Riders press city to restore Red Line signal priority; advocates also call for more EV chargers
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Summary
Multiple riders and transit advocates told council that Metro Rail Red Line signal-priority changes have created delays of 10-15 minutes and urged restoration; other commenters urged expanded EV charging infrastructure to support adoption.
Riders and transit advocates used the Oct. 28 public-comment period to press Houston officials for two transportation priorities: restore signal priority for the Metro Rail Red Line and expand electric-vehicle charging.
Users said recent changes to traffic-signal timing and pedestrian-leading signals in Midtown and Downtown have slowed the Red Line and caused long delays. "At its worst, it was leading to 10 to 15 minute delays each way," said Nick Arcos of Link Houston, which advocates for transit equity. Riders said delays make commutes unreliable for shift workers, doctors and students.
Several speakers, including Tesla owners, also urged the city to accelerate investment in public EV charging and to reintroduce Red Line signal priority where possible so transit remains competitive with driving. Metro and city staff were not asked to take an immediate vote; council members acknowledged the concerns and said they would follow up with the transit agency on signal timing and weekend service frequency.
What riders asked for: restoration of Red Line signal priority, better weekend schedules, and more public EV superchargers to reduce travel time penalties for transit riders and support electrification.
What the council can do next: request technical briefings from Metro and Planning/Public Works on signal timing, and consider budget or grant options to expand charging networks.