The Federal Transit Administration has awarded the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County $1.2 million to continue work on the Gulfton Corridor Bus Rapid Transit line.

Current situation

According to a Nov. 7 news release, the funding will allow the transit authority to create a comprehensive Transit-Oriented Development Plan, or TOD. According to the United States Department of Transportation, transit-oriented development builds dense, walkable and mixed-use spaces close to public transportation routes and stops.

The Gulton TOD plan will focus on enhancing mobility, housing and community development in the area, as well as explore green infrastructure solutions to address urban heat and flooding, per the release.

The FTA grant is expected to fund the entire planning process, including:
  • Extensive community engagement
  • Detailed station area analysis
  • Creation of an overall strategy
"This collaboration goes beyond improving transit access," METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Brock said in a statement. "Working together with all levels of government and community leaders, we are making meaningful upgrades that will make it easier for residents to go to work, enjoy recreational activities and access essential services, all while attracting new resources and businesses to the area.”


About the project

According to METRO, a bus rapid transit, or BRT, is a mode of transportation that looks like a bus but runs like a rail. It provides faster connections and operates in a dedicated transit-only lane.

The Gulfton BRT line is intended to travel from the West Park/Lower Uptown Transit Center along Westpark and head west before turning south at Chimney Rock.

Taking a step back


Revitalization efforts for Gulfton have been in the works for several years.
  • In 2022, a community master plan was designed to enhance environmental and climate resilience in the area as well as provide more parks and trees.
  • In 2023, the area became one of 45 communities across the U.S. that was chosen to participate in a federal pilot program to bolster transportation connections.
  • In 2024, Precinct 4 received a $11.3 million grant to make major improvements to Burnett Bayland Park.
"Increasing and improving affordable housing near public transportation is especially crucial in Gulfton, where residents are five times more likely to ride transit than the average Houstonian," Briones said. "This grant will amplify and accelerate Harris County Precinct 4 work in this area, which has waited far too long for investment."