The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County’s new $60 million park and ride facility in Missouri City received a $5 million boost in federal funding due to initiatives secured by Rep. Al Green, D-Houston.
Quotes of note
"This is a significant step towards better transportation options in northeastern Fort Bend County," Green said in a news release. "What we are doing today will benefit future generations."
At the Aug. 3 ceremonial event, METRO Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran said public and private partnerships are a win-win for everyone.
"This is a great example of, ‘Together, we can do more’—to bring about safe and effective connections and mobility solutions for a growing population," he said.
The cost
METRO will pay up to $59.8 million for the 1,750-space parking garage as well as $325,000 in annual rent for the ground use, Community Impact previously reported.
The big picture
Missouri City and Fort Bend-area residents will have access to public transportation services that include connections to:
- The Texas Medical Center
- Downtown Houston
- METRO’s on-demand services
The details
METRO began negotiations with NewQuest in September to build and lease a park and ride facility in Fort Bend Town Center III, NewQuest’s third phase of the Fort Bend Town Center development. The mixed-use lifestyle center will include housing, retail and entertainment venues, according to project documents.
What’s included in the new transit facility, according to a news release, are:
- 1,750 covered parking spaces
- A covered waiting area
- Ticket vending machines
- Digital transit information
- Restrooms
What’s next
Construction on the garage is estimated for completion by summer 2025, according to METRO officials. METRO will be responsible for operations, maintenance and State of Good Repair of the facility, totaling $485,000 annually, in addition to taxes, Community Impact previously reported.
