRO’s fare collection page. Along with using public transit for only essential trips, customers are reminded seating capacity on all METRO vehicles remains reduced to encourage social distancing.

METRO continues to add safety measures to protect drivers and riders against COVID-19 and those service updates are to start June 1. Currently, METRO is encouraging riders and drivers to use face coverings and they’ve increased cleaning. Furthermore, they will be installing plastic enclosures for operators on vehicles which serve METROLift customers. The plastic coverings will also be installed in the yellow METROLift taxi cabs. As a reminder, METRO continues to encourage riders to use public transit for only essential trips.

Published: May 15, 2020, 9:02 am Updated: May 18, 2020, 11:19 amHOUSTON – According to the Metro Transit Authority of Harris County, their Park & Ride service will gradually resume Monday, May 18. Now, the service will operate on a limited schedule on select Park & Ride routes connecting riders traveling along all major freeway corridors to downtown. Park and Ride routes serving the Texas Medical Center will continue operating on a regular weekday schedule. Park & Ride - Downtown DestinationsService will operate from 5- 9 a.m. for inbound trips and from 3- 7 p.m. for outbound trips. 291 Conroe Park & Ride will only run 6:30 a.m. inbound and 4:30 p.m. outbound trips.

To help those affected, we searched for ways they can get around for free or at a low-cost, as well as deals on oil changes for those with vehicles that require maintenance. Discounted transportation faresMETRO offers a 50 percent discount on all bus and light-rail services to students, seniors and disabled residents. Adults 65 and older and people with disabilities can also apply to Harris County’s non-emergency transportation program RIDES. The program offers a 50 percent discount on its two service options: Shared Ride and Taxi Service. Free oil change and enhanced cleaning serviceMazda is providing free oil changes and enhanced cleaning services to health care and frontline workers through its Essential Car Care program.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- METRO Police officers had a scare on Christmas night when a cruiser was banged up in a crash in Midtown.Authorities say a Nissan collided with a METRO Police SUV at Elgin near Smith after running a red light.Houston Police tell ABC13 the driver of the Nissan, Walter Chuc Puac, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.There were two officers in the SUV at the time of the crash.A witness at the scene told ABC13 she saw the officers being treated. "The officers got treated. They were in the back of the ambulance. They seemed to be okay," the witness recalled.She says the crash was so loud it woke her up in her nearby apartment.METRO says the officers sustained non-life threatening injuries.Puac did not appear to be seriously hurt.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- METRO Police officers had a scare on Christmas night when a cruiser was banged up in a crash in Midtown.Authorities say a Nissan collided with a METRO Police SUV at Elgin near Smith after running a red light.Houston Police tell ABC13 the driver of the Nissan, Walter Chuc Puac, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.There were two officers in the SUV at the time of the crash.A witness at the scene told ABC13 she saw the officers being treated. "The officers got treated. They were in the back of the ambulance. They seemed to be okay," the witness recalled.She says the crash was so loud it woke her up in her nearby apartment.METRO says the officers sustained non-life threatening injuries.Puac did not appear to be seriously hurt.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- METRO Police officers had a scare on Christmas night when a cruiser was banged up in a crash in Midtown.A METRO Police SUV and a Nissan collided at Elgin near Smith.A witness at the scene told ABC13 she saw one or two officers being treated. "The officers got treated. They were in the back of the ambulance. They seemed to be okay," the witness recalled.She says the crash was so loud it woke her up in her nearby apartment.METRO has not released a statement on the conditions of those involved at this time.Houston police responded to the crash. They say one person was arrested but did not state what charges they are facing.The driver of the Nissan did not appear to be seriously hurt.We're still trying to confirm what led up to the crash and if alcohol was a factor.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- METRO Police officers had a scare on Christmas night when a cruiser was banged up in a crash in Midtown.A METRO Police SUV and a Nissan collided at Elgin near Smith.A witness at the scene told ABC13 she saw one or two officers being treated. "The officers got treated. They were in the back of the ambulance. They seemed to be okay," the witness recalled.She says the crash was so loud it woke her up in her nearby apartment.METRO has not released a statement on the conditions of those involved at this time.Houston police responded to the crash. They say one person was arrested but did not state what charges they are facing.The driver of the Nissan did not appear to be seriously hurt.We're still trying to confirm what led up to the crash and if alcohol was a factor.

HOUSTON – Crews started work along Post Oak Boulevard in Uptown in 2016 and now there may be an end in sight. One of the goals was to improve the appearance of Post Oak Boulevard, making it a more walkable environment by widening sidewalks and adding trees. In the end, rail-like buses will run along Post Oak about every ten minutes for most of the day with multiple stops. TxDOT is adding an elevated bus lane from the Northwest Transit Center to Post Oak, expected to be done early next summer. On the southern end, crews are working on a major construction project on Richmond estimated to be done next spring that will link buses to the new Westpark/Lower Uptown Transit Center.

I am a lifelong Houstonian and I have never taken a bus anywhere. I've driven (obviously), walked, biked, taken cabs and Ubers, and even ridden the METRORail. But, I've never used METRO's most used service, the bus. There's no specific reason why other than I've had some form of transportation and just never thought about it. As a test, I created a route from my house to a restaurant about 15 minutes away via car.

HOUSTON - The Harris County Clerk's Office released the unofficial results for Tuesday night's election and voters showed support METRO's plan to borrow billions for mass transit improvements. About 68% of voters are for Proposition A, which calls for the region's transit authority to issue a $3.5 billion bond. Here are the latest results for this race. Other phases of the plan include improving and expanding existing services, adding new park-and-rides and creating two-way HOV lanes. Another part of the plan calls for 75 miles of bus-based rapid transit lanes where buses stay in one dedicated lane on dedicated routes.

Voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved Proposition A, which allows METRO to borrow $3.5 billion over 20 years to complete 40 projects. The money voters approved Tuesday night, however, is only half of what is needed to finish all 40 projects METRO included in its plan. "We are going to try to hold their feet to the fire and make them accountable for what they do," said Bill Frazer of Responsible Houston. The group campaigned against Proposition A, saying METRO had overpromised and underdelivered in past bond elections. Responsible Houston, meanwhile, has also pushed for increased spending on drainage of public roads to avoid the flooding that Houston experienced during Hurricane Harvey and other storms.

Now that METRO's bond plan has been approved by the voters, what's next? Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

METRO is providing free rides to Houstonians to and from polling places on Tuesday to help make Election Day easier. Round-trip rides on METRORail, busses and METROLift will be free between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Tuesday and voters will need to tell bus operators and fare inspectors that they're going to or returning from the polls. "We don't ever want transportation to be a deterrent for people to cast their vote and make their voices heard," said METRO spokesperson Jackie Gil. For help planning a trip, you can call (713) 635-4000 or visit the METRO website. Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

HOUSTON - Houston residents will vote on several issues in the 2019 election, including a new or re-elected mayor, 10 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, transportation and school bonds. Houston mayoral raceCurrent Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is running for re-election alongside 11 challengers. Residents in Angleton ISD, Cleveland ISD, Columbia-Brazoria ISD, Conroe ISD, Waller ISD and Royal ISD will have bond votes. State propositionsThere are 10 state propositions on the ballots this year that have direct implications for Houstonians. Houston Independent School District board electionsFour of the nine seats in the Houston Independent School District board are up for re-election.

HOUSTON - Those for and against a plan for Houstons transit system to borrow $3.5 billion are making their closing arguments to voters who will make the final decision. Our population is expanding from 7 million to 10 million by 2040, so we have to have a comprehensive transit system, said Carrin Patman, chair of METROs board. You could have a one-seat ride to Hobby Airport, and then we do METRO Rapid, this new bus rapid transit service up to Intercontinental, Patman said. Another part of the plan calls for 75 miles of bus-based rapid transit lanes where buses stay in one dedicated lane on dedicated routes. The last time voters decided a METRO bond issue was in 2003.

Important datesFirst day of early voting: Oct. 21Last day of early voting: Nov. 1Election Day: Nov. 5Cy-Fair ISD board of trusteesCy-Fair ISD races and a Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County bond will be on November ballots along with state constitutional amendments. Position 1Thomas I. JacksonPosition 2Julie HinamanPosition 3Gilbert SarabiaRyan C. Irving, Jr.Natalie BlasingamePosition 4Debbie BlackshearMetropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County Proposition AMETRO is asking for voter approval of a bond referendum that would provide the authority with $3.5 billion in bonds to be issued over 20 years with no new taxes. The bond money would be used to advance the METRONext Moving Forward Plan, including a new Park & Ride facility in the Fairfield area, several Park & Ride facilities along Hwy. 249, the extension of an existing light rail line to Hobby Airport and the creation of new Metro Rapid high-speed bus lines, among other projects. The funding could also help bring in another $3.5 billion in federal matching funds, according to METRO estimates.

HOUSTON – Labor Day edition of Freebie Friday:Free Metro ridesYou can catch a ride on Metro by bus or rail free all Labor Day weekend. Free Houston's Day of YogaHouston's free day of yoga will be Monday, September 2 at the Rothko Chapel Lawn, 1450 Branard St., near Menil Park. Opening music starts at 9 a.m. with free yoga classes running through noon. Free Fireworks at the Waterway Square in the WoodlandsThere will be free fireworks and live music in the Woodlands at Waterway Square, Saturday August 31st. The free haircuts are valued at between $40 to $70.