[0:05] >>Good morning. We will kick off the
[0:09] Audit and Human Resources committee
[0:10] meeting. I will recognize Board members in
[0:11] the room today. Board Director Judge Han,
[0:15] Director Mayor Fry, Director Ponce and myself. Do
[0:20] we have any public comment this morning?
[0:22] >> We have one, Dominic Maisoc. He is
[0:24] virtual this morning
[0:28] >> Dominic?
[0:50] >> Can you hear me now? Yes we can hear
[0:55] you. Okay I was late on unmuting. Okay
[0:59] I was thinking about something here,
[1:03] about you go out and advertise jobs for
[1:07] METRO and I have two actually two
[1:15] possible sources. Number one, I think
[1:19] they call Boy Scouts of America now
[1:23] scouting USA due to legal things that
[1:26] have happened. There's a group they
[1:28] call explorers. These are people that,
[1:31] this is open for men and women that are
[1:36] looking for vocations and career
[1:38] whatever. I don't know if you have to
[1:45] have Cub Scouts and regular scouting to
[1:48] go with it but I think that might be
[1:52] some ideas to encourage people 18 and
[1:57] above, or I don't know what the age
[2:00] limit is, to look at METRO as a
[2:04] possible place to work. That could also
[2:05] be divided up into saying METRO PD,
[2:12] operations, mechanics, where the rubber
[2:14] meets the road, and the office group.
[2:18] Secondly, as I'm thinking of HCC as
[2:23] well the school district I know the
[2:24] school is next to Kashmere. I think
[2:27] there could be some interoperable
[2:31] agreement to where students at
[2:32] [Indiscernible] can do the classroom in
[2:33] the morning and then come over to
[2:40] Kashmere to do their lab work in the
[2:47] garage also HCC has diesel mechanics I
[2:50] think it's a different campus but it
[2:54] could be an interagency agreement where
[2:58] you do your class work at HCC, and then
[3:00] you come over to Kashmere to do your
[3:05] lab work. In each case, when the person
[3:11] graduates, they are an apprentice. They
[3:16] have apprentice rank. They would have a
[3:18] union job under union 260 am paid to
[3:25] work for METRO. Between those two
[3:28] aspects, that could be two jobs at
[3:32] METRO and the person would already be
[3:36] pre-trained. Without having other
[3:37] comments I send it back to you
[3:40] >> Thank you so much Dominic, I
[3:46] appreciate the comments raised and the
[3:51] considerations thinking about how we
[3:52] can better prepare the workforce and
[3:53] partnerships with the school district
[3:54] and community college. Are there any
[3:58] comments? We will jump into the
[3:59] briefings and then comments from board
[4:02] directors. First up we have the monthly
[4:05] compliance report from Chief Audit
[4:06] executive Andrea Dennis
[4:10] >> Good morning. Can we pull up the
[4:19] audit dashboard please? Thank you. Can
[4:22] you please go to the next slide. Here
[4:25] is a summary of the internal audit
[4:30] dashboard and activity as of the end of
[4:35] December 31, 2025. Thus far we have
[4:37] completed 107 audit projects, we have
[4:41] 17 in the process as of the end of
[4:46] December. For the month of December a
[4:47] total of 22 audit projects completed.
[4:49] If you look toward the bottom of the
[4:53] screen we have the internal functions
[4:56] and IT audits, three of those have been
[4:58] completed, seven of those are in
[5:01] process and 10 currently not started.
[5:06] We have a summary of the audit
[5:10] recommendations we are tracking. We
[5:11] have a total of 16 still outstanding.
[5:12] If you go to the next slide please. In
[5:17] the next three pages we have a list of
[5:19] all audit recommendations we are
[5:22] tracking through completion. As far as
[5:23] changes in the report from the prior
[5:26] month, we have four recommendations
[5:30] that were implemented and have been
[5:34] removed from this report. I want to
[5:35] note the one item related to the single
[5:39] audit KPMG that we were tracking has
[5:42] been implemented and corrective action
[5:45] noted on that item, in addition to
[5:48] three other items. There were three
[5:50] items extended this month due to
[5:54] management needing additional time to
[5:56] implement the items. Those items are
[5:57] noted with a check mark. Please go to
[6:01] the next slide. We have two more that
[6:05] were extended. That concludes my
[6:06] presentation do you have any questions
[6:10] >> Are there any questions from
[6:14] colleagues? no? Thank you for the
[6:18] presentation. Next up we have the human
[6:22] resources metrics report, Karen Kauffman
[6:23] >> Thank you so much and good morning
[6:30] everyone. This... Next slide please.
[6:33] Nothing too significant to point out,
[6:38] our headcount has remained fairly
[6:40] steady at 4800 employees. Turnover has
[6:43] dropped somewhat, about an eight
[6:45] percent turnover now. Next slide. For
[6:52] the month of January, we had 67 hires.
[7:00] The one thing I want to point out here
[7:01] are leave of absences are higher for
[7:02] December but that's pretty typical. A
[7:03] lot of times employees postpone
[7:07] procedures until the holidays and so
[7:10] on. Nothing to be concerned about in
[7:13] that respect. This is a slide with the
[7:18] applicant and hire demographics,
[7:19] applicant demographics are on the right
[7:26] as you saw in the month of December we
[7:27] still had a fairly high number just
[7:29] over 3400 applicants and the total
[7:33] hires on the left are shown by gender
[7:38] and ethnicity. Next slide. Wanted to
[7:39] highlight several outreach events for
[7:45] the month of December. One of the
[7:46] events pictured here was a visit from
[7:50] the Gateway Academy, a high school in
[7:51] Houston for students with neurodiverse
[7:56] challenges as well as other types of
[7:59] learning disabilities. They came to our
[8:03] facility at Kashmere and heard speakers
[8:07] from various divisions, especially
[8:10] within operations and staffing. We also
[8:11] partner with Goodwill industries and
[8:15] had an event and had our open house at
[8:16] the Kashmere facility for bus operators
[8:20] service drivers and mechanics. Next
[8:24] slide. This shows the hiring incentives
[8:25] that were paid for the month of
[8:30] December. As usual, the highest number
[8:32] were for bus operators. We had 73
[8:36] employees eligible also several of the
[8:39] maintenance positions as well. In the
[8:40] footnote I wanted to mention too we
[8:45] continue to have bilingual incentives
[8:46] for our public interfacing employees
[8:51] who qualify for those. Also had
[8:52] payments in the month of December for
[8:56] those 359 employees participating in
[9:03] that program. Next slide. This shows a
[9:05] list of the new positions that were
[9:06] hired for the month of December, bus
[9:08] operators being the highest number. We
[9:14] had a number of wellness events in
[9:20] December. One was nutrition which was
[9:22] timely with the holidays and all of the
[9:25] holiday festivities. We had several
[9:29] financial wellness sessions as well as
[9:32] our partnership with the Gulf Coast
[9:33] regional blood center for a blood
[9:35] drive. Next slide. This shows our
[9:43] schedule of classes through our
[9:44] training and organization development
[9:45] group for January and February. We have
[9:47] a number of technical classes for
[9:50] Microsoft products as well as things
[9:51] like time management professional
[9:54] development business writing. I wanted to
[9:57] highlight a couple of courses for our
[10:01] employees who want to move up within
[10:06] the organization and perhaps interview
[10:07] for other positions so we had one that
[10:09] had to create an effective resume and
[10:12] interviewing skills we do provide those
[10:16] types of them to help prepare employees
[10:17] for future positions at METRO. Next
[10:24] slide. One of the new recognitions we
[10:27] are doing now is to recognize employees
[10:30] who are the most active in the
[10:32] e-learning online learning program.
[10:33] This is something they can do on their
[10:38] own with guidance from their management
[10:39] as to which classes are appropriate for
[10:42] their roles. We had two employees, Chad
[10:47] small and [Indiscernible] O'Bryant
[10:49] recognized for the courses they took
[10:50] during the year of 2025. That concludes
[10:53] my presentation.
[10:58] >> Are there any questions or comments?
[11:05] no? thank you again for the updates we
[11:09] appreciate it.
[11:10] >> With that, we will close out today's
[11:13] audit human resources committee
[11:16] meeting. The time is 9:15 AM folks, we
[11:26] posted for 9:30 AM for the next
[11:30] committee meeting our finance committee
[11:34] will begin here in 15 minutes at 9:30
[11:35] AM.
[11:41] >>
[26:06] >> I think we need to get started. I
[27:47] think we are ready to begin the finance
[27:52] and business administration committee.
[27:55] It is 9:31 AM. The first item on the
[27:58] agenda are public comments
[27:59] >> We have Dominic Maisoc virtual
[28:02] >> Okay
[28:05] >> Dominic?
[28:14] >> He does not appear to be on.
[28:35] >> We will move forward. We will come
[28:43] back if he joins. We are going to start
[28:44] with the briefing item the monthly
[28:48] financial reports, George? Thank you
[28:52] Chair Morales and members of the
[28:53] committee George Fotinos METRO Chief
[28:54] Financial Officer presenting the CFO
[28:57] report for today's committee if I could
[29:01] have the presentation please. To let
[29:04] you know this presentation will
[29:05] summarize high-level points detailed
[29:08] and monthly reports you will pass on as
[29:10] action item to the full board including
[29:11] the sales tax report investment report
[29:13] that report fuel hedge reporting
[29:15] monthly performance report. Next slide
[29:20] please the first slide presents the
[29:21] sales tax revenue the authorities
[29:26] largest source of income. These numbers
[29:29] represent activity from two months ago
[29:30] January number two represent activity
[29:33] from November. Recall last month I
[29:35] reported to the board that we have
[29:39] received an updated forecast of sales
[29:41] tax revenue for University of Houston
[29:42] Center for economic growth and
[29:45] opportunity. The forecast reduce the
[29:46] expected amount of sales tax revenue
[29:48] the amount we receive after general
[29:55] mobile by 25 million so with this new
[29:56] info we reduce the expected revenue
[29:58] amount for remaining months, that's the
[30:01] bars you see for FY 26 beginning in
[30:06] January year to date we received 359.4
[30:08] million in cash from sales tax revenues
[30:13] because the first two months of the
[30:14] fiscal year October and November were
[30:17] below targets we are playing catch-up
[30:20] with a $5.8 million Delta
[30:21] underestimates for the four month
[30:24] period. However we are 13.2 million or
[30:27] 3.8 percent over the year to your cash
[30:28] collections at this point last year. In
[30:31] the month of January we receive
[30:34] [Indiscernible] 2.1 or 2.4 percent
[30:39] overestimates and 4.7 million or 5.6
[30:40] percent more than January year ago. On
[30:45] the next slide all the remaining items
[30:47] reflect activity through December. This
[30:51] slide is the farebox revenue slide
[30:53] through December total $9 million. Year
[30:58] to date we are running on budget with
[31:02] projected estimates. Comparing farebox
[31:04] revenues through December of last year
[31:05] we trailed by 1.1 percent, $100,000.
[31:12] Next slide please looking at a detailed
[31:14] breakdown of METRO year-to-date farebox
[31:17] revenue by different modes. Local
[31:18] network including rail is 1.4 percent
[31:23] lower commuter bus is higher in line
[31:26] with the growth we see in
[31:30] park and ride ridership. Vanpool is 100
[31:31] percent lower we have not received
[31:33] revenues in December. METROLift is 20
[31:39] percent higher. The time the fares
[31:41] don't tie with ridership as they
[31:42] recognize various stages independent of
[31:45] usage. This is a good breakdown of how
[31:46] we see farebox coming in. Next slide
[31:52] please all four budgets representing
[31:54] METRO major appropriated activities are
[31:58] presented. The first quadrant on the
[32:01] upper left-hand side shows year-to-date
[32:03] operating expenditures versus budget,
[32:06] 3.3 percent or $7.4 million under
[32:12] nonlabor expenses specifically with
[32:15] contract and support services. The
[32:16] second quadrant is the capital budget
[32:17] broken out by two categories, the core
[32:24] business ended three month period 33
[32:25] percent or $17 million over. This as
[32:29] relayed last month in the CFO report
[32:32] because we are receiving buses sooner
[32:36] than we expected. 28 of the 45 diesel
[32:38] commuter buses have been delivered.
[32:41] Last month it was 15 so it was growing.
[32:46] 25 of the 51 diesel buses have been
[32:50] delivered. We expect this over run to
[32:51] iron out in the next two months, it
[32:53] catches up with the original schedule.
[32:56] The expansion enhancement category
[33:00] ended 61 percent or 41 million under,
[33:02] this is mostly due to timing with the
[33:07] rays in the referendum projects like
[33:10] bus stop accessibility. The third
[33:12] quadrant shows debt service 3.3 percent
[33:15] or less than 1 million under. Last
[33:21] month are reported to the board we will
[33:24] be issuing less debt than expected so
[33:25] we expect to see and under run in that
[33:28] category. The fourth quadrant you see
[33:30] the allocation for general mobility
[33:34] reflective of sales tax. You see that
[33:35] through December the amount is under
[33:36] what we expect to contribute this year
[33:40] by 1.8 percent or $1 million. Here is a
[33:47] breakdown of the three major funds as
[33:48] presented in the investment report. All
[33:49] of the funds be benchmarks by 10 to 30
[33:55] basis points our investment officers
[33:56] are doing a great job. The general fund
[34:03] balance is down $41 million with prior
[34:07] month due to outflows required to fund
[34:08] operating expenditures higher than
[34:11] inflows sales tax grants farebox and
[34:16] interest income. Debt service increased
[34:21] by 6.9 million representing program
[34:22] monthly contribution to cover interest
[34:23] and principal payments for debt. The
[34:24] general mobility fund increased 15
[34:28] million, this reflects an inflow of
[34:32] contribution from sales taxes in
[34:37] December 2018 .2 offset by 2.7 million
[34:38] of congestion mitigation payments made
[34:42] to multicity partners. Next slide
[34:46] please. METRO debt balance remains the
[34:48] same from last month at 643 million.
[34:53] The last time METRO debt was below 650
[34:54] million was 15 years ago in 2011.
[34:57] However the balance will not stay down
[35:02] long. Later this month we issue the
[35:03] first tranche of commercial paper 18
[35:06] million of referendum projects
[35:09] [Indiscernible] I'm happy to report the
[35:11] rating agency SMP is getting set up for
[35:13] this has given commercial paper the A1
[35:16] rating the highest rating they can
[35:20] give. Any questions for George? thank
[35:24] you for the presentation I have a
[35:29] couple of questions. What is a typical
[35:33] or approximate percent of our overall
[35:34] budget that comes from sales tax and
[35:36] what is it for farebox for the general
[35:38] public and for the board
[35:42] >> We can say sales tax is about 800
[35:45] million, about 1 billion take out the
[35:47] general mobility. Farebox right now I
[35:51] think we have it budgeted at 47
[35:53] million. You can see the difference
[35:56] between those. The other inflows that
[36:01] fund our operations are grants. We have
[36:06] that 200 million. And we also have
[36:13] interest and debt proceeds. We expect,
[36:16] well we are issuing debt, we don't
[36:19] issue debt unless we need the money.
[36:22] Our general fund was able to cover
[36:25] operations in the past years. We have
[36:28] not issued debt since 2018. So now
[36:33] moving into this year issuing that
[36:34] starting a commercial paper program, it
[36:37] gives us the flexibility to issue debt
[36:40] when we need it. That is the beauty of
[36:41] it
[36:46] >> And then, when do we expect the
[36:47] general fund balance to bounce back to
[36:49] 305 million the recommended amount we
[36:51] should have been there to be healthy
[36:56] >> Our, we have a constraint a reserve
[36:59] constraint which is 15 percent of
[37:01] operating budget and another layer is
[37:05] five percent of the operating budget,
[37:09] that is a board policy parameter. On
[37:13] top of that, 15 million. That's over
[37:18] $223 million. We are never at risk of
[37:25] not paying our bills. We have over $200
[37:29] million. But we optimize. So in the
[37:32] past year, we were 500 million above
[37:36] that, that's not very good as well
[37:39] because it's taxpayer money and we need
[37:40] to deploy those funds for uses. We try
[37:42] to optimize so we are using the exact
[37:44] amount and keeping a reserve that keeps
[37:51] a strong safe resilient, as part of the
[37:52] reason we have such a high
[37:56] [Indiscernible] because we do these
[37:57] things
[37:58] >> Thank you so much I appreciate that
[38:00] conversation on a higher level to give
[38:01] us an understanding of where we are,
[38:03] where we need to go, if that's
[38:11] something we need to address so I
[38:12] appreciate it thank you
[38:13] >> The one thing I want to add that was
[38:15] a good question, one of the reasons why
[38:18] we are healthy is because the majority
[38:19] of our revenue comes from sales tax
[38:22] revenue, that's very different from
[38:23] other transportation agencies across
[38:24] the US relying on fare revenue. The
[38:28] other thing is George and his team and
[38:34] that's why we monitor the forecast for
[38:36] the sales tax revenue because if we see
[38:37] it is going to go down, we adjust
[38:43] expenses as well. Is very important we
[38:47] look at that because we don't want to
[38:48] be in a situation where the operating
[38:49] expenses are more than net revenue
[38:52] coming in. Any other questions? okay. I
[38:57] wanted to ask a question about the fare
[39:02] boxes. May be Tom that would be a
[39:06] question for you. How are we as far as
[39:07] putting in the new fare boxes
[39:10] >> We have an update coming in the
[39:16] Customer Service Committee. But it's
[39:19] going extremely well with all the
[39:21] farebox is being installed, all the
[39:24] TVMs coming on board they are making
[39:26] changes as we speak on the platforms.
[39:30] And we have begun the transition to
[39:35] utilizing the new system. It's going to
[39:39] take a little time. We are working
[39:40] through allowing people plenty of time
[39:42] to make their transition from the old
[39:45] system to the new. We are still on
[39:49] track for full transition come February
[39:50] and April
[39:52] >> I'm sorry February and March
[39:58] >> Okay. How about our transition with
[40:00] our park and ride folks with the
[40:04] corporate sponsorships? Need to make
[40:06] sure there's not [Indiscernible] as well
[40:09] >> We are taking special care and
[40:12] making sure the right sponsors that
[40:16] have utilized the park and ride in
[40:21] anyway are giving every tool necessary
[40:23] to make the transition. We double
[40:24] checked on a few the other day and
[40:28] everybody is in good shape with no
[40:29] issues at this point
[40:32] >> This is probably more of a safety
[40:35] question but for the safety committee
[40:38] but once we get the farebox is in place
[40:40] and we have fare collectors in place
[40:44] collecting hopefully that will minimize
[40:49] [Indiscernible] we see
[40:50] >> Absolutely that is one of the
[40:52] objectives yes ma'am. Thank you George
[40:55] for your presentation. Everyone is okay
[40:58] we will move the financial report to
[41:01] the board for approval. Hearing no
[41:02] objections we will move it forward. We
[41:04] will go to the action item 3 Eddie
[41:08] Miranda
[41:11] >> Good morning, I am Allen Clark's
[41:15] chief strategy officer, I am Eddie's
[41:16] lesser replacement for the day. He is
[41:20] out of town. Happy to be able to walk
[41:21] you through our three items. The first
[41:23] of those item number three, we are
[41:31] requesting board approval for the
[41:32] Interim President CEO to be able to
[41:34] request our annual transit formula
[41:37] funds and to speak to that and give you
[41:41] additional background, I have my deputy
[41:44] chief strategy officer, Alberto here
[41:48] this morning. Albert I will turn it to
[41:49] you
[41:50] >> Thank you good morning. Let me make
[41:54] sure the clicker works and it does.
[41:56] Thank you and good morning. Today we
[42:01] will the FY25 formula funds for the
[42:05] FTA, particularly the 5307 5310 5337
[42:14] and 5339 bus. These funds METRO is the
[42:15] designated recipient for the funds.
[42:18] Those funds come into the Houston
[42:20] urbanized area. I want to pause quick,
[42:23] designated recipient what does it mean?
[42:30] it means METRO is responsible for the
[42:31] funds and act on behalf of the FTA for
[42:34] the urbanized area. In order to get
[42:35] these funds program we must develop a
[42:38] program of projects in coordination
[42:42] with regional partners. The 5307 funds
[42:43] came in at 119 million, 5310 5.9
[42:51] million 5337 22 million and 5339 at 9.8
[42:54] million for a total of 157 million,
[43:02] that's roughly 3 percent increase from
[43:03] the prior year the urbanized area this
[43:04] is a census designated area. If you
[43:15] note, the light purple and dark purple
[43:17] the dark purple is the METRO service
[43:19] area you see a translucent area to the
[43:24] northwest. That is METRO service area.
[43:27] The Houston urbanized area is dark
[43:31] purple. METRO is not the only one that
[43:32] operates in the Houston urbanized area.
[43:38] Harris County Fort Bend County and Gulf
[43:39] Coast transit District operate in this
[43:45] area. The program of projects, we work
[43:52] with our regional partners we have
[43:55] collaborative efforts and discussions
[43:56] to discuss the needs of the region and
[43:57] how funds will be allocated. METRO is
[43:59] required to approve the pop, required
[44:05] by the board. All the projects must be
[44:06] included in the regional transportation
[44:11] plans. All the projects will be within
[44:12] the Houston UZA. 5307 funds FTA is
[44:29] required to program a minimum of 1.75
[44:30] percent of the formula funds in safety
[44:31] and security, that is a minimum. Will
[44:33] talk more on the slide how we maximize
[44:38] the efforts. Also we are required to
[44:42] program at least a maximum of 10
[44:43] percent of funds in ADA paratransit
[44:48] services. What are 5310 funds, they
[44:55] support seniors and. Individuals with
[44:56] disabilities METRO use these for
[44:57] METROLift services. Something to
[45:00] highlight, METRO will conduct a call
[45:01] for projects with our regional partners
[45:06] and reserve up to 750,000 to do such.
[45:11] Transportation services will be a
[45:12] priority of these call for projects. I
[45:15] have been overseeing this process for
[45:19] 10 years now and have to admit this is
[45:20] my favorite part of the process, to
[45:23] work with smaller partner organizations
[45:24] to get services on the road. 5337 funds
[45:33] are used as a state of good repair to
[45:34] maintain fixed guide way high intensity
[45:36] bus networks. Think of the light rail
[45:42] and the HOV lanes. 5339 are bus
[45:46] facilities and bus for capital projects
[45:51] within Houston UZA to rehabilitate
[45:57] vehicles and facilities themselves. A
[45:58] high overview of the allocation in the
[46:03] Houston UZA. Every single category we
[46:06] discussed 5307 5337 5309 and 5310 plus
[46:12] the regional partners, you note that
[46:13] [Indiscernible] is Gulf Coast transit
[46:15] District, they also report inside the
[46:17] urbanized area but in coordination with
[46:21] them they have a significant balance of
[46:23] formula funds they are working through
[46:25] so we discuss with them and they did
[46:29] not need funds from FY25. Here is the
[46:39] 5307 program of projects for Houston
[46:42] urbanized area. METRO Harris County and
[46:43] Fort Bend County are part of this. I'd
[46:46] like to highlight the safety and
[46:52] security component $33 million. Earlier
[46:53] I talked about 1.75 percent that was a
[46:55] minimum, tapping into what George was
[47:00] saying, cash is important and the
[47:01] timing of the cash is also important.
[47:03] What we did is we worked with regional
[47:08] FTA, region six and said if it's a
[47:10] minimum can't we go above and beyond in
[47:14] the answer was yes. What this does in
[47:15] working with George's team at finance,
[47:17] we draw down the funds a lot quicker.
[47:20] Another thing is the ADA service
[47:22] support 10 percent maximum amount,
[47:28] Harris County and Fort Bend County
[47:29] there projects all of the projects are
[47:31] very much non-capital-intensive the
[47:34] meaning they will be reimbursed quickly
[47:35] and that's what we want for the
[47:40] urbanized area. 5310 projects will be
[47:44] part of this, you note that as a
[47:47] $750,000. This is a program of projects
[47:51] for the Houston urbanized area, Harris
[47:55] County for King County receiving funds
[47:59] as well. The 5337 program of projects,
[48:02] METRO will retain 100 percent of the
[48:05] funds as noted before regarding fixed
[48:08] [Indiscernible] as high intensity bus
[48:13] METRO being we are the ones that have
[48:14] the fix guide with the rail and HOV
[48:17] lanes. These projects will be
[48:19] implemented for state of good repair
[48:20] projects for Fannin South and West
[48:26] Belfort Park and ride. The 5339
[48:27] program is a regional fare collection
[48:30] system, this is ongoing and prime to
[48:33] receive federal funds. The timing of
[48:34] reimbursement of the funds is positive.
[48:39] The request for action, it's threefold.
[48:44] Board approval for the projects for the
[48:47] FY25 formula funds, permit METRO staff
[48:48] to issue a call for projects to solicit
[48:52] partnership proposals up to $750,000.
[48:58] To provide the interim CEO with
[48:59] comprehensive authority to implement
[49:01] the program of projects including
[49:05] submission of grant applications
[49:07] conducting administrative actions as
[49:08] required sub allocating funds for
[49:10] regional transit providers and
[49:11] execution of subsequent FTA grant
[49:15] agreements as always there are
[49:20] alternatives, the alternative here is
[49:21] to delay and move forward with the
[49:22] program of projects at a future date.
[49:28] Unfortunately it won't change the
[49:29] amount or time frame to implement a
[49:32] program of projects. That concludes the
[49:34] presentation
[49:35] >> Any questions for Alberta? thank you
[49:42] Alberto this is board member Ponce. The
[49:45] request for projects for 5310 could you
[49:50] give a little more detail as to what
[49:53] those proposals limits are
[49:54] >> What the limits are?
[49:58] >> More of what our, is it open to any
[50:05] kind of proposal or specifics required
[50:06] by METRO
[50:07] >> That's a fantastic question. The
[50:15] 5310 call for projects is limited to
[50:16] projects that enhance the mobility of
[50:17] seniors and individuals with
[50:19] disabilities. It is a requirement that
[50:20] services be open to the public, there
[50:22] are other criteria that follow. We do a
[50:26] fantastic job in advertising this. We
[50:30] work with our marketing team to get
[50:31] this out as best we can. We coordinate
[50:35] with [Indiscernible] I just met with
[50:37] the director yesterday on how we can
[50:40] collaborate more. We also emailed
[50:44] directly all past applicants and
[50:45] successful applicants to make them
[50:50] aware of the opportunity, as well as
[50:51] make presentations at the United Way
[50:52] and [Indiscernible] on the funds
[50:54] available. To talk about the projects,
[50:58] what we've seen in the past is capital
[51:02] projects operating. The last two years
[51:03] we have focused on operating projects,
[51:05] those that get the service on the
[51:08] streets, that's what we've heard as far
[51:11] as a resounding soundboard from many
[51:13] patrons in the region they'd like to
[51:14] see the service on the street. That's
[51:17] our main focus for call for projects
[51:19] >> Thank you
[51:22] >> Albert if I may, you might want to
[51:26] mention the kind of organizations we
[51:29] are working with which tend to be
[51:33] not-for-profit organizations. Often
[51:34] transportation is not their primary
[51:36] function but they are serving part of
[51:38] our community with significant
[51:44] disabilities and providing the more
[51:47] client based customized transportation
[51:51] for those individuals. Could you
[51:54] mention a few of those organizations
[51:55] >> Thank you certainly fantastic
[51:57] follow-up. I've been overseeing the
[51:58] funds for 10 years now. I have to admit
[52:00] it's the favorite part of the process.
[52:04] I've been out to these agencies and put
[52:05] the service on the streets. Without
[52:10] naming names one in particular the
[52:11] services to help individuals with
[52:16] intellectual disabilities and training.
[52:18] They go out with the service and train
[52:19] individuals to service vending
[52:20] machines. When they have their product
[52:22] and their dollies they can't, they have
[52:25] difficulty getting on our service. So
[52:29] these funds provide them to help
[52:31] transport them and do the service. The
[52:34] service is to get individuals to where
[52:35] they need to be and perform the
[52:39] training opportunities to get them
[52:40] prepared for the real world. Our
[52:43] services can accommodate the bulk of
[52:45] the project and the equipment like
[52:49] dollies. It's instances like this where
[52:51] you see the funds go in technician
[52:53] areas and it's a wonderful time saving
[52:58] >> How are reprioritizing these
[53:03] proposals? They are prioritized based on
[53:05] duplication of service, make sure they
[53:07] are sustainable. There's a lot of
[53:08] criteria that go into it. I'd be happy
[53:12] to present these findings at a future
[53:13] date when we complete the projects and
[53:16] the board and committee can walk
[53:17] through how they were selected. I
[53:19] certainly don't sit on the review
[53:23] committee, is comprised of regional
[53:27] partners in the region and H GAC for
[53:28] independent review of applications
[53:31] >> Thank you I would love a report on
[53:32] that
[53:33] >> Absolutely
[53:34] >> I have one question, what would you
[53:36] say is the number of partnerships you
[53:39] have? How many partners do you have
[53:43] >> Active partnerships is upwards
[53:47] between five and 10, meaning we have
[53:48] fund balances available and working
[53:51] with the finance team. At any given
[53:52] time when we do a call for projects in
[53:55] the past, we received from 1 to 5
[54:00] applications. Not a lot. Three or four
[54:02] years ago we revamp the entire process
[54:03] and said we are not getting enough. We
[54:05] went out and did the process over again
[54:08] and got 15 projects applications. It's
[54:13] a very difficult for the review
[54:14] committee to select the projects. But
[54:17] again it's wonderful to see funds go to
[54:18] these partners
[54:22] >> Thank you very much and thank you
[54:24] for the work you are doing
[54:27] >> Any other questions? thank you
[54:30] Alberto we appreciate your
[54:35] presentation. I'm going to go back to
[54:39] Dominic Maisoc I believe he is on the
[54:41] phone. Are you there?
[54:44] >> Terry can you hear me now? Yes we
[54:47] can hear you
[54:50] >> Okay. I'm going to mention it here
[54:53] and maybe I can talk about it later in
[54:55] other committee meetings coming up. Tom
[55:01] Jasien, thank you for giving me your
[55:04] number because I've been texting Tom
[55:09] about if I see something I text him
[55:10] immediately he told me to do that. One
[55:13] day I was on the 96, METRO's from
[55:17] Memorial going from the transit center,
[55:23] comes up Fulton Tidwell Parker
[55:28] Northline Drive up to the transit
[55:34] center [Indiscernible] in 1960. One day
[55:35] I got on the bus coming home.
[55:41] [Indiscernible] 10 people between the
[55:42] transit center and my house the stop at
[55:47] my house were on the bus.
[55:54] [Indiscernible] I was very observant on
[55:58] bus routes to see how people are
[56:01] paying. Just out of curiosity. So what
[56:08] happens was, there were 10 people. Out
[56:12] of the 10, only two paid fully, one
[56:15] person paid with a Q Card, I paid with
[56:21] a beta tested card for the new system.
[56:25] Eight did not pay at all or fully. Now,
[56:31] when there is a fare discrepancy I
[56:34] thought the operator was supposed to
[56:37] hit a button. On the new fare machines
[56:40] it sounds like the ding when you go
[56:41] into a gas station. I'm not hearing it.
[56:46] With this new system and the new
[56:50] computers and everything else we can
[56:54] get very granular where people are not
[57:00] paying their fares. I know the operator
[57:01] does not want to get into a hissy fit
[57:02] with their operators or customers but
[57:06] not paying full fare is a state felony,
[57:09] same as not paying full fare on the
[57:15] light rail lines. So I think one thing
[57:17] is with this new system we are putting
[57:20] in, if you don't pay any fare or full
[57:25] fare it is a state jail felony theft of
[57:30] fare. The operators are going to have
[57:33] to get more aggressive and suggest
[57:38] paying full fare. If they hit these
[57:45] buttons, Chief Tien can get his people
[57:46] to ride those buses are routes that
[57:52] have compliance with officers or fare
[57:55] inspectors. I don't want this to be
[57:58] like Dallas. Dallas is having a big
[58:02] problem with their income people not
[58:06] paying fares. With that, thank you Tom
[58:08] for listening to me, thank you for
[58:11] coming back to me and I send it back to
[58:12] you thank you
[58:13] >> Thank you Dominic for your comments.
[58:17] I'm going to go back to item 3 and make
[58:21] sure the committees okay to move this
[58:22] for board approval. Okay great. Moving
[58:25] on to the next action item
[58:28] >> Thank you very much. We have two
[58:32] different grants and George will come,
[58:37] one of our chief grant writers. The
[58:44] first concerns the ability to receive a
[58:47] grant for rifle resistant body armor. I
[58:51] will let [Indiscernible] explain the
[58:52] details of that
[58:56] >> Good morning. I'm requesting board
[58:59] action to authorize Interim President
[59:00] and CEO to apply for a rifle resistant
[59:03] body armor grant funded by the office
[59:04] of Governor public safety office in the
[59:09] amount of 280,000. This will outfit 205
[59:12] police officers with rifle resistant
[59:13] body armor to protect high caliber
[59:18] rifle bullets. This does not require a
[59:19] match
[59:21] >> Are there any questions? we can move
[59:25] that onto the board for approval.
[59:32] >> Item 5 is a little different type of
[59:34] grant through a similar process. Again
[59:43] I will let [Indiscernible] speak to that
[59:44] >> I'm requesting board action to
[59:45] authorize Interim President and CEO to
[59:46] apply for the peace officer mental
[59:48] health program funded by the office of
[59:52] Governor public safety office in the
[59:53] amount of 425,000 this funding will
[59:55] allow the supportive mental health
[1:00:00] wellness of peace officers that will
[1:00:01] focus on prevention treatment and
[1:00:02] resilience
[1:00:08] >> Any questions? we will move that on
[1:00:09] for board approval as well. Too good
[1:00:13] grant programs thank you. The last
[1:00:18] action item George?
[1:00:19] >> Thank you again to members of the
[1:00:22] committee. There is no presentation I
[1:00:23] will speak to the item. A request for
[1:00:29] board action for the official board
[1:00:30] authorization Interim President and CEO
[1:00:35] to direct a transfer of the
[1:00:36] administration health and welfare
[1:00:39] benefits, primarily health insurance
[1:00:40] for represented employees union
[1:00:44] employees, from the health and welfare
[1:00:48] trust to METRO administration. I'm
[1:00:49] going to go through the history of
[1:00:50] recent events that brought us here and
[1:00:52] recap how the administration of health
[1:00:54] and welfare benefits is currently
[1:00:59] conducted. With the preface this action
[1:01:03] is conclusive staff request after
[1:01:06] year-long review analysis of how the
[1:01:07] administration of benefits for union
[1:01:10] employees is conducted and the
[1:01:13] conclusion is the risk of conducting
[1:01:14] this benefits administration in the
[1:01:15] current fashion is too high. The risk
[1:01:23] that METRO frontline workforce the most
[1:01:24] important employees in the organization
[1:01:25] could lose their health insurance is
[1:01:26] too great to ever happen. Since 2015
[1:01:28] the threat of the risk has happened
[1:01:34] twice let's remember all funds
[1:01:36] supporting the administration of
[1:01:39] benefits for METRO employees are coming
[1:01:40] from METRO's taxpayer generated
[1:01:42] revenues and the hard-earned wages of
[1:01:47] employees. We have a fiduciary
[1:01:48] responsibility run our business
[1:01:49] efficiently. Let's begin with a recap.
[1:01:53] Both METRO and the transport workers
[1:01:58] Union provide health insurance benefit
[1:01:59] to the union represented employees and
[1:02:03] retirees and beneficiaries through a
[1:02:04] maintained health and welfare trust.
[1:02:06] This exists separate from METRO and is
[1:02:10] operated and managed by a board of four
[1:02:13] trustees. This trust is funded by
[1:02:15] contributions from the participants of
[1:02:19] the trust. This is the union
[1:02:21] represented employees METRO employees
[1:02:25] and retirees and contributions from
[1:02:26] METRO at a rate agreed-upon in the
[1:02:29] labor agreement. Almost a year ago on
[1:02:35] January 27, this trust requested METRO
[1:02:36] to provide additional funding to cover
[1:02:39] a deficit anticipated to render funding
[1:02:43] and sufficiency but of 2.4 million. In
[1:02:46] the event the trust had insufficient
[1:02:48] funds, that health insurance benefits
[1:02:53] of the health and welfare trust
[1:02:57] recipients would end. As you can
[1:02:58] imagine any emergency room visit event
[1:03:04] could be financially catastrophic for
[1:03:05] an uninsured frontline METRO employee.
[1:03:09] In February the board moved to
[1:03:10] implement the change control provision
[1:03:11] in the current labor agreement. This
[1:03:15] provision enable METRO to replace and
[1:03:20] appoint trustees of the health and
[1:03:21] welfare trust in the event certain
[1:03:22] financial were not being met. Along
[1:03:27] with the growing deficit and depletion
[1:03:31] of funds independent audits were not
[1:03:35] being completed on time major vendors
[1:03:36] not being properly assessed using the
[1:03:37] documented bid process. Since February,
[1:03:44] the health and welfare trust was
[1:03:45] governed my METRO staff from finance
[1:03:48] operations and human resources. It had
[1:03:49] representation from the union president.
[1:03:59] It was the objective of the newly
[1:04:00] appointed team of trustees to ensure
[1:04:01] all decisions and transactions were not
[1:04:02] being made without METRO consent and
[1:04:03] approval. During that time the
[1:04:04] authorized signatories of the bank
[1:04:07] accounts were renamed METRO have full
[1:04:10] access to various software and IT
[1:04:11] systems used to administer benefits.
[1:04:13] Internal staff resources were used,
[1:04:19] inventories of vendors invoices and
[1:04:23] ensure the open enrollment process for
[1:04:24] the union employees was executed
[1:04:25] successfully for this year and we were
[1:04:29] successful with that. Throughout the
[1:04:31] month and careful oversight is become
[1:04:33] apparent the current structure and
[1:04:35] mechanism of administering the union
[1:04:37] employee benefits through a third-party
[1:04:40] trust is insufficient and continues to
[1:04:43] pose risk. There's obvious questions,
[1:04:50] why have a separate entity controlled
[1:04:51] by METRO to administer benefits and
[1:04:52] welfare to METRO employees? Why work
[1:04:58] through a different set of vendors
[1:05:00] contractors and procedures to
[1:05:01] administer benefits to METRO employees?
[1:05:02] Why pay a separate [Indiscernible]. Is
[1:05:07] this the most efficient use of taxpayer
[1:05:11] funds? Is this the most transparent way
[1:05:13] to administer this benefit to our
[1:05:17] front-line employees? this request is
[1:05:18] ultimately coming for a better way, a
[1:05:21] better way to mitigate the authority
[1:05:23] risk and to use taxpayer dollars.
[1:05:30] Again, we are asking for board
[1:05:31] authorization for the Interim President
[1:05:32] CEO to direct a transfer of the
[1:05:33] administration of health and welfare
[1:05:37] benefits primarily health insurance for
[1:05:41] represented union employees in the
[1:05:42] health and welfare trust to METRO
[1:05:44] administration. I can answer any
[1:05:45] questions
[1:05:47] >> Are there any questions? I have one
[1:05:51] question. What was the original purpose
[1:05:55] for perhaps having the trust managed in
[1:05:58] the way it was a managed as opposed to
[1:06:03] the administration managing it anyway
[1:06:06] >> It has been historically done this
[1:06:09] way since close to METRO inception. I
[1:06:13] think it was part of a negotiation from
[1:06:18] long ago union agreement that had this
[1:06:19] is how they wanted to do this. Since
[1:06:23] then, there has been an issue. In 2015,
[1:06:27] the trust ran out of money. METRO had
[1:06:32] to come in like we did last time and
[1:06:36] bail it out. During that time, that's
[1:06:38] when we said from here on out, in that
[1:06:43] agreement we had this appendix D. If
[1:06:48] this ever happens again where there are
[1:06:49] financial controls we see as a risk,
[1:06:52] METRO can appoint the trustees of the
[1:06:54] board, the appointees of the trustee.
[1:07:01] >> So in the past few years we have
[1:07:02] seen two opportunities for there to be
[1:07:07] a very significant risk. So you are
[1:07:11] saying to us today that this is
[1:07:12] probably the best way to go for METRO?
[1:07:15] >> Yes
[1:07:16] >> I agree with you
[1:07:17] >> Any other questions? Thank you for
[1:07:20] that.
[1:07:24] >> Has there been ample communication
[1:07:27] meetings all parties made aware of the
[1:07:30] transition and action item moving
[1:07:34] forward
[1:07:35] >> This is a staff request for the
[1:07:39] METRO board. All parties, we have
[1:07:43] positioned it, we have internal
[1:07:49] meetings if this goes through and is
[1:07:50] approved we have a plan the plan will
[1:07:51] be a transition between now and May
[1:07:53] because in June we will start union
[1:07:57] negotiations again. We want to have
[1:07:58] this cleared out and taken care of
[1:07:59] before we get to that so we have a
[1:08:02] clean slate to negotiate wages and
[1:08:06] benefits. This is the first green light
[1:08:07] we need to begin the transition
[1:08:08] >> To add to that, the current union
[1:08:15] leadership is well aware of this
[1:08:19] proposal and is certainly not opposed
[1:08:24] >> We've also gone over this before.
[1:08:26] They also knew this was going to happen
[1:08:30] with the last injection of cash we had
[1:08:33] to make. I think this sounds like a
[1:08:35] good plan. We will move this onto the
[1:08:38] board unless I hear any objections
[1:08:42] >> Just want some clarification. Now
[1:08:46] instead of having the trust for the
[1:08:50] union employees, union or not now it's
[1:08:56] under the METRO administration?
[1:08:59] >> Yes. There are four trustees that
[1:09:01] govern the third member entity, that
[1:09:06] administrates the benefits for the
[1:09:08] union employees. Three of the 4R METRO,
[1:09:12] all of them are METRO appointees but
[1:09:16] three our staff. The other appointee on
[1:09:17] that is the union president who has
[1:09:19] participated in this whole discussion
[1:09:21] >> You might add George, that was the
[1:09:24] change we made last year in how the
[1:09:30] board was constituted. There's been a
[1:09:32] few changes, last year when the
[1:09:36] troubles came we took over the majority
[1:09:39] of the board.
[1:09:41] >> Thank you.
[1:09:45] >> Okay no other questions we will move
[1:09:47] this to the board for approval. The
[1:09:52] last item on the agenda is the debt
[1:09:54] issuance with Sheila Lefang
[1:09:57] >> Thank you. The manager of debt
[1:10:12] service and investments. Our group is
[1:10:18] presenting a debt issuance item
[1:10:19] contractual obligations for which we
[1:10:20] will be requesting board approval in
[1:10:21] the next few months. Can I have the
[1:10:22] next slide please thank you. The
[1:10:31] approved fiscal year 2026 budget
[1:10:32] includes a capital project expenditure
[1:10:34] plan comprised of referendum projects,
[1:10:38] bus and infrastructure projects as well.
[1:10:44] The plan is supported by 441 million
[1:10:47] in debt funding sources, specifically
[1:10:51] commercial paper, sales and use tax
[1:10:54] bonds and contractual obligations. Next
[1:10:58] slide please. We are now just over
[1:11:00] three months into the fiscal year. In
[1:11:06] light of new information, we are
[1:11:09] updating the fiscal year 2026 capital
[1:11:14] project financing plan. We intend to
[1:11:15] issue 124 million less than the
[1:11:20] original plan. The plan has changed due
[1:11:22] to a regional forecast of sales tax
[1:11:25] collections prepared by the University
[1:11:28] of Houston Center of economic growth
[1:11:31] and opportunity. George has mentioned
[1:11:38] that before. This has the effect of
[1:11:41] reducing METRO anticipated collections
[1:11:43] by 25 million for the fiscal year. The
[1:11:53] accompanying economic report noted key
[1:11:55] reasons for the downward forecast on
[1:11:58] sales tax collections as the effect of
[1:12:00] immigration policy on the workforce
[1:12:04] increased tariffs and economic
[1:12:07] uncertainty. Because of this refocused
[1:12:13] and other unexpected events such as
[1:12:14] government shutdown which occurred in
[1:12:18] the fiscal year, which in itself
[1:12:19] affected the timing of grant receipts
[1:12:21] now delayed to April in a few months, a
[1:12:25] general fund has diminished
[1:12:28] significantly as we are having to make
[1:12:32] payments for qualifying debt to finance
[1:12:37] capital expenditures such as bus
[1:12:38] budgets with every day with revenue
[1:12:41] cash receipts. In this chart the dotted
[1:12:42] line represents our general fund. The
[1:12:46] colored areas represent cash reserves
[1:12:51] which we mentioned earlier which are
[1:12:53] mandated by either the board policy or
[1:12:56] the debt policy. As is evident on the
[1:13:00] chart, we are very close to dipping
[1:13:03] into reserves. There's a cash infusion
[1:13:07] is necessary. Currently we are working
[1:13:10] on getting the two commercial paper
[1:13:13] lines established and we are well
[1:13:18] underway with that. So we can begin
[1:13:19] drawing down to cover these capital
[1:13:21] expenditures that we have to take care
[1:13:26] of. This chart highlights our planned
[1:13:27] response to meet those capital funding
[1:13:30] requirements and to do so in a timely
[1:13:35] fashion as well. In our estimate, we
[1:13:38] would like to start the process now to
[1:13:43] ensure the funding from the contractual
[1:13:45] obligations, which will be used as
[1:13:49] rolling stock becomes available in a
[1:13:52] couple of months, we are looking at
[1:13:54] April May timeframe. Next slide please.
[1:14:03] Does METRO have the authority to issue
[1:14:04] a contractual obligations which is the
[1:14:06] debt instruments we are looking to be
[1:14:10] approved, yes we do. These are
[1:14:13] authorized in chapter 1371 of the code
[1:14:20] and subject to subchapter a of the
[1:14:22] Texas local government code. METRO
[1:14:24] policy has also established guidelines
[1:14:29] utilization of the debt instrument to
[1:14:34] finance capital assets. We also have
[1:14:35] debt policy stated these can be issued
[1:14:40] without voter approval and of course we
[1:14:41] will come to the board to have a
[1:14:46] resolution adopted to enable us to do
[1:14:55] so. Next slide please. Just a brief
[1:14:58] outline of what contractual obligations
[1:14:59] which are also known as Kos these are
[1:15:05] debt instruments that presents a legal
[1:15:10] agreement between two parties, there is
[1:15:12] no election requirement meaning we
[1:15:13] don't have to go to the voters to get
[1:15:17] these in place. They are considered
[1:15:18] good for nonconstruction projects such
[1:15:22] as rolling stock. Rolling stock is
[1:15:23] equipment you use to generate revenue.
[1:15:26] They are good for a short duration
[1:15:30] projects, the projects which we use the
[1:15:35] KO with an average life of 5 to 12
[1:15:39] years. They will be issued as senior
[1:15:44] lien obligations, which means we will
[1:15:47] they are secured by pledged revenues
[1:15:48] and come from sales tax and they have a
[1:15:50] strong credit backing, rated AAA either
[1:15:54] rating agencies standard and pore. Next
[1:16:01] slide please. The projects we are
[1:16:04] looking to fund, we will issue
[1:16:06] approximately 75 million which will
[1:16:09] include borrowing costs. This will be
[1:16:10] used to acquire the equipment, the two
[1:16:13] groups of equipments are rolling stock
[1:16:15] we are looking to finance, revenue
[1:16:21] vehicles and also nonrevenue vehicles
[1:16:26] that support the operations. There's
[1:16:29] going to be interest related to the
[1:16:31] contractual obligations and also costs
[1:16:36] involved in issuing these. These items
[1:16:37] are already budgeted for in the budget
[1:16:42] we passed last fall. Next slide please.
[1:16:48] Our next steps, we will revisit with
[1:16:49] the committee in the next few months.
[1:16:54] Then we will be asking the board to
[1:16:55] specifically approved the issuance of
[1:16:56] the KOs, approve the amount which will
[1:17:02] be in the region of about $75 million.
[1:17:04] We will ask the board to authorize
[1:17:11] appropriate to execute documents
[1:17:14] associated with the financing. Also to
[1:17:18] approve the team which is the attorneys
[1:17:21] and underwriting syndicates associated
[1:17:22] with the financing as well. That is the
[1:17:27] plan we have as far as that is
[1:17:30] concerned. This concludes my
[1:17:33] presentation I'm happy to take any
[1:17:34] questions
[1:17:37] >> Just for the ignorant what is a KO
[1:17:42] versus CO. That is interesting that
[1:17:47] they did not call it a CO that was one
[1:17:48] of my first questions as well, there is
[1:17:52] no rhyme or reason. What does Ks
[1:17:58] stand for, contractual
[1:17:59] >> I'm okay with CO.
[1:18:03] >> Any other questions? I wanted to
[1:18:07] make a couple of comments to make sure
[1:18:13] we stress that the different debt
[1:18:16] instruments we issue will be depending
[1:18:18] on the purpose. If you have a
[1:18:24] referendum or a non-referendum, the
[1:18:25] finance team will make sure they use
[1:18:28] proper debt investment. The other thing
[1:18:29] I wanted to mention is when we are
[1:18:32] issuing debt for rolling stock heavy
[1:18:33] equipment things of that nature that we
[1:18:36] are going to match payback with the
[1:18:40] useful life. In other words we don't
[1:18:42] want to pay back in 10 years when
[1:18:43] useful life is seven years or five
[1:18:48] years. Any other questions? Thank you
[1:18:51] for the briefing. This is the last item
[1:18:54] on the agenda so the meeting is
[1:18:55] adjourned
[1:18:59] >> It is 10:42 AM we will start the
[1:19:05] infrastructure mobility committee
[1:19:06] meeting
[1:19:09] >> Excuse me it is 10:22 AM for the
[1:19:10] record
[1:19:15] >> I am Bob Fry the Chairman. I have a
[1:19:21] quorum present all of the board is here
[1:19:22] thank you for being here, Chairman
[1:19:23] Brock thank you for being here. I'm
[1:19:31] losing one. Okay. We have at least one
[1:19:36] speaker go ahead
[1:19:37] >> Dominic Maisoc
[1:19:40] >> Can you hear me? We hear you find
[1:19:46] Dominic go ahead. Mayor I was not at
[1:19:48] the rail meeting yesterday because I
[1:19:53] was doing my 180 at Council yesterday.
[1:19:57] As far as I'm concerned concerning
[1:20:01] that, METRO needs to watch the Union
[1:20:10] Pacific Northern Southern merger. I
[1:20:11] think there probably will be statements
[1:20:15] about the Houston terminal. I think the
[1:20:16] board needs to be very cautious of
[1:20:19] that. May be working with the cities
[1:20:21] and everything to have Union Pacific
[1:20:25] give the money for grade separation. In
[1:20:30] this, on the issues putting a downtown
[1:20:38] METRO police station within one of the
[1:20:39] downtown management District or Houston
[1:20:40] first. I'm going to say something, I'm
[1:20:44] for it, unfortunately it is something
[1:20:46] we have to have. My concern is people
[1:20:50] are becoming more and more and more
[1:20:56] uncivil. I will use the example of the
[1:20:59] bouncing off the walls cartoon World
[1:21:05] War II era. It seems like people are
[1:21:06] becoming more and more crude, becoming
[1:21:11] more and more uncivil. In the last
[1:21:15] meeting, people will be beginning to
[1:21:18] feel like, I don't have to pay my fare.
[1:21:23] It's a sad situation I don't know how,
[1:21:31] churches are doing part, maybe need to
[1:21:32] do more. Reverend that's in your
[1:21:35] department, that might be something you
[1:21:37] want to talk to your minister group
[1:21:48] with the Mayor. Use our ministers to
[1:21:49] tell people to obey the laws, the just
[1:21:50] laws that we do have. I don't how to do
[1:21:57] that. Secondly, you have this thing
[1:21:59] stand by for pavement repair. I think
[1:22:04] it's good that we have standby
[1:22:08] contractors that can come in and do the
[1:22:10] work, as long as they do the work well
[1:22:15] and do the work so we get the most bang
[1:22:16] for the buck. I know we've got in three
[1:22:21] months I know Terry is left, we've got
[1:22:25] the budget for believe it or not 2027
[1:22:32] coming up in April. That process is
[1:22:38] going on. With that, I have no other
[1:22:39] comments and will send it back to you
[1:22:40] Mayor thank you
[1:22:41] >> Thank you Dominic. Any other
[1:22:46] speakers? No sir. I will make one
[1:22:47] correction I said all of the board was
[1:22:49] here Board member Trevino is not here.
[1:22:53] With that, we will move on to action
[1:22:57] items. Casey?
[1:23:01] >>. Good morning I'm here to request
[1:23:10] board authorization for Interim
[1:23:12] President CEO to execute a competitive
[1:23:17] sealed proposal two-year contract for
[1:23:19] the asphalt and concrete paving for
[1:23:22] mobility improvements package three on
[1:23:23] an as-needed basis with Texas materials
[1:23:28] group, with a base contract value of
[1:23:35] $35,989,000. And a 10 percent METRO
[1:23:36] control to contingency of $3.5 million.
[1:23:43] Not to exceed amount of $39.5 million.
[1:23:50] >> If there are any questions I can
[1:23:51] answer them
[1:23:55] >> Questions or comments?
[1:23:56] >> Looks like it's okay, Casey. We will
[1:23:58] pass this on to the board
[1:24:02] >> Taylor?
[1:24:06] >> Good morning. Taylor, we are seeking
[1:24:16] approval of memorandum of understanding
[1:24:18] between merits and h Harris for an
[1:24:23] mixed-use development next to the
[1:24:25] Burnett transit Center. Last year in
[1:24:27] June and overview the opportunity and
[1:24:31] today I will provide an update and talk
[1:24:32] about the intent of the MOU. Before I
[1:24:35] start I want to recognize we have our
[1:24:41] colleagues from the Harris County
[1:24:42] housing finance Corporation here today,
[1:24:47] we have [Indiscernible]. With that I
[1:25:00] will begin. What is the [Indiscernible]
[1:25:04] development. A project led by the
[1:25:06] Harris County housing finance
[1:25:07] Corporation and arm of the county
[1:25:08] itself focused on promoting affordable
[1:25:11] housing. They have establish a vision
[1:25:15] for the project, a walkable mixed-use
[1:25:16] district with innovative mixed income
[1:25:20] housing commercial retail and
[1:25:22] neighborhood services serving the near
[1:25:26] North Side community as well as
[1:25:27] opportunities for small business
[1:25:28] success and high-quality pedestrian and
[1:25:30] green space. While METRO is not leading
[1:25:36] the project there is opportunity for
[1:25:37] ridership benefits and customer
[1:25:38] experience benefits related to safety
[1:25:40] and security and additional eyes on the
[1:25:45] street. This project is located in the
[1:25:49] near North Side, directly adjacent on
[1:25:50] the eastern side of Burnett transit
[1:25:53] Center. 10.7 acres the county owns.
[1:25:55] They are seeking to partner with more
[1:25:59] developers to bring the project to
[1:26:05] fruition. The preliminary site plan UC
[1:26:10] was developed by the county is subject
[1:26:11] to change based on negotiations with
[1:26:12] individual developers. They had broken
[1:26:13] the site into three tracts, tract one
[1:26:18] tract two being mixed-use developments
[1:26:21] with affordable housing and tract
[1:26:23] three being a shared open space area.
[1:26:30] As far as timeline tract one further
[1:26:35] away from the transit center on the
[1:26:36] eastern side is further along the scope
[1:26:40] from the county are seeking a minimum
[1:26:41] of 200 units affordable housing as well
[1:26:44] 15,000 square feet of retail or support
[1:26:49] services for residents. They issued an
[1:26:53] RFP last year and talk to a developer
[1:26:54] last year they are in negotiation
[1:26:58] process with the developer. They
[1:26:59] anticipate closing the end of this year
[1:27:00] and construction lasting two years.
[1:27:04] Tract two on the western side of the
[1:27:06] property adjacent to the transit center
[1:27:10] is somewhat similar with more
[1:27:14] commercial. It is a minimum of 200 unit
[1:27:18] affordable multifamily apartment
[1:27:19] complex with a minimum of 25,000 square
[1:27:20] feet of ground floor retail. They
[1:27:27] issued an RFP in the fall and
[1:27:28] anticipate selecting a developer in
[1:27:32] February. Similar timeline on the
[1:27:33] closing at the end of the year as well
[1:27:35] as construction lasting two years.
[1:27:39] Those are the two tracts. What is the
[1:27:46] purpose of the MOU, nonbinding
[1:27:49] agreement there is no contractual
[1:27:53] obligation for METRO. It does two
[1:27:54] things that identifies shared goals
[1:27:59] with Harris County finance Corporation
[1:28:00] and outlines roles and
[1:28:02] responsibilities. On the shared goals
[1:28:04] both parties want to ensure this is a
[1:28:09] transit oriented development that
[1:28:11] encourages ridership, that is the
[1:28:15] design of it. Also an opportunity for
[1:28:19] us to explore communities, to
[1:28:21] facilitate development and activation
[1:28:25] of METRO property itself. In the short
[1:28:26] term that could be enhanced pedestrian
[1:28:27] activity between our side and mayors.
[1:28:29] It could also be a long-term additional
[1:28:32] use of the transit center in the form
[1:28:36] of a joint development. As far as roles
[1:28:40] and responsibilities, Harris County
[1:28:41] housing finance Corporation is leading
[1:28:43] the project, METRO is a support role
[1:28:48] providing information and feedback to
[1:28:49] the county and their developers related
[1:28:52] to design and we are having an open
[1:28:56] mind if interest does come for
[1:28:58] additional development at the property.
[1:29:02] With that being said we are here today
[1:29:07] to request board authorization for the
[1:29:08] Interim President CEO to approve and
[1:29:15] MOU with the Harris County housing
[1:29:16] finance Corporation regarding proposed
[1:29:17] development adjacent to the Burnett
[1:29:18] transit Center.
[1:29:21] >> Questions or comments?
[1:29:26] >> I don't have any questions but I'm
[1:29:29] in support of this and excited about
[1:29:33] the TOD and the support we can provide
[1:29:35] for METRO
[1:29:36] >> That was one thing I wanted to ask
[1:29:37] you. You are okay with Harris County?
[1:29:41] Okay. The other thing is these projects
[1:29:47] like this next to our transit assets
[1:29:50] lead me to ask the obvious question.
[1:29:54] Chief, are you aware of this do you
[1:29:59] have public safety concerns as this
[1:30:00] goes forward?
[1:30:03] >> Yesterday they looped me in it is
[1:30:09] expanding and it's going to be more
[1:30:10] people there so will be a higher
[1:30:13] [Indiscernible] but a good thing right
[1:30:15] now it's close proximity to the
[1:30:18] headquarters at Buffalo Bayou so we
[1:30:21] still have a gap. As we increase our
[1:30:24] presence our safety initiative on the
[1:30:27] red line it will mitigate some of that
[1:30:28] in the initial term
[1:30:32] >> Tom, I would be sure to mention that
[1:30:39] public safety [Indiscernible] as it
[1:30:42] goes along so they are not caught by
[1:30:43] surprise later
[1:30:44] >> Yes, sir.
[1:30:46] >> Are there any other questions or
[1:30:49] comments? Kathy
[1:30:52] >> I'm wondering, this is for
[1:30:55] increasing the ridership. The goal is
[1:30:57] to increase ridership. Are there any
[1:31:00] other things? It looks like we have
[1:31:03] mixed-use on the businesses. Is this a
[1:31:04] little like an investment for METRO so
[1:31:07] we can profit from this or just for the
[1:31:13] purpose of increasing the ridership
[1:31:16] >> On our side it's about increasing
[1:31:19] ridership. The county is developing the
[1:31:23] property. They have their own goals
[1:31:24] related to affordable housing but ours
[1:31:27] is ridership.
[1:31:28] >> Thank you
[1:31:30] >> I would ask this question, you talk
[1:31:33] about the development and the proximity
[1:31:36] of the transit center next to it. What
[1:31:43] specifically bridges the two entities
[1:31:47] together to provide or to enhance
[1:31:52] transportation?
[1:31:53] >> That's what the MOU is serving right
[1:31:54] now or will serve. So we can have
[1:31:58] further conversation related to the
[1:32:00] design of the project. We want to make
[1:32:02] sure cents the design is integrated and
[1:32:09] supports transit and is a safe and
[1:32:10] secure environment
[1:32:11] >> My second question would be, are
[1:32:18] there any future developments this
[1:32:19] entity wants to partner with or have a
[1:32:22] relationship with METRO in?
[1:32:27] >> Not right now but we are open to
[1:32:28] conversations
[1:32:29] >> Thank you
[1:32:34] >> Anything else?
[1:32:35] >> Go ahead
[1:32:39] >> Director Ponce, I have not been out
[1:32:40] to the Burnett transit Center for some
[1:32:42] time now. With this development and the
[1:32:50] increase of parking for residents and
[1:32:53] customers as well as people coming to
[1:32:56] shop, could you speak a little on what
[1:32:59] the parking situation will be like? Are
[1:33:04] there multilevel parking garages that
[1:33:05] will be utilized for by both riders and
[1:33:10] residents?
[1:33:14] >> At this time, it's a separate
[1:33:15] development so there is not shared
[1:33:18] parking. They would have their own
[1:33:19] parking for residents and for retail
[1:33:25] and the transit center would stay as is
[1:33:29] >> I think you can see the interest in
[1:33:31] it. Everybody here has spoke, it's best
[1:33:33] to keep the board informed of how it's
[1:33:39] going. Personally, anytime you are
[1:33:41] talking this it's better when you're
[1:33:44] not talking to somebody, I certainly
[1:33:45] think we need to move this forward. We
[1:33:51] will move it forward. Thank you
[1:33:52] >> We will move on to five year
[1:34:03] contract on paving. Parmjit Kang, have
[1:34:07] not seen you in a while
[1:34:13] >> I am the senior program manager with
[1:34:17] infrastructure improvement here to
[1:34:18] request board authorization for Interim
[1:34:20] President CEO to negotiate and execute
[1:34:23] five year contract with two one-year
[1:34:28] options with 5 million each with AECOM
[1:34:38] Midtown Engineer Consor Engineers HR
[1:34:45] Green BGE Infratech and Exp US Services
[1:34:51] for design services for budget and
[1:34:52] plan construction projects on as-needed
[1:34:53] basis for not to exceed 140 million
[1:34:59] total
[1:35:02] >> Questions?
[1:35:06] >> Basically this is to put us in line
[1:35:09] with consultants as we need them when
[1:35:11] we need them, we pay for them when we
[1:35:15] use them. It's to be ready when things
[1:35:18] come up if we need additional help,
[1:35:21] does that cover it?
[1:35:22] >> Yes
[1:35:26] >> Is there any specific set-aside for
[1:35:29] small businesses in this consulting?
[1:35:34] Yes. 35 percent [Indiscernible]
[1:35:38] >> Any other questions? If I could just
[1:35:43] add a little bit, each one of those
[1:35:46] vendors has committed to 35 percent or
[1:35:50] greater, some of them [Indiscernible]
[1:35:53] >> On page 27 they are listed.
[1:35:59] >> That's a good point. Is it cut and
[1:36:05] dry as far as you are concerned? Okay
[1:36:09] no further questions we will move this
[1:36:11] onto the board. Thank you
[1:36:14] >> Clint, are you ready?
[1:36:28] >> Welcome Clint good to see you. Good
[1:36:36] morning sorry I did not hear my name.
[1:36:38] This morning we are here to request
[1:36:43] board action, the METRO Police
[1:36:47] Department and leadership identified a
[1:36:49] need for METRO police substation near
[1:36:51] the convention District area adjacent
[1:36:53] to both our green and purple line as
[1:36:59] well as the airport direct service. As
[1:37:05] such, the agency has begun discussions
[1:37:06] and developed a draft agreement with
[1:37:12] the Houston first Corporation to
[1:37:17] procure a ground-floor space of 1400
[1:37:18] square feet of the partnership tower at
[1:37:24] 71001 [Indiscernible] in Houston Texas.
[1:37:27] I will read the recommendation. Request
[1:37:30] board action for the Interim President
[1:37:34] CEO to negotiate execute and deliver a
[1:37:37] lease agreement with Houston first
[1:37:39] Corporation for the ground-floor 1400
[1:37:41] square feet of the partnership tower at
[1:37:47] 701 [Indiscernible] in Houston Texas
[1:37:49] for Houston METRO police department
[1:37:55] substation. As a note, this is a zero
[1:37:59] cost a lease arrangement and does
[1:38:02] include both option for a renewal, this
[1:38:08] is a one-year agreement now and has the
[1:38:09] option for termination at either party
[1:38:10] request.
[1:38:15] >> Are there any questions? I have a
[1:38:19] comment. I believe because of its
[1:38:23] location I believe ridership and the
[1:38:24] public will be pleased with this move
[1:38:33] >> Also in support given the upcoming
[1:38:36] increased activity in the next six
[1:38:37] months I'm glad to see this on the
[1:38:38] agenda
[1:38:40] >> I echo all of the above, it's a
[1:38:42] great idea
[1:38:45] >> You might want to go into why the
[1:38:49] location is so important?
[1:38:52] >> There's a number of reasons, this is
[1:38:54] the confluence of the two lines, we
[1:38:57] have both the green and purple line
[1:38:59] that connect to the convention center.
[1:39:06] The Houston airport direct service that
[1:39:07] runs every 30 minutes and delivers
[1:39:09] folks from the airport to downtown
[1:39:10] Houston is at this location as well. It
[1:39:16] gives the METRO MPD the opportunity to
[1:39:17] observe the activity occurring as it
[1:39:19] relates to passenger service and
[1:39:23] additional safety. Provides extra layer
[1:39:24] of general safety for the area at the
[1:39:27] convention center
[1:39:30] >> I think it's a good location, it
[1:39:33] should be done any other comments? We
[1:39:37] will pass it on, Clint thank you.
[1:39:49] >> Bridget Towns, hello
[1:39:54] >> Good morning everyone. I am Bridget
[1:40:04] towns, vice president of infrastructure
[1:40:08] improvement department here to request
[1:40:13] authorization for the president Interim
[1:40:14] President CEO to execute a contract
[1:40:15] modification with Wilson building
[1:40:16] services for the installation of a fire
[1:40:21] pump and generator at METRO central
[1:40:25] store warehouse. The original contract
[1:40:26] was awarded earlier last year in the
[1:40:35] amount of $1.928 million. Also at the
[1:40:41] time, METRO controlled contingency was
[1:40:45] approved in the amount of $192,818. The
[1:40:53] total amount of the original contract
[1:40:59] including the controlled contingency
[1:41:05] was $2.120 million. We had an earlier
[1:41:06] change order in the amount of $80,875.
[1:41:15] Which left us with the remaining
[1:41:22] controlled contingency of $111,942.
[1:41:27] This change order is for 197,057. The
[1:41:36] additional amount requested to cover
[1:41:40] this current change order is the delta
[1:41:43] between the change order amount and the
[1:41:49] remaining controlled contingency, which
[1:41:56] is $85,114. The total modified contract
[1:41:59] amount, including the change order,
[1:42:05] would be $2.206 million. Also as part
[1:42:12] of the change order, we would like to
[1:42:15] request a period performance extension
[1:42:18] to July of this year, this change order
[1:42:28] captures field driven revisions for
[1:42:29] unforeseen site conditions and code
[1:42:35] requirement including but not limited
[1:42:38] to adjusting conduit qualities
[1:42:42] increasing casing sides upsizing the
[1:42:45] tapping sleeve and valve and modified
[1:42:48] electrical components to meet the
[1:42:51] latest city codes. Are there any
[1:42:55] questions or comments? I know it is a
[1:42:56] lot of numbers
[1:42:59] >> Go ahead
[1:43:01] >> So this is for this location at 1900
[1:43:05] Main?
[1:43:06] >> This is for the METRO central store
[1:43:09] warehouse.
[1:43:11] >> Okay.
[1:43:14] >> I want to comment on this one. This
[1:43:18] warehouse is been a METRO hands for how
[1:43:21] long Tom? Since the 60s or 70s?
[1:43:24] >> Certainly back to the original
[1:43:28] origin which goes back to 1979. And we
[1:43:31] know it was before that. It has fallen
[1:43:38] into disrepair anytime you have a
[1:43:39] building that old anything you do cost
[1:43:43] a lot of money. The state of good
[1:43:44] repairs is what we demand on this board
[1:43:45] so this is certainly worth doing and I
[1:43:49] think we pass this unless I have
[1:43:54] dissension here. Comments?
[1:43:58] >> I'm in support of making sure we
[1:44:03] maintain our facilities. In a state of
[1:44:07] good repair. I don't know what the
[1:44:09] expected lifecycle is on the fire
[1:44:11] suppression system. It looks like we
[1:44:15] are making modifications upgrades if
[1:44:16] you have to replace and all of that. I
[1:44:18] did not know how much life we have
[1:44:21] current or how much extended life as a
[1:44:22] result of the repairs? Does anybody
[1:44:25] know?
[1:44:29] >> This is just for the fire
[1:44:32] suppression system. I would say
[1:44:33] probably off the top of my head, this
[1:44:38] would send it out for approximately 15
[1:44:39] years or so
[1:44:41] >> I guess and that's a good question,
[1:44:46] of course the caveat is let's start
[1:44:49] planning for 15 years from now.
[1:44:56] Anything else? we will pass it along
[1:44:57] thank you
[1:45:00] >> Thank you. We will move on to
[1:45:03] briefings capital project update Shri
[1:45:07] >> Good morning board members, we've
[1:45:13] got update starting with Tim Mills with
[1:45:14] an update on the universal
[1:45:17] accessibility program.
[1:45:19] >> Good morning everybody. We will
[1:45:22] start with the progress update for this
[1:45:25] fiscal year. December bit of a slow
[1:45:29] month with the holidays. We are still
[1:45:33] tracking for 250 improvements in design
[1:45:37] and construction, I expect to see a
[1:45:41] good jump in January. Board member
[1:45:43] Ponce, you asked last month about some
[1:45:46] of the more difficult stops getting
[1:45:49] into the open ditch stops and the
[1:45:56] partnership stops so I wanted to give
[1:45:57] an update on where we stand in the
[1:45:58] program and highlight some of the ways
[1:46:01] we are trying to address those stops.
[1:46:06] We are at 6100 improvements since the
[1:46:09] start of the program and F FY18.
[1:46:15] Everything in red are stops that have
[1:46:16] not been addressed as part of the UA.
[1:46:17] When you break that down there are
[1:46:20] stops in their existing compliant, some
[1:46:24] completed prior to the start of the UA
[1:46:27] program. Stops completed by others.
[1:46:29] Stops completed by a third-party. That
[1:46:34] leaves about 700 stops left to do, we
[1:46:39] have another 230 or so currently in
[1:46:43] construction. Right at about 1000 stops
[1:46:48] remaining. The green boxes around a
[1:46:52] couple of corridors, with these
[1:46:55] partnership stops is how we need to
[1:46:56] look at them and get away from the
[1:46:59] point-to-point improvements and look at
[1:47:00] it as a corridor based approach. To
[1:47:02] walk you through a few things. This one
[1:47:06] is on the northeast side of town,
[1:47:12] Eastland Street. Is a residential
[1:47:14] neighborhood with existing sidewalk on
[1:47:15] one side of the street. We operate bus
[1:47:18] service on both sides of the street.
[1:47:21] You can see on the left-hand side of
[1:47:25] the photo, there is an open ditch with
[1:47:28] a bus stop sign. A ditch on the
[1:47:29] right-hand side of the street with
[1:47:33] sidewalk behind it. It's a residential
[1:47:38] neighborhood, highlighted in the red
[1:47:39] box we have a school in the bottom
[1:47:40] right corner of the map and a parking
[1:47:42] community center in the middle off to
[1:47:47] the right of Eastland. This is one we
[1:47:53] are looking at improvements, there was
[1:47:54] a lot of benefit to the community to
[1:47:55] look at this as a corridor. I believe
[1:47:57] from Booker Street to Berry, close
[1:48:01] to 30 stops off of Wayside over to
[1:48:04] Eastland and back out to Wayside where
[1:48:13] we can catch a lot of bus stop
[1:48:14] improvements and improve the sidewalk
[1:48:15] in the neighborhood and include
[1:48:16] sidewalk connections to the school and
[1:48:17] to the community center in the park.
[1:48:21] That's one we are tackling ourselves
[1:48:23] under the UA program, benefits to the
[1:48:28] community. We are high on this one
[1:48:29] which is why we chose to advance this
[1:48:33] ourselves. Oats Road is another one, a
[1:48:43] little east of Eastland on the east
[1:48:44] side of town this is a two lane road
[1:48:45] with deep ditches on both side of the
[1:48:46] road, about a dozen stops on this
[1:48:52] stretch of oats Road. Almost all of
[1:48:53] them have very low zero ridership,
[1:48:58] there are two stops, a halfway house on
[1:48:59] the north end of the street where there
[1:49:04] is high ridership. We are including
[1:49:09] improvements there to address the ones
[1:49:13] with highest ridership and then we will
[1:49:14] work with the service planning group to
[1:49:17] figure out maybe we can optimize some
[1:49:18] of the stops and get rid of stops to
[1:49:20] cut down on the improvements but
[1:49:26] maintain service while still serving
[1:49:27] the customer base out there. Veterans
[1:49:31] Memorial on the west side of town, this
[1:49:37] is one multilane Road open ditch no
[1:49:43] sidewalks on either side. We've been in
[1:49:44] contact with the county they have a
[1:49:48] sidewalk project coming up so we are
[1:49:49] coordinating on bus stops making sure
[1:49:52] they get included in their project and
[1:49:53] addressing them as part of that that
[1:49:55] meets the standard and locations are
[1:49:59] good. That's a case of coordination
[1:50:02] between agencies. Same thing on
[1:50:07] [Indiscernible] Road, TxDOT has a
[1:50:08] project coming up open ditch on both
[1:50:09] sides of the road. There is a train
[1:50:14] track on the left side of the photo,
[1:50:18] coordinating with TxDOT to get stops
[1:50:22] addressed to our standards. There were
[1:50:23] a few that presented problems for
[1:50:24] TxDOT, four of them that we have to
[1:50:28] figure out how to address those. But it
[1:50:33] knocks out 15 difficult stops for us
[1:50:36] that will be done as part of their
[1:50:42] project. The last one, this is a few
[1:50:44] different streets up on the northwest
[1:50:49] side of town. This was not done in
[1:50:50] conjunction but this is a way it will
[1:50:53] improve our numbers. When they came
[1:50:58] with the service change, I believe in
[1:50:59] November or December board meeting,
[1:51:02] Route 64 will be discontinued next
[1:51:05] month. We had several stops on that
[1:51:07] part of the route that were residential
[1:51:09] neighborhood, open ditches with no
[1:51:13] sidewalk, eliminating that stop will
[1:51:14] take those off the UA list two
[1:51:18] completed to improve our compliance
[1:51:21] numbers. Again you can see there are
[1:51:25] multiple ways we are trying to address
[1:51:28] the stops, not all necessarily out of
[1:51:33] the UA budget. But it does show you the
[1:51:34] flavor of how we are trying to address
[1:51:37] these difficult stops. Are there any
[1:51:42] questions?
[1:51:43] >> I want to go back to oats Road. You
[1:51:48] were talking to planning within METRO
[1:51:52] and come up with roads that don't need
[1:51:54] stops, and it helps the coordination
[1:51:56] there, I'd like very much
[1:52:02] [Indiscernible] and with the
[1:52:03] coordination especially with two groups
[1:52:05] in house talking, a lot of times that
[1:52:06] does not happen so I'm proud of you.
[1:52:08] Are there any comments? Director Ponce.
[1:52:12] I want to thank you Tim for the update.
[1:52:17] I remember going out to one of the open
[1:52:20] houses, the public meeting for
[1:52:23] Commissioner Garcia by Veterans
[1:52:28] Memorial. I remember them talking about
[1:52:29] the expansion of Veterans Memorial
[1:52:31] there. This is another example of how
[1:52:34] we can collaborate with other partners
[1:52:38] to ensure not just our streets and
[1:52:40] sidewalks but METRO stops are up to
[1:52:44] date and accessible for everyone. This
[1:52:46] is one way of us to show other
[1:52:57] commission offices and also the nation
[1:52:58] as to what we are doing in Houston in
[1:53:02] collaboration to ensure all of our
[1:53:03] spaces are accessible to everyone.
[1:53:05] Thank you for that I appreciate that
[1:53:08] >> Also want to applaud the
[1:53:12] collaborative work as well. When you
[1:53:15] show the pictures of Veterans Memorial
[1:53:19] and Alameda Road you know how fast cars
[1:53:21] go up and down those heavily transited
[1:53:24] parts of the city. I'm very excited we
[1:53:28] will be doing work to make it more ADA
[1:53:32] accessible and also taking into
[1:53:34] consideration additional safety
[1:53:35] measures and those area. It is scary.
[1:53:38] We know Houston unfortunately has some
[1:53:43] parts like on Westheimer and parts of
[1:53:44] the city that are dangerous for
[1:53:46] pedestrians a national report recently
[1:53:49] said so. I know we are putting safety
[1:53:51] first and all things we do at METRO. I
[1:53:55] appreciate the work that we continue to
[1:54:00] visit busy and fast roads. It's great
[1:54:05] that we offer the service and hopefully
[1:54:06] we can make it safer
[1:54:08] >> And to piggyback off the one on oats
[1:54:12] Road, we are include flashing beacons a
[1:54:17] pedestrian crossing because these are
[1:54:18] two heavily utilized stops coming and
[1:54:19] going and a lot of traffic out there.
[1:54:23] Anything we can do to improve the
[1:54:25] safety crossing the street, getting
[1:54:28] between stops is something we are
[1:54:29] looking at as part of the UA program
[1:54:32] >> I echo the comments. What is the
[1:54:36] timeline for completion
[1:54:39] >> Oats Road, this one will go into
[1:54:41] construction I would guess in the next
[1:54:48] couple of months. Eastland, we are at
[1:54:50] the finish line I expect to have
[1:54:51] permitted planned for those maybe next
[1:54:55] week. That would again get going this
[1:54:57] fiscal year. Some of the coordination
[1:55:01] projects, I need to check in and see
[1:55:02] where they are on their timeline. Those
[1:55:04] are outside of our control but I can
[1:55:08] come back with an update with TxDOT in
[1:55:14] County projects
[1:55:15] >> I'd love to hear about the timeline
[1:55:18] from when we start to when we complete.
[1:55:21] Also some before and after photos would
[1:55:24] be great. Is really important, I echo
[1:55:27] what the other board members have said.
[1:55:31] Also, us being able to talk about all
[1:55:35] of these projects underway and the
[1:55:38] coordination and how we are
[1:55:42] complementing each other and working
[1:55:43] together not just in silos. To be able
[1:55:47] to promote that and tell the story that
[1:55:52] these investments and projects are
[1:55:55] underway and people will start seeing
[1:56:00] that progress.
[1:56:06] >> Anybody else? okay, Tim this is good
[1:56:07] staff work and you presented it well
[1:56:10] thank you. We will move on, Kenneth
[1:56:16] >> Good morning Mr. Brown.
[1:56:23] >> Good morning board Ken Brown
[1:56:27] director of service enhancements to
[1:56:28] provide the bus shelter program updates
[1:56:30] for January. Bus shelter program goals
[1:56:32] are listed, install 2000 new shelters,
[1:56:38] install 425 BOOST shelters and continue
[1:56:42] the rehabilitation program. Starting
[1:56:44] with the BOOST shelters at the time of
[1:56:45] the presentation creation we reach 235
[1:56:50] shelter installations, we have four
[1:56:51] shelter types at our disposal, we have
[1:56:59] installed 156 cantilever, 68
[1:57:00] [Indiscernible] so we are well on our
[1:57:01] way to reaching the goal of 100 for
[1:57:05] fiscal year 26, we intend to reach that
[1:57:06] goal prior to the completion of the
[1:57:12] fiscal year. Moving on to the new
[1:57:13] standard shelter program, our goal for
[1:57:17] the year is 500 shelters installed,
[1:57:21] 1500 in total. Our current progress was
[1:57:27] 1150 shelters. We have reached the 1200
[1:57:28] Mark so we are higher, well on track to
[1:57:34] reach our goal of 1500 by the close of
[1:57:40] the fiscal year. In addition we are
[1:57:43] focusing on transitioning our shelters
[1:57:47] from the current model to a model that
[1:57:51] accommodates airflow. Materials have
[1:57:53] been purchased by facilities
[1:57:54] maintenance to make the modification to
[1:57:57] the rehabs. We are looking at making
[1:57:58] changes to the new standard as well. We
[1:58:04] have 800 or so to install so we want to
[1:58:05] make sure we provide the same
[1:58:06] modification to though shelters as well
[1:58:08] so all customers can benefit from the
[1:58:09] change when the summer comes. Speaking
[1:58:16] of the rehab, we are currently in
[1:58:17] process of making that conversion. Once
[1:58:19] the materials are prepared and ready to
[1:58:22] go, you will see the rehabs shelters
[1:58:30] include the mesh panels. Last but not
[1:58:33] least is our partnership, we have a
[1:58:40] partnership with precinct two. We reach
[1:58:42] the goal of installation for them we
[1:58:43] were one short in December but I was
[1:58:44] recently notified the last shelter was
[1:58:45] installed. All 200 have been installed
[1:58:48] we are currently working to get the
[1:58:53] branding finalized so we can finish out
[1:58:54] the process and move on to forthcoming
[1:58:56] agreements. We are working with
[1:59:00] Precinct 4. We don't have a formal
[1:59:01] agreement in place because they are
[1:59:04] finalizing the design. Once they
[1:59:05] finalize the design we are able to
[1:59:06] review it and we will talk with them
[1:59:10] about a potential agreement. That
[1:59:11] concludes my presentation
[1:59:14] >> Questions? Just a comment on
[1:59:21] Precinct 4 partnership, I know they are
[1:59:25] working on finalizing the design and I
[1:59:26] look forward to partnering with them to
[1:59:27] get these on the ground
[1:59:28] >> Thank you
[1:59:32] >> Other questions? what is your
[1:59:35] timeline for having me air panels
[1:59:39] installed?
[1:59:40] >> We are a lot closer with the rehab
[1:59:45] because we have procured the materials
[1:59:46] 800 panels purchased by the field
[1:59:51] service center. With a new standard
[1:59:57] shelters we are working on a
[1:59:58] modification to the agreement because
[1:59:59] it will require additional resources
[2:00:02] transitioning from polycarbonate panel
[2:00:03] which is cheaper than mesh aluminum
[2:00:04] they will be more durable. I'd say in a
[2:00:07] month or so we should have that
[2:00:10] agreement modified and the vendor will
[2:00:13] go out and purchase the panels and
[2:00:17] start installing them. It won't start
[2:00:18] our progress with installing shelters,
[2:00:21] they will continue to do what they are
[2:00:22] doing now to get more shelters
[2:00:25] fabricated. Once we get the new
[2:00:28] materials we will transition. A month
[2:00:29] or two we should be looking at shelters
[2:00:31] >> A month or two to get shelters ready
[2:00:34] to go, what is the timeline for
[2:00:35] finishing
[2:00:36] >> The entire program? we look we are a
[2:00:42] year ahead of schedule, initially we
[2:00:44] thought it would be let me go back to
[2:00:50] the slide, initially we thought we
[2:00:51] would be getting this done in 2008. We
[2:00:55] think will we will be finished by 2027
[2:01:01] >> Okay. 2027. Let's see, okay that
[2:01:04] does it for me thank you anybody else?
[2:01:06] I have another quick comment. I know it
[2:01:13] was a year or two ago we said we wanted
[2:01:14] to prioritize this as a board and I
[2:01:17] want to credit the administration for
[2:01:22] the responsiveness. I really appreciate
[2:01:24] the updates and I'm excited about
[2:01:25] continuing to see progress on this
[2:01:26] initiative
[2:01:27] >> Anything else? Thank you.
[2:01:36] Construction update Bilal
[2:01:39] >> Good morning everyone. Director of
[2:01:49] construction. I will go over the
[2:01:51] construction updates. Our construction
[2:01:54] volume right now is 197.5 million
[2:02:01] dollars. Additional funds are available
[2:02:04] for 14.7 million to cover contingency
[2:02:08] for unforeseen conditions. For a total
[2:02:09] of 14 projects we are overseeing right
[2:02:11] now. The update for the maintenance of
[2:02:15] way project. The project is 65 percent
[2:02:18] complete, we are on target for July
[2:02:22] completion with the current pace of
[2:02:25] work we might achieve substantial
[2:02:26] completion a month earlier in June of
[2:02:30] this year. Exterior and interior work
[2:02:34] are ongoing. The MOW road work has
[2:02:38] commenced. The roadwork contractor has
[2:02:39] mobilized to the site last week. Next
[2:02:45] is the petroleum storage tank
[2:02:50] replacement that Hiram Clarke. I'm
[2:02:51] happy to report that both projects have
[2:02:53] been completed and handed to
[2:02:56] operations. The new fueling stations
[2:03:00] are operational. Also next month we
[2:03:04] will be breaking ground for the new
[2:03:05] petroleum storage tanks at Kashmere and
[2:03:11] Northwest bus operating facilities.
[2:03:12] Next is the TMC electric box
[2:03:14] infrastructure. This has been completed
[2:03:20] fencing around the [Indiscernible] have
[2:03:22] been removed allowing for the bus lanes
[2:03:23] to back into a normal operation.
[2:03:27] However we have hit a snag and cannot
[2:03:28] complete the testing of the Chargers at
[2:03:33] this time there was a water leak found
[2:03:36] in the vendor grass which is some of
[2:03:38] the electrical components.
[2:03:39] [Indiscernible] is in the process of
[2:03:44] ordering new parts. We don't have a
[2:03:45] date yet for when the parts are arriving
[2:03:50] which may cost some delay starting the
[2:03:51] electric bus service at this facility.
[2:03:55] Next we have the TMC elevators and
[2:04:00] escalators. I'm happy to report the
[2:04:02] major milestone has been achieved and
[2:04:03] all four new escalators are installed.
[2:04:05] These were shipped from Spain and we
[2:04:08] had to airfreight them to meet the
[2:04:12] schedule. Also the four new elevators
[2:04:13] are being delivered to the site this
[2:04:16] week. Installation will commence in
[2:04:20] parallel. All of the electrical and
[2:04:24] mechanical works are ongoing. We are
[2:04:25] getting ready to start the pedestrian
[2:04:27] bridge rehab which will start next
[2:04:29] month and include structure repair
[2:04:33] paint TMC signs and LED lights. That
[2:04:40] concludes my presentation before he
[2:04:41] bring Casey for the pavement projects
[2:04:42] any questions for me?
[2:04:43] >> Questions?
[2:04:49] >> Go back to the Chargers. Those are
[2:04:53] for the electric buses? How does that
[2:05:03] slow you down? it doesn't hurt you bad
[2:05:06] does it? All of the infrastructure has
[2:05:09] been installed the Chargers the
[2:05:11] switchgear the transformers. In order
[2:05:13] to start the testing and commissioning,
[2:05:15] the system had to be turned on. When
[2:05:21] they were about to turn it on they
[2:05:22] found a water leak inside the
[2:05:25] pantograph. What that did is
[2:05:26] short-circuited some of the electric
[2:05:29] circuits inside the pantograph in those
[2:05:30] parts had to be reordered. We cannot
[2:05:37] turn those on until the parts have
[2:05:38] arrived so that is slowing us down. We
[2:05:42] are not sure exactly what the lead-time
[2:05:45] on these things, [Indiscernible] is
[2:05:46] finding out we just found it two weeks
[2:05:48] ago. They don't have a delivery date
[2:05:50] yet.
[2:05:54] >> But, that is for the buses the
[2:05:56] electric buses. If you did not get
[2:05:59] that, it doesn't really slow you down
[2:06:03] that much does it
[2:06:04] >> Just the electric buses that don't
[2:06:06] operate yet. We were planning to start
[2:06:10] that service. So there will be some
[2:06:11] delay in that
[2:06:15] >> If this does not happen by the time
[2:06:20] of World Cup you are still in good shape
[2:06:21] >> Yes it is not slowing us down. Any
[2:06:24] other comments or questions? Thank you
[2:06:29] >> North Houston highway improvement
[2:06:31] project.
[2:06:34] >> You are on construction updates.
[2:06:37] Good morning again Casey McKay
[2:06:43] preconstruction as well as director of
[2:06:44] the construction BOOST and roadway
[2:06:47] projects. First I will go over the
[2:06:50] concrete asphalt paving for mobility
[2:06:53] improvement contract one update. The
[2:07:01] prime contractor completed the Texas
[2:07:02] Avenue Kirby Drive Montrose and began
[2:07:03] construction on April 1, 2025 on
[2:07:04] Washington Avenue and Westcott and will
[2:07:05] complete that project by the end of
[2:07:09] January. The picture on the slide show
[2:07:10] the completed asphalt service pavement
[2:07:13] near Franklin at the end of the
[2:07:19] Washington Avenue project. Next I will
[2:07:20] go over the Holcomb Boulevard update.
[2:07:24] The contractor began construction in
[2:07:28] October 2025. The westbound lanes have
[2:07:30] finish surface paving from Fannin to
[2:07:32] Kirby, now they are currently milling
[2:07:37] the two curb lanes from Kirby to
[2:07:48] Buffalo Speedway and are about to
[2:07:49] continue all the way to the project
[2:07:50] westbound and once they finish
[2:07:51] westbound they will do eastbound. Next
[2:07:54] I will go over the concrete asphalt
[2:07:57] paving for mobility and improvement
[2:07:59] contract number two update the prime
[2:08:03] contractor began construction in August
[2:08:04] along Hillcroft from Westpark to
[2:08:07] Westheimer. They are completed asphalt
[2:08:11] service paving Harris East 20th and
[2:08:14] North Post Oak the picture on the left
[2:08:17] shows the asphalt surface completed on
[2:08:18] North Post Oak facing I-10. The picture
[2:08:22] on the right shows the concrete
[2:08:23] intersection still being worked on on
[2:08:24] North Post Oak and Westfield. The
[2:08:31] asphalt project [Indiscernible] is
[2:08:33] [Indiscernible] which will start
[2:08:34] milling next week around January 22.
[2:08:41] Now I look over the JFK concrete panel
[2:08:49] replacement update. The contractor
[2:08:50] began construction on January 6, 2026.
[2:08:52] Cutting and concrete panel replacement
[2:08:55] began as seen in the pictures. We will
[2:08:58] complete this project before the World
[2:09:03] Cup. Next I will go over the BOOST 54
[2:09:10] segment four project update on Scott
[2:09:11] Street from Holmes Road to Swingle
[2:09:15] Drive. The contractor began
[2:09:16] construction on December 8, 2025. As
[2:09:22] shown in the pictures on the slide the
[2:09:23] sidewalk bus stops and shared use Path
[2:09:27] has started. The project will be
[2:09:32] complete around July 2026. We have now
[2:09:37] asphalt surfaced 65.63 lane miles and
[2:09:42] have restored 49+ lane miles of
[2:09:48] concrete panel replacements. This slide
[2:09:49] shows an approximate list of current
[2:09:54] and upcoming projects. This shows an
[2:09:58] approximate list of not yet started
[2:10:04] roadway projects. If there are any
[2:10:05] questions I'm happy to answer them
[2:10:09] >> Questions?
[2:10:10] >> This is Director Ponce. Can you go
[2:10:12] back to the first slide on Franklin. I
[2:10:23] think this intersection is amazing have
[2:10:29] we had conversations with Public Works
[2:10:30] in Houston regarding ramp accessibility?
[2:10:35] >> Yes, sir. I believe they are going
[2:10:36] to be working on that crossing in the
[2:10:39] near future. We did talk to them and
[2:10:42] they told us for the striping in that
[2:10:47] area to leave it as temporary striping
[2:10:48] because they would be doing work there
[2:10:52] >> Okay thank you. Other questions?
[2:10:56] I've got two or three public input from
[2:10:58] riders or drivers at the Post Oak,
[2:11:03] magnificent and good to hear. Anybody
[2:11:11] else? Thank you Casey. Rachel
[2:11:15] >> It's been a few months but I will
[2:11:24] move quickly but not talk too fast. I
[2:11:32] am in the planning group at METRO
[2:11:33] presenting on North Houston highway
[2:11:35] improvement project. Basically what is
[2:11:40] the program and how has METRO planning
[2:11:41] for it as well is reacting every day.
[2:11:47] Construction projects are fluid. Where
[2:11:48] trying to make our system maintain as
[2:11:49] functional as possible for rail and bus
[2:11:51] to keep routes running smoothly as
[2:11:56] possible to also protect the agency
[2:11:58] assets of course things like their
[2:12:02] light rail track itself while
[2:12:03] communicating changes to routes and
[2:12:04] detours to customers as often as
[2:12:08] possible. This is a calendar overview
[2:12:11] of the different segments. I will try
[2:12:15] to move quickly. Last year to segments
[2:12:16] were under construction and more in
[2:12:20] planning and design. Detours and
[2:12:23] service changes, detours that will be
[2:12:24] under six months are temporary. We been
[2:12:30] working with operation group and bus
[2:12:31] operations to determine what the
[2:12:34] detours might look like. In some cases
[2:12:35] it's better to detour a few blocks out
[2:12:37] of the way then change the route in its
[2:12:41] entirety. That happened on the nine
[2:12:45] Gulfton Holman. [Indiscernible] utility
[2:12:46] work down for three months we have
[2:12:49] returned the route back to normal
[2:12:53] operations. The 4041 was included in
[2:12:58] long-term service change. That is now
[2:12:59] permanently detouring around while Polk
[2:13:03] Street is closing. The 54 Scott is
[2:13:04] going to have to change later this
[2:13:07] year. The bridges at 288 will come down
[2:13:10] so that will be a longer-term service
[2:13:14] change. There are some instances where
[2:13:18] we change routes working with
[2:13:19] operations that ended up being
[2:13:20] fortuitous to keep it that way. The 40
[2:13:23] market closed down due to detention
[2:13:25] basin work. For segment three B1 it
[2:13:30] turned out to be a quicker route time
[2:13:32] and the housing development got shut
[2:13:33] down due to the TxDOT project so the
[2:13:35] ridership base was not there they
[2:13:39] maintain this route change because I
[2:13:40] had a better travel time. The first
[2:13:43] project is the one you have seen I-10
[2:13:49] at Studemont Heights they are lifting a
[2:13:50] portion out of the floodplain. While
[2:13:54] this is not a NHHIP project it does
[2:13:58] have implications for adjacent segments.
[2:14:03] I will get into the ramp later because
[2:14:04] that's where the crux of the impact is.
[2:14:08] This is on Saint Emmanuel this went
[2:14:09] into construction last year in October.
[2:14:15] This is basically providing drainage
[2:14:16] for the [Indiscernible] happening at
[2:14:21] state Highway 288. They board under the
[2:14:23] green and purple tracks to put in large
[2:14:27] box culverts. We did geotechnical
[2:14:28] monitoring to make sure there is no
[2:14:30] track deflection or damage to our
[2:14:35] assets. We will do that again this year
[2:14:36] because they have to go under the
[2:14:38] tracks to install sanitary lines and
[2:14:44] put in [Indiscernible]. Those are some
[2:14:47] of the local bus routes we've had to
[2:14:48] deal with service changes and temporary
[2:14:52] detours. Segment [Indiscernible] state
[2:14:56] Highway 288 I-69 the spaghetti noodle
[2:15:01] tangle south of downtown. The major
[2:15:02] impacts for us will be bridges for Elgin
[2:15:06] to [Indiscernible] across 288 will be
[2:15:08] taken down and replaced a longer-term
[2:15:12] construction project 54 Scott a
[2:15:16] high-frequency red route goes across
[2:15:21] the bridge this will come down later
[2:15:22] this year but TxDOT agreed to wait till
[2:15:23] after FIFA and keep alternate routes
[2:15:27] open [Indiscernible] the buses can
[2:15:29] route around in a close radius. 3A
[2:15:34] remains on track for the Wheeler
[2:15:37] transit Center. The main point to
[2:15:42] emphasize now as we are in discussions
[2:15:43] with text Opera advance funding
[2:15:46] agreement looking at rules and
[2:15:49] responsibilities might be. Because they
[2:15:50] need real estate from us which is one
[2:15:52] of those areas in blue. We want to talk
[2:15:55] about maybe doing the systems work and
[2:15:59] roles and responsibilities throughout
[2:16:02] the design and construction. This will
[2:16:03] impact both light rail and bus. We will
[2:16:07] keep the board apprised as we move
[2:16:08] through the negotiation with TxDOT. The
[2:16:11] next segment are the three C's the I-10
[2:16:19] northern downtown this segment does not
[2:16:20] have a lot of impact for METRO
[2:16:27] basically they keep the service roads
[2:16:28] open for I-10 East Park and ride routes
[2:16:29] should maintain service throughout
[2:16:30] construction and there's one local
[2:16:32] route that runs north and south across
[2:16:35] the freeway and it looks like it will
[2:16:37] not be impacted it's good news on that
[2:16:43] segment segment 3C2 as you move closer
[2:16:44] downtown the I-69 North and I-10 area
[2:16:47] the main impact for this is it's going
[2:16:49] to be a design build job that will
[2:16:54] impact the HOV HOT entrance at the
[2:16:58] northern end of downtown fortunately
[2:16:59] most of the equipment is for the
[2:17:03] further north [Indiscernible] we can
[2:17:12] take down and store and replace after
[2:17:13] construction is done the main impact
[2:17:14] will be that TxDOT stated in order to
[2:17:15] finish the construction they will have
[2:17:16] to allow general traffic to use the HOV
[2:17:17] lane to maintain three lanes in each
[2:17:21] direction. For a period of 12 to 18
[2:17:23] months HOV will not have an exclusive
[2:17:26] Lane which has implications for travel
[2:17:31] time. Fortunately the rest of the HOV
[2:17:34] HOT segment will remain unchanged from
[2:17:39] [Indiscernible] to Kingman that will
[2:17:47] operate as [Indiscernible]. This
[2:17:51] segment is by the UH downtown area the
[2:17:52] main impacts moving the bridges and
[2:17:55] changing slopes and heights the
[2:18:04] overhead contact system for light rail
[2:18:05] is attached to the side of the bridges
[2:18:06] as they move those we will look at how
[2:18:07] to retention and redesign the system as
[2:18:08] well as move foundations and things
[2:18:09] like that. Right now we are reviewing a
[2:18:10] rail crossing agreement with TxDOT rail
[2:18:14] so METRO is looking at doing the design
[2:18:15] but we would be reimbursed by TxDOT and
[2:18:18] have to coordinate who would do what
[2:18:23] during construction. We're in review
[2:18:27] that agreement right now of course on
[2:18:28] the other side of UHD redline station
[2:18:30] the routes coming out of that will be
[2:18:32] impacted with what happens on Main
[2:18:36] Street as a demo and reconstruct the
[2:18:43] bridges. 3C 4 the segment adjacent to
[2:18:46] White Oak Bayou comes after the White
[2:18:51] Oak Bayou project. There's going to be
[2:18:52] some closures potentially later this
[2:18:53] year with the buy you project that
[2:18:54] could last up to a year then we will
[2:18:58] have continuous on and off issues
[2:19:01] throughout the segments for quite a
[2:19:05] while that is something we need to work
[2:19:06] with TxDOT on how to get the park and
[2:19:10] ride routes in and out of downtown
[2:19:11] because this impacts all routes coming
[2:19:16] off of I-10 West. With the rest of the
[2:19:23] changes happening downtown. Access into
[2:19:24] downtown is going to change the Pierce
[2:19:25] elevated is going to be demolished
[2:19:26] which will impact the St. Joseph
[2:19:29] Parkway by the building a lot of the
[2:19:32] access downtown will change and the
[2:19:35] I-10 HOV entrances will be funneled
[2:19:38] onto two sets of street north end of
[2:19:45] downtown [Indiscernible] Smith and
[2:19:48] Louisiana for I-10 West. There's going
[2:19:49] to be more traffic on those streets
[2:19:54] more likely congestion and that has
[2:19:55] implications for operating time for
[2:20:03] buses. We hope through proactive
[2:20:04] planning with TxDOT we can mitigate
[2:20:07] these impacts we are working with
[2:20:08] operations and service planning group
[2:20:16] and every other department at the
[2:20:17] agency to figure out how to minimize
[2:20:18] the amount of detours and LRT
[2:20:19] shutdowns. Basically we are helping
[2:20:20] TxDOT on the construction sequencing
[2:20:30] they are not as familiar transit
[2:20:31] operations that we try to advise them
[2:20:32] on what would be best for bus and rail
[2:20:35] operations to minimize shutdowns. We
[2:20:37] are working with them to try to have
[2:20:38] major alternate routes open if
[2:20:39] something is closed for construction.
[2:20:42] We try to communicate this as often as
[2:20:43] we can to customers and that trickles
[2:20:48] down through folks in the call center
[2:20:49] the website that updates things like
[2:20:52] that. Of course all the detours that go
[2:20:58] through [Indiscernible] so that is the
[2:20:59] gamut of what we are working on right
[2:21:00] now happy to take any comments.
[2:21:04] >> Comments or questions?
[2:21:09] >> Basically what you are telling us is
[2:21:12] this is a moving disaster. I get it
[2:21:17] >> I have one question along I-10 245
[2:21:25] the HOV lane access and 45 access has
[2:21:26] been closed for some time. Do we know
[2:21:31] what the plan is and how long that will
[2:21:33] be
[2:21:38] >> I heard it is a year or two closure
[2:21:40] between I-10 West and I45 corridor.
[2:21:47] What happened [Indiscernible] they have
[2:21:49] to do a lot of changes so will be
[2:21:50] closed down for quite a while is my
[2:21:51] understanding
[2:21:56] >> You are keeping us up-to-date and
[2:22:00] this goes over our heads because it's
[2:22:04] so far out there when you make your
[2:22:06] reports first thing I would ask is if
[2:22:07] you see something coming up quickly
[2:22:11] which is probably the wrong word to use
[2:22:15] in this context if you see something we
[2:22:16] need to address the next time you come
[2:22:18] flag that say you need to look at this
[2:22:22] now so we're not looking out into 2030
[2:22:28] and we need to try to keep our
[2:22:29] passengers and riders informed of this
[2:22:31] stuff. We will get questions about this
[2:22:34] stuff you guys are on the front line
[2:22:35] and will hear a lot about this so if
[2:22:39] you keep that in mind for us
[2:22:45] >> Sure
[2:22:46] >> Anything else?
[2:22:47] >> Thank you Rachel good work
[2:22:49] >> Amma, West Belfort Park-and-Ride
[2:22:58] >> Good morning I am here to brief you
[2:23:07] on the West Belfort Park-and-Ride
[2:23:14] facility. I will give a quick overview
[2:23:19] on the background of the facility some
[2:23:20] of the existing conditions and the
[2:23:21] proposed improvements that will bring
[2:23:24] into this facility and next steps the
[2:23:29] park and ride is 5969 it's on with the
[2:23:38] image on the left it is bounded on the
[2:23:40] north by [Indiscernible] by you on the
[2:23:42] east by residential area and on the
[2:23:46] south by some commercial and
[2:23:50] residential uses as well. It has over
[2:23:53] 1800 parking spaces for bus space and
[2:23:58] serves to local and to express bus
[2:24:01] routes. It was one of our busiest
[2:24:07] routes, systems facilities during the
[2:24:10] covid time and post COVID we saw tick
[2:24:15] up in ridership which we are excited
[2:24:19] about. Nonetheless over the years this
[2:24:20] facility has been in need of some
[2:24:24] upgrades. We have explored different
[2:24:26] means of improving the facility. Due to
[2:24:31] some of our amenities, particularly
[2:24:36] related to the canopy, drainage and ADA.
[2:24:46] This is an image of the existing and
[2:24:47] current conditions of the facility the
[2:24:52] canopy due to weather has caused wear
[2:24:55] and tear discoloring of the canopy and
[2:24:56] exposing the railing of the facility as
[2:24:59] you can see on the top image in the
[2:25:08] center of the picture. There has been
[2:25:09] some rust to the canopy as well.
[2:25:17] Related to the drainage, some localized
[2:25:18] flooding continues to happen after we
[2:25:22] have inclement weather. This is due to
[2:25:26] insufficient inlet coverage in
[2:25:30] low-lying areas. And poorly aligned
[2:25:33] flow path, subsidence has altered the
[2:25:36] pavement grading and limited capacity
[2:25:42] with existing storm pipe. The
[2:25:44] pedestrian network existing conditions
[2:25:47] has noncomplying curb ramps faded and
[2:25:49] missing high contrast markings. Some of
[2:25:53] the curb ramps and designated landing
[2:25:55] spots have to go into ADA compliance.
[2:25:59] There are some unmanaged vegetation
[2:26:01] encroaching on the work path and
[2:26:08] complicating the way pedestrian
[2:26:14] navigate the facility. With these
[2:26:15] issues we are planning some targeted
[2:26:20] improvements and provide the facility
[2:26:21] to a state of good repair. Also be safe
[2:26:25] reliable and accessible for patrons.
[2:26:29] I'm going to start with the drainage
[2:26:33] improvements. We are looking to provide
[2:26:34] some selected inlet replacement pipe
[2:26:38] upgrades and installation of targeted
[2:26:42] drainage improvements regrading the
[2:26:46] pavement for faster drainage. We are
[2:26:47] hoping to incorporate permeable
[2:26:50] pavement and native plants to manage
[2:26:54] the water runoff. In relation to
[2:26:58] pedestrian network there will be
[2:26:59] installation of ADA compliant ramps,
[2:27:04] enhanced surface treatment such as
[2:27:07] repainting of the crosswalks. All aimed
[2:27:12] to create a safer more navigable
[2:27:14] environment for all pedestrians. With
[2:27:17] our canopy we are looking to provide an
[2:27:23] aluminum panel and will wrap columns
[2:27:27] with aluminum raps and upgrade lighting
[2:27:35] on the facility. We have also
[2:27:36] identified some grant funding
[2:27:39] opportunities that Allen's group
[2:27:43] discussed today through the FTA grant
[2:27:45] 5339, the bus and bus facilities and
[2:27:49] 5337 state of good repair grant, which
[2:27:53] we will be using toward improving the
[2:27:56] site. For the next steps, we are hoping
[2:28:00] to complete project development in the
[2:28:01] first quarter of this year with an
[2:28:07] evaluation of the concept looking for
[2:28:12] some energy efficient components for
[2:28:14] the site as well as selective parking
[2:28:15] covered parking on some of the lots and
[2:28:17] secondary components we see fit for
[2:28:21] bringing this facility to a state of
[2:28:25] good repair. Because these are federal
[2:28:27] grants we have to do any of our
[2:28:33] reevaluation. We have started that work
[2:28:34] and hope to complete that in second
[2:28:36] quarter of this year we hope to bring
[2:28:40] commence on design and third quarter of
[2:28:44] this year and complete it in the first
[2:28:45] quarter of 2027 and procure construction
[2:28:51] in the first quarter of 2027 and start
[2:28:52] construction third quarter of 2027,
[2:28:55] with a completion of construction
[2:28:58] sometime in the first quarter of 2028.
[2:29:06] We will bring, in terms of design we
[2:29:09] will have a task order to for the
[2:29:14] design contracts Shree brought to the
[2:29:18] board today. We will be working with
[2:29:19] his design team on that as well. These
[2:29:23] are some of the improvements we are
[2:29:28] planning for the facility. We are
[2:29:29] hoping to bring updates as we advance
[2:29:32] the concept and components we are
[2:29:35] bringing to the facility. Comments or
[2:29:36] questions?
[2:29:42] >> How old is that transit center
[2:29:47] >> It was built in 1993
[2:29:48] >> That's 22 years old. About time we
[2:29:50] did some work out there. Anything else?
[2:29:57] I think that does it thank you very much
[2:30:03] >> Shri I have one quick briefing. A
[2:30:08] little bit of context back in 2018
[2:30:13] transportation off peak direction HOV
[2:30:17] lane to allow METRO to utilize the
[2:30:21] inside lane next to the barrier
[2:30:25] separated HOV lane. This concept would
[2:30:28] provide METRO the ability to get the
[2:30:32] buses back in the direction to the park
[2:30:33] and ride and come back. And then next
[2:30:42] slide please, that is a picture of what
[2:30:45] we are talking about. The lane next to
[2:30:49] the HOV lane. Basically it is in the
[2:30:54] off peak direction, the striping and
[2:31:01] signage there. This is a close-up
[2:31:02] picture of what we are talking about.
[2:31:04] That particular agreement with TxDOT
[2:31:08] said if we were not using it and it was
[2:31:10] not utilized they would come back and
[2:31:11] ask us to remove it. They make that
[2:31:13] recommendation now and we agree with
[2:31:19] them. We will basically ask to go ahead
[2:31:22] and remove it. That is a quick briefing
[2:31:25] on this particular topic
[2:31:32] >> Any questions? It makes sense okay
[2:31:33] thank you for the update that is our
[2:31:40] last breathing does anybody on the
[2:31:41] board have anything to add before we
[2:31:43] close. We will call the infrastructure
[2:31:48] committee closed. At 11:35 AM we are
[2:31:51] adjourned
[2:31:56] >> The customer experience operation
[2:31:57] and business development committee
[2:32:00] meeting will meet in about five minutes.
[2:32:04] We will take a five-minute break good
[2:40:35] morning. It is 11:44 AM. The customer
[2:40:40] experience operation and business
[2:40:45] development committee METRO Board of
[2:40:46] Directors will begin at this time. We
[2:40:50] have one public speaker. Dominic Maisoc
[2:40:54] >> Dominic are you there?
[2:41:22] >> We may have to come back to Dominic
[2:41:28] >> We will come back to him. We will
[2:41:33] proceed with our first speaker. The
[2:41:36] first item on the agenda. Action item
[2:41:42] number two Michael Kyme
[2:41:43] >> Thank you Chair Preston. good morning
[2:41:46] committee. These are, the next two are
[2:41:49] related to the inventory. First
[2:41:53] will be [Indiscernible] and the second
[2:41:55] engines. The first one is for a
[2:42:01] recommendation to execute a contract
[2:42:04] with Cummins Southern Plains for
[2:42:06] transmissions for three-year contract
[2:42:09] and the total amount of $1.563 million
[2:42:15] and some change which represents a base
[2:42:18] contract to 1.3 million with a
[2:42:21] contingency of 260,000. Three-year
[2:42:23] contract as needed for operations. Any
[2:42:34] questions? Are there any questions? No
[2:42:35] questions we will move the item forward
[2:42:38] >> Thank you
[2:42:39] >> The next item is for engines also an
[2:42:42] inventory item. This will go to a
[2:42:45] company Holt truck centers of Texas
[2:42:48] also for a three-year contract total
[2:42:57] contract value $18,949,000. This also
[2:42:59] includes a contingency amount of 3.1
[2:43:02] million. This is for engines for
[2:43:05] inventory on an as-needed basis for
[2:43:08] three years. Any questions regarding
[2:43:12] this item? How many engines are they
[2:43:13] >> 109 engines
[2:43:16] >> At about 60,000 per engine
[2:43:19] >> Are there any questions? no
[2:43:23] questions we will move the item
[2:43:26] forward. Thank you Mr. Kyme. Next item
[2:43:34] Samuel Rumhizha
[2:43:42] >> Board members, interim president and
[2:43:46] CEO good morning my name is Samuel, I
[2:43:49] am the vice president of fleet
[2:43:52] services. I have a couple of items. The
[2:43:57] first item is a sole-source. I'm going
[2:44:00] to tell you a story about this 2095 a
[2:44:06] CNG bus. It's a new bus, fortunately
[2:44:12] about 21,000 miles on it which was
[2:44:16] unfortunately involved in a major
[2:44:18] accident. Being a new bus, a couple of
[2:44:23] problems come with that. The frame was
[2:44:26] damaged which means it would need
[2:44:33] people that can resuscitate bad and
[2:44:36] being a brand-new bus the only
[2:44:37] organization that can look into this
[2:44:38] bus is the regional OEM which is new
[2:44:42] flyer, the requests we have for that we
[2:44:46] request board authorization for the
[2:44:51] Interim President CEO to approve and
[2:44:52] execute a sole-source contract with new
[2:44:57] flyer industries Canada for the
[2:44:59] accident repairs a CNG bus 2092 at a
[2:45:03] maximum contract value of $534,000
[2:45:10] which includes a 20 percent METRO
[2:45:17] contingency amount of $89,000. Are
[2:45:18] there any concerns or questions?
[2:45:25] >> Any questions? no questions, we will
[2:45:28] move the item forward. The next item
[2:45:33] >> The next item is I will give a story
[2:45:44] on this one too. Our fleet the diesel
[2:45:45] and CNG buses have Cummins engines on
[2:45:50] them. Sometimes we have challenges to
[2:45:53] be able to take care of items out of
[2:45:56] warranty. We do tune-ups and things like
[2:45:59] that and we are so far better when we
[2:46:02] have a contract with Cummins where we
[2:46:08] are able to use them when we need them.
[2:46:10] Here is the request on the item.
[2:46:17] Request board authorization for the
[2:46:18] Interim President CEO to negotiate and
[2:46:19] execute a three-year contract with two
[2:46:21] options to extend for one year the
[2:46:28] Cummins Southern Plains maintenance and
[2:46:31] repair of Cummins diesel and compressed
[2:46:34] natural gas engines at a maximum
[2:46:41] contract amount of 3,500,000. Questions?
[2:46:48] >> There are no questions or comments
[2:46:49] we will move the item forward next item
[2:46:54] >> The last item again this one is
[2:46:57] pretty exciting. This involves the
[2:47:00] [Indiscernible] rants we got for CNG
[2:47:03] buses at the Northwest facility. As we
[2:47:08] start moving forward with this, I have
[2:47:13] met with some of the engineering and
[2:47:16] construction team on site to look at
[2:47:17] the fuel stations to be built. However
[2:47:18] we need to go ahead to get a place in
[2:47:25] line for us to order the 100 buses
[2:47:28] associated with the grant. The request
[2:47:34] is board authorization for Interim
[2:47:35] President CEO to negotiate and execute
[2:47:36] a contract with New Flyer of America as
[2:47:40] part of the FTA grant program for the
[2:47:50] purchase of 100 CNG transit buses at a
[2:47:51] maximum contract amount of $102 million.
[2:47:55] Which includes a 10 percent METRO
[2:47:59] control contingency of $9,330,000
[2:48:03] >> Questions or concerns? there being
[2:48:12] no questions or comments we will move
[2:48:13] the item forward thank you so much. At
[2:48:18] this time the next item is Gary Howard
[2:48:21] >> Good afternoon. Gary Howard vice
[2:48:30] president rail operations. Today I'm
[2:48:31] here to talk about track geometry
[2:48:34] overhead contact system hide and
[2:48:36] stagger and wire measurement services.
[2:48:43] That's a mouthful for you to give
[2:48:44] background before I give you the
[2:48:47] recommendation, the services performed
[2:48:48] a annually required to help identify
[2:48:54] potential track geometry defects in the
[2:48:57] overhead contact wire system, what we
[2:48:58] call a height and stagger. The wire
[2:49:02] conditions that may be on the rail
[2:49:04] system, any defects are found our MOW
[2:49:10] maintenance of way inspect the
[2:49:15] identified area, schedule repairs, and
[2:49:16] essentially ensure our system stays up
[2:49:19] and running. By conducting this type of
[2:49:23] testing on the rail corridor could
[2:49:25] potentially negatively impact service
[2:49:28] to customers. The recommendation is
[2:49:31] requesting board authorization for
[2:49:36] Interim President CEO to execute and
[2:49:40] deliver a three-year contract with two
[2:49:41] one-year options with rail pod Inc. to
[2:49:44] provide annual track geometry overhead
[2:49:49] contact system height and stagger and
[2:49:53] wire where measurement services on
[2:49:57] METRO rail corridors the contract will
[2:49:58] cover all three corridors the red green
[2:50:01] and purple, with a value not to exceed
[2:50:06] $1,496,000 are there any questions?
[2:50:14] >> Any questions? no questions or
[2:50:15] comments thank you we will move the
[2:50:16] item forward
[2:50:19] >> Next item is Rocky Marrero
[2:50:30] >> [Indiscernible] good afternoon
[2:50:31] Reverend and board members. My name is
[2:50:34] [Indiscernible] I'm the manager for
[2:50:40] project management. This request we
[2:50:43] seek board authorization to approve the
[2:50:44] execution of a contract with
[2:50:47] [Indiscernible] partners in a not to
[2:50:53] exceed amount of $378,413. This
[2:50:54] includes a base contract amount of
[2:51:01] $344,012 with a 10 percent METRO
[2:51:07] control contingency of $34,401. The
[2:51:11] contract covers the cleaning priming
[2:51:15] rust removal and painting of steel
[2:51:16] support and canopy structures at the
[2:51:17] rail station platforms, specifically 34
[2:51:20] of them. This project is in support of
[2:51:22] state of good repair, the major goal is
[2:51:25] for us to do corrosion prevention,
[2:51:29] lifespan extension anesthetics and
[2:51:31] compliance. This item was solicited
[2:51:36] from invitation to bid which went to
[2:51:37] the street in November 2025. We had six
[2:51:42] bidders, received January 8 and
[2:51:45] [Indiscernible] was the lowest
[2:51:50] responsive bidder. METRO establish a 35
[2:51:53] percent small business goal tidy Pro
[2:51:54] partners has committed to that small
[2:52:00] business participation. I'm glad to
[2:52:01] answer any questions or comments
[2:52:05] >> Any questions?
[2:52:12] >> Thank you sir, no questions or
[2:52:14] comments we will move the item forward
[2:52:15] >> Thank you
[2:52:17] >> At the beginning of the meeting we
[2:52:21] allow space for public comment. We will
[2:52:24] go back to that portion of the meeting.
[2:52:29] Do we have any public speakers
[2:52:31] >> Dominic Maisoc is on the line
[2:52:35] >> Reverend can you hear me? I hear you
[2:52:41] yes. Okay sorry about the difficulties.
[2:52:45] Reverend, I think in the previous
[2:52:50] meeting somebody was saying there was
[2:52:53] discussion about the Hardy yards and
[2:53:00] the Burnett transit Center working
[2:53:01] together I think there are two other
[2:53:02] opportunities for that to happen number
[2:53:06] one I think it should be a
[2:53:08] [Indiscernible] transit center with the
[2:53:10] new extension of public housing across
[2:53:15] from your church on North Main Yale and
[2:53:23] Cross Timbers. Three or four different
[2:53:27] bus routes come through 23, 36, 44 and
[2:53:30] 40. That would be a chance for people
[2:53:34] to meet and connect. Maybe they can go
[2:53:36] into town or somewhere else without
[2:53:37] going to the North land transit center.
[2:53:41] Secondly, I believe a couple years ago
[2:53:47] Harris County Housing Authority got a
[2:53:49] low bid on the southeast transit
[2:53:51] center. I don't know part of that was
[2:53:56] access, although transit centers are
[2:53:58] usually have the fence around them but
[2:54:01] I think for these people in a public
[2:54:06] housing situation, there should be at
[2:54:07] least a gate or something that they can
[2:54:13] access the public facilities. Also,
[2:54:19] too, I think with the 40 and 41 going
[2:54:23] through downtown. Right now it crosses
[2:54:25] the Red Line at Main Street Square. I
[2:54:29] think you might be looking to move that
[2:54:39] down to the next transit stop, I think
[2:54:46] it is Clay or Polk somewhere south of
[2:54:51] there so when the 40 and 41 come across
[2:54:55] they can leave the Dallas and come
[2:54:57] straight across without that large
[2:55:01] detour. That would also put 40 and 41
[2:55:08] near the [Indiscernible] center. And
[2:55:09] with the GRB moving south, with the
[2:55:13] extension it still would access that
[2:55:19] area also I mentioned in the other
[2:55:22] meeting about the Union Pacific merger.
[2:55:29] I do know they cannot make a public
[2:55:33] comment. However METRO and other
[2:55:38] government agencies can. I think legal
[2:55:39] needs to look at that 7000 page report,
[2:55:42] look at what Union Pacific wants to do
[2:55:44] with the terminal. METRO needs to speak
[2:55:47] up. And maybe METRO has County and
[2:55:54] other entities together can go to the
[2:55:55] service transportation board and say
[2:55:58] this is going to affect rail crossings
[2:56:00] and traffic and affect public transit.
[2:56:08] Union Pacific needs to do things to
[2:56:09] mitigate additional traffic into our
[2:56:13] fragile rail system. With that I have
[2:56:16] no other comments I will send it back
[2:56:17] to you Reverend Preston thank you
[2:56:18] >> Thank you Mr. Maisoc. At this time
[2:56:23] we will go to the briefings. Item 9,
[2:56:29] Eddie Miranda and Kurt Luhrsen
[2:56:34] >> Thank you. I will speak first, I
[2:56:38] will invite Taylor to the podium to
[2:56:39] give you an update.
[2:56:43] >> Good morning how is everyone today.
[2:56:46] I will give a quick update on FIFA.
[2:56:53] Next slide please. I'm going to go in
[2:56:54] order of meeting so far. The first one
[2:56:58] was FIFA football, that's a downtown
[2:57:01] management District. The main purpose
[2:57:03] is for the consulting group to
[2:57:07] understand METRO operations and
[2:57:10] schedules, better understand the
[2:57:13] overall plans in downtown. The work
[2:57:14] they are doing does not interfere with
[2:57:16] our services. Their work is focused on
[2:57:20] pedestrian walkways. We had another
[2:57:21] meeting yesterday to go for more
[2:57:24] information. They were going to have
[2:57:25] weekly and biweekly meetings until the
[2:57:29] tournament. The next meeting was local
[2:57:33] transportation committee, there is no
[2:57:34] fee for officials it's mostly local
[2:57:38] stakeholders. With the airport system
[2:57:43] trans Star County city. The main thing
[2:57:44] is we are waiting for the road closures
[2:57:48] around the stadium. They are
[2:57:49] potentially look at security perimeter
[2:57:51] figuring out the radius they want to
[2:57:53] do. We will get more info on that one.
[2:57:58] There was supposed to be human
[2:58:01] trafficking accessibility meeting but
[2:58:02] those were canceled at the last second.
[2:58:06] The main thing is we are waiting for
[2:58:07] the trainings for the human trafficking
[2:58:09] accessibility. Though some are catered
[2:58:14] for large events. We offer those at
[2:58:16] METRO and do the trainings so this will
[2:58:17] be additional steps there are
[2:58:21] recommending. Last Friday METRO
[2:58:22] operations held an internal meeting,
[2:58:27] operations to get the departments on
[2:58:28] the same page make sure everybody
[2:58:29] understands what's happening give an
[2:58:34] opportunity to ask questions. We have
[2:58:36] members from the host committee as well
[2:58:37] they were pleased with the meeting and
[2:58:38] see we are working hard and working
[2:58:40] toward what they want us to achieve.
[2:58:45] Looking forward we have our standard
[2:58:46] meetings every month with them. Houston
[2:58:51] venue transportation mobility meeting.
[2:58:52] That's what we had earlier the, that
[2:58:56] includes FIFA official so it gives us a
[2:58:57] chance to get feedback from FIFA.. We
[2:59:04] probably talk about mobility plans
[2:59:05] turned in an October we got feedback
[2:59:08] from FIFA in December Leticia in
[2:59:09] operation spearheaded comments they
[2:59:12] gave us she was able to respond to
[2:59:13] every single one of them. They are
[2:59:15] still pending some based on lane
[2:59:23] closures around fan Fest,. Once we have
[2:59:26] that we will get maps back to the host
[2:59:27] committee we are waiting on answers
[2:59:31] from the airport regarding potential
[2:59:32] ADA accessibility from where we have
[2:59:35] our new terminal for the fan Fest. The
[2:59:41] key next steps we look forward to, we
[2:59:44] have the final mobility plan due March
[2:59:48] 1. We work through the final comments
[2:59:50] we will turn it back into the host
[2:59:53] committee and get feedback. Once we get
[2:59:58] through the planning process we will
[2:59:59] have detail such as schedule and timing
[3:00:02] to the plan. We need to confirm fleet
[3:00:06] and operator availability, finalize
[3:00:08] service qualities we will submit the
[3:00:13] final plan in March. Obviously ongoing
[3:00:15] coordination with leadership and board
[3:00:19] updates as we finalize. That's all I
[3:00:20] have are there any questions?
[3:00:30] >> Thank you so much no questions
[3:00:31] >> We will move to the next item
[3:00:33] communication quarterly report,
[3:00:34] Meredith Johnson
[3:00:38] >> Good morning today's update
[3:00:49] highlights how communication is
[3:00:50] supporting METRO priorities through
[3:00:51] proactive messaging strategic marketing
[3:00:52] measurable results are focus on
[3:00:53] increasing awareness strengthening
[3:00:54] engagement supporting ridership across
[3:00:55] the system. Our communication goals are
[3:00:57] straightforward. Make it easier for
[3:00:58] people to understand METRO engage with
[3:01:04] services and choose transit. Everything
[3:01:05] we do is centered on clear information
[3:01:06] strong visibility and supporting
[3:01:10] ridership growth. Let's get into it for
[3:01:11] the quarter for early September
[3:01:15] marketing executed a three-part
[3:01:16] campaign focused on Route 500 to the
[3:01:19] airport. METRO now in general ridership
[3:01:29] information we partner with media
[3:01:30] outlets including general markets and
[3:01:33] Spanish-language television
[3:01:34] [Indiscernible] METRO services and how
[3:01:35] to reinforce presence across the region.
[3:01:39] Specifically from early September to
[3:01:41] early November marketing, pardon me, I
[3:01:44] think we got out of order, we played a
[3:01:51] critical role in supporting the ride
[3:01:52] METRO app and the new fare system,
[3:01:57] created dozens of how to graphics and
[3:01:58] instructional materials to make it easy
[3:02:01] for riders. They are designing new
[3:02:06] materials to support the terminal
[3:02:07] change insuring travelers have clear
[3:02:08] consistent ways of wayfinding during
[3:02:10] the transition. This is about reducing
[3:02:15] confusion and improving the rider
[3:02:16] experience helping customers navigate
[3:02:18] technology and service updates.
[3:02:20] Targeted marketing which I was talking
[3:02:23] about drove measurable ridership growth
[3:02:26] for the 500 route with a 12 percent
[3:02:30] increase in October demonstrating
[3:02:31] focused outreach support service usage.
[3:02:39] Is important to note it's often
[3:02:40] difficult to credit ridership growth to
[3:02:41] one factor especially as it pertains to
[3:02:43] communication efforts. In this instance
[3:02:45] the only thing that changed during the
[3:02:46] time period was public engagement
[3:02:48] efforts targeted marketing and earned
[3:02:51] media on the route and that reflects 12
[3:02:54] percent growth. Are social media impact,
[3:03:00] we generated more than 535,000
[3:03:04] impressions 24,000 engagements and 14
[3:03:05] part two percent engagement growth with
[3:03:09] videos driving views Instagram audience
[3:03:13] continues to grow at a rapid pace
[3:03:18] reaching 10.8 thousand followers. These
[3:03:19] results show how strong our growth and
[3:03:23] social media is. Something you won't
[3:03:25] see on the screen because I just
[3:03:26] finalize the number is total
[3:03:28] impressions for 2025 6.7 million a 98.8
[3:03:36] percent growth in compared to this time
[3:03:39] last year. If I was in one of your
[3:03:40] seats I would ask why? What is
[3:03:44] different? But we have seen as a strong
[3:03:48] follower growth. We've intentionally
[3:03:50] aligned our social strategy with how
[3:03:56] people consume information today.
[3:03:59] Audiences are skeptical of the
[3:04:00] traditional in-your-face tactics and
[3:04:01] platform algorithms prioritize content
[3:04:02] that feels organic, credible and
[3:04:05] conversational. We are focused on
[3:04:06] native content rather than repurposed
[3:04:09] ads, storytelling over slogans and
[3:04:12] trusted voices of customers over
[3:04:16] polished branding. We are seeing higher
[3:04:17] engagement more shares and follower
[3:04:20] growth not because we spend more
[3:04:21] because the content is more credible.
[3:04:29] One of our first initiatives with the
[3:04:30] new internal group was the city lights
[3:04:31] Christmas carolers. We have some talent
[3:04:35] at METRO. We brought together
[3:04:36] volunteers to sing and play music on
[3:04:37] the platforms. METRO was true partner
[3:04:39] with the community on this. One of our
[3:04:43] MPD officers played the saxophone,
[3:04:46] chief you have some talent there. One
[3:04:49] of the other things we did is relaunch
[3:04:56] the METRO Ambassador program. This is
[3:04:57] going to be crucial as we head into
[3:04:59] World Cup to engage employees to be
[3:05:01] part of the experience. We time that
[3:05:04] announcement with the FIFA World Cup
[3:05:09] draw party. That day we had 100
[3:05:10] volunteers sign up to be ambassadors
[3:05:11] and have grown since then. We look
[3:05:18] forward to more plans coming on how
[3:05:19] employees will be throughout the
[3:05:20] community making sure people get to
[3:05:21] where they need to be. We are being
[3:05:31] targeted with participation with
[3:05:32] stakeholders focus on key groups where
[3:05:33] we can grow ridership like student
[3:05:36] seniors and underserved communities. We
[3:05:38] make sure there's no corner of the
[3:05:39] region we offer service that don't know
[3:05:40] METRO can connect them to opportunities
[3:05:41] education and move around the region.
[3:05:47] This consistent presence supports our
[3:05:48] key initiatives such as securing
[3:05:51] stakeholder letters and building new
[3:05:52] enthusiasm for new route like the 500.
[3:05:55] We hear from many stakeholders and
[3:05:56] customers they want the Community
[3:06:00] Connector. We have a long and growing
[3:06:02] list so decisions ahead on where and
[3:06:07] how to expand. Engagement efforts are
[3:06:08] focused on meeting riders where they
[3:06:11] are, onboard outreach real engagement
[3:06:18] and university outreach [Indiscernible]
[3:06:20] from October to December public
[3:06:21] engagement completed 300 engagements
[3:06:22] and touch points around the region, 80
[3:06:26] meetings 116 community events and one
[3:06:28] group in the public engagement that
[3:06:29] focuses on infrastructure has been busy.
[3:06:35] I will save the update on that for the
[3:06:36] next meeting but we've got a lot of
[3:06:40] construction work going on. We send out
[3:06:41] mailers walk door to door up to
[3:06:45] businesses attend the meeting our team
[3:06:47] gets out personal cell phone number so
[3:06:48] people can call with questions about
[3:06:51] the project. We are focused on the
[3:06:54] messaging from a macro perspective we
[3:06:55] are fixing the roads to keep Houston
[3:06:56] from having a heart attack. We are
[3:07:04] addressing on-time performance in doing
[3:07:05] so and making it easier for people to
[3:07:06] choose METRO more on that to come. Key
[3:07:14] takeaways is that this reflects a
[3:07:15] coordinated communication team using
[3:07:16] data storytelling and community
[3:07:18] engagement these efforts are increasing
[3:07:21] awareness building trust and supporting
[3:07:22] ridership growth while positioning
[3:07:26] future growth. The communication team
[3:07:28] is well-positioned right now to do this
[3:07:29] because our agency is working as a whole
[3:07:35] enthusiastic well coordinated and the
[3:07:36] small communication victory show an
[3:07:37] entire agency working together to move
[3:07:38] forward the best we can. That concludes
[3:07:44] my presentation are there questions?
[3:07:45] >> No questions just a comment. Looking
[3:07:49] at all the numbers, I'm excited. I am
[3:07:58] proud of the efforts and I think the
[3:07:59] way your department has been doing and
[3:08:03] getting involved with the public and do
[3:08:09] all kind of things, just look at the
[3:08:17] numbers, it's very impressive. You're
[3:08:18] doing a very good job thank you
[3:08:22] >> Meredith could you answer one
[3:08:23] question for me or share with us what
[3:08:27] is the value of having trusted voices
[3:08:34] as we navigate telling our story and
[3:08:36] the storytelling piece
[3:08:37] >> People like organic information. We
[3:08:41] are all users of technology coming at
[3:08:46] us in different ways. People want to
[3:08:47] see someone that looks like them things
[3:08:48] like them talk like them using the
[3:08:50] system because they trust that person
[3:08:53] and they wanted to. Rather than the old
[3:08:59] traditional way of somebody popping on
[3:09:00] the TV screen with a flashy commercial,
[3:09:08] that does not build trust if you see
[3:09:09] somebody you trust or no or like the
[3:09:10] system you're more likely to try it in.
[3:09:16] It's really important that we are
[3:09:17] working with people in the community
[3:09:18] that have those voices to reach people
[3:09:19] and encourage you to ride METRO
[3:09:21] >> Are there any other questions or
[3:09:24] comments? board member Ponce
[3:09:28] >> Meredith and team, fantastic job.
[3:09:32] Very fortunate to work alongside with
[3:09:34] you all. You are amazing. Don't ever
[3:09:37] hesitate to reach out to board member
[3:09:39] and use us as well to send a message
[3:09:45] across. Thank you
[3:09:49] >> I appreciate that. Shout out to you
[3:09:50] for giving me great ideas on social
[3:09:53] media content, I encourage you for
[3:09:55] everyone here we love to tell great
[3:09:56] stories so thank you
[3:09:57] >> Thank you very much. This concludes
[3:10:03] the communication quarterly report. We
[3:10:04] will move to item 11, the monthly
[3:10:08] business development report, Russ Frank
[3:10:16] >> Hello board members. This is our
[3:10:19] monthly business development update
[3:10:20] ways we work to improve the customer
[3:10:23] experience to make more customer
[3:10:28] centric and increase ridership. One a
[3:10:30] METRO's biggest customer projects in
[3:10:31] the last 18 years since the launch of
[3:10:35] the Q Card. Is the ride METRO fare
[3:10:36] system to the new system has launched
[3:10:38] we began a soft launch on December 1
[3:10:43] this is when we turned on elements of
[3:10:44] the system and started getting
[3:10:45] customers on the system making sure
[3:10:49] everything would work well we had a
[3:10:50] public launch last Monday on January 5.
[3:10:54] This is where we turned on additional
[3:10:56] elements of the system additional
[3:10:57] functions on the ride METRO app we
[3:11:02] turned on the ride story and full
[3:11:06] functionality of the TVM we are running
[3:11:07] the Q Card system have not turned off
[3:11:10] the old system yet we need to allow
[3:11:13] many months for customers to transition
[3:11:14] from the old fare system to the new
[3:11:15] system we want to get familiar with the
[3:11:19] system. We have placed information
[3:11:22] throughout the entire system on the
[3:11:26] transition to customers. In March, I'm
[3:11:29] going to go back to the schedule in
[3:11:32] March we will wind down the Q Card
[3:11:35] system this is when we begin stopping
[3:11:37] the loads and weaning people off the
[3:11:42] system. On April 5 we plan a full
[3:11:45] decommissioning of the Q Card system
[3:11:46] meaning we turn off the old TVM and
[3:11:48] take the old validators off the buses.
[3:11:51] At that point we will put in additional
[3:12:00] TVM there was a question about the
[3:12:01] system if you go to the rail stations
[3:12:02] we have old equipment and new equipment
[3:12:03] on the rail stations we have an old Q
[3:12:04] Card TVM and new TVM on every station
[3:12:07] every bus has to validators so after we
[3:12:16] turn off the Q Card system at the
[3:12:17] beginning of April we will take off
[3:12:18] that equipment and put new TVM in the
[3:12:26] place of old ones so all the stations
[3:12:27] will have new TVM this is planned to be
[3:12:28] done before FIFA comes to Houston we
[3:12:31] will have all new equipment on the
[3:12:32] system we will also work with ride
[3:12:37] sponsors. We are getting the contract
[3:12:41] signed these are corporate partners
[3:12:42] where we have companies who help
[3:12:43] subsidize the fares for employees they
[3:12:44] give out the cards for us so we will
[3:12:49] have each of them have cards and
[3:12:50] employees uploaded into the system that
[3:12:51] will be done prior to the shutting down
[3:12:54] of the Q Card in April. This is a
[3:12:59] picture of the rail station we have
[3:13:00] information on the rail station these
[3:13:03] are examples we have posters that tell
[3:13:04] customers new ways to pay if you're on
[3:13:11] the Q Card we have a poster saying go
[3:13:12] to the old TVM until a transition to
[3:13:15] the new system. There's a sign on the
[3:13:16] front of the TVM that says get your
[3:13:19] card here all machines have been
[3:13:20] activated so customers can buy cards or
[3:13:22] buy tickets on the TVM the message at
[3:13:28] the top tells customers they can reload
[3:13:33] cards and we have posters to get new
[3:13:35] METRO fare cards on the system. At the
[3:13:42] validator on the rail stations you see
[3:13:43] a sticker it tells customers different
[3:13:46] ways to pay where they scanned tickets
[3:13:47] or mobile app or use open payment where
[3:13:49] they tap on the validator with their
[3:13:54] Visa or MasterCard Discover American
[3:13:55] Express Apple or Google pay. On the
[3:14:02] buses we have bus cards you see
[3:14:03] examples of where we had bus cards to
[3:14:04] tell people they need to get their new
[3:14:08] fare card these are in English Spanish
[3:14:12] Vietnamese and Chinese we had bus cards
[3:14:13] that tell customers ways to pay on the
[3:14:18] fare boxes we have a new sticker that
[3:14:19] tells customers ways to pay we have
[3:14:23] brochures on the buses and trains that
[3:14:25] explain the fare system you see
[3:14:29] pictures on the right transit centers
[3:14:34] and park and rides kiosk posters that
[3:14:35] tell customers to get the new ride
[3:14:37] METRO fare card. Since this is a
[3:14:41] critical transition for customers we
[3:14:46] are using real-time screens at the
[3:14:47] transit centers to flip every few
[3:14:48] minutes to remind customers to get
[3:14:49] their new fare card today. Ride stores
[3:14:50] are key locations to get the cards. We
[3:14:56] need to make sure on the Q Card steak
[3:14:57] and return them in April if the
[3:15:01] customer wants to transition from the
[3:15:02] old Q Card to the new system they can
[3:15:06] come to the ride store and the value of
[3:15:07] cards from the old cards into the new
[3:15:10] cards. This can been done at any ride
[3:15:14] store location you see some of the
[3:15:15] signs in front of the ride stores. Are
[3:15:22] bus operators and employees are key
[3:15:27] part of getting a message to customers
[3:15:28] we been producing information to get to
[3:15:29] bus operators and front-line employees.
[3:15:31] This is an example of a brochure given
[3:15:36] out for bus operators. There's been a
[3:15:37] large amount of materials designed by
[3:15:39] the marketing department and customer
[3:15:40] information about the new system. This
[3:15:42] is an example of some of those. There's
[3:15:47] probably a few more we had certain
[3:15:48] elements put on the system a coming
[3:15:52] soon message and soft launch materials.
[3:15:54] Now we have the full launch materials
[3:15:58] on the system are telling customers to
[3:16:02] get the new cards or how the new system
[3:16:03] works and the different ways to pay. If
[3:16:07] we learn about other questions
[3:16:10] customers or employees have four things
[3:16:11] have been on the system we create other
[3:16:14] materials to explain things better to
[3:16:18] customers. We will continue to brief
[3:16:21] you all each month because we will have
[3:16:22] things that happen every month we will
[3:16:24] make sure you know what's happening on
[3:16:28] the customer transition. To the next
[3:16:29] item is the vanpool program. We
[3:16:32] officially relaunched on January 7 last
[3:16:37] week in the first week and a half we
[3:16:41] had 50 vanpool deployed for numerous
[3:16:44] companies including Exxon Mobil
[3:16:45] Halliburton Baker Hughes Western
[3:16:48] midstream shall Baylor Hospital and UT
[3:16:52] dental we had 42 more vans scheduled in
[3:16:55] January these are targeted at Texas
[3:16:57] Medical Center institutions for the VA
[3:17:00] hospital the vanpool program is a
[3:17:04] regional program a much larger area
[3:17:06] than just METRO service area it serves
[3:17:11] a county region. METRO assist customers
[3:17:12] joining a vanpool a shared ride for
[3:17:14] customers with similar travel pattern.
[3:17:19] This is where there's not another
[3:17:20] service be on the METRO service area
[3:17:22] customers join a group METRO provides a
[3:17:26] van help subsidize the van with federal
[3:17:29] funding employers sometimes subsidize
[3:17:35] the other part of the ride for
[3:17:36] employees for some cover the rest of
[3:17:37] the monthly lease for the van. Many
[3:17:40] customers are eager to get back on the
[3:17:43] system. This is one of the vans being
[3:17:44] delivered to the customer last week.
[3:17:47] There's one van group that had a happy
[3:17:51] hour party with their co-riders to
[3:17:52] celebrate back on the road with their
[3:17:57] friends the ridership development group
[3:17:58] I mentioned last year about the Houston
[3:18:03] business Journal landing page. We had
[3:18:04] our first article last year. This is
[3:18:10] the second article published and
[3:18:15] targeted toward corporate human
[3:18:16] resource leaders to target them to know
[3:18:17] about transit benefits for the ride
[3:18:18] sponsor program. This is paid
[3:18:21] advertising. Trying to target corporate
[3:18:23] leaders to sign up to be in the ride
[3:18:26] sponsor program and understand commuter
[3:18:29] benefits for employees. This has direct
[3:18:32] links to the webpage which is for the
[3:18:35] savings calculator and for the ride
[3:18:40] sponsor webpage. In addition we have an
[3:18:41] ad in the book of lists, a lot of
[3:18:47] corporate offices where they compile
[3:18:48] lists of businesses and industries so
[3:18:53] people keep this book most of the year
[3:18:54] and these ads target corporate leaders
[3:18:58] being able to have them sign up and
[3:18:59] understand commuter benefits for their
[3:19:04] employees. Facility upgrades to the
[3:19:06] rail lines we've had regular weekend
[3:19:10] shutdowns. For December we had to shut
[3:19:11] down someone on December 6 and seven
[3:19:14] and a longer shutdown from the 11th to
[3:19:19] the 14th. We make sure customers are
[3:19:22] informed and know about the bus
[3:19:23] shuttles that are running for each of
[3:19:25] the shutdowns we installed 80 posters
[3:19:26] on the red green and purple lines we
[3:19:29] had 4500 other customer flyers created.
[3:19:35] We have variable messages on the rail
[3:19:36] stations before and during the shutdown
[3:19:40] we had 38 kiosks at the high-traffic
[3:19:46] stations. Keeping customers informed
[3:19:50] about holiday services important. This
[3:19:51] is a flyer from a couple weeks ago
[3:19:53] during the holidays we produce these
[3:19:54] for the fixed route system and
[3:19:58] METROLift. We have 4200 flyers produced
[3:20:00] and 12,000 fixed route flyers produced
[3:20:04] and distributed. Have been briefing
[3:20:08] your last year as we do enhancement
[3:20:09] efforts to improve the customer
[3:20:12] experience at bus stops by replacing
[3:20:13] old and faded worn-out signs. In the
[3:20:19] terminal you see in December 641 signs
[3:20:22] were designed and produced and
[3:20:25] installed are scheduled. Of those 551
[3:20:26] were part of the renewal effort. 90 of
[3:20:32] those were replacement signs this
[3:20:33] included replacing the full bus stops
[3:20:39] on routes for [Indiscernible] and
[3:20:44] updates for the 500 downtown direct. We
[3:20:49] have updated 45 routes and need to
[3:20:51] complete 54 more to change out signs in
[3:20:54] the system. Since September 2024, we
[3:21:02] were in the process of replacing 6179
[3:21:03] signs of the 9000 signs in the system
[3:21:05] and replaced over 1000 damage signs
[3:21:11] during the time. We had a focus group
[3:21:12] with friends from link Houston, the
[3:21:17] topic was to be able to give them
[3:21:18] briefings about our signage we work on
[3:21:22] throughout the system. We gave
[3:21:30] information about bus stops kiosks bus
[3:21:31] info post rail station signage we had a
[3:21:32] discussion about what we plan to do and
[3:21:33] got ideas from them about how to make
[3:21:35] improvements to signage. I want to
[3:21:36] remind you about the one METRO customer
[3:21:38] service initiative. The purpose is to
[3:21:42] make sure people know and employees
[3:21:43] that customer service is everyone's job
[3:21:45] not just people in the customer service
[3:21:50] department. This has gone on for
[3:21:51] several years we change the job
[3:21:53] descriptions years ago and added a
[3:21:57] bullet that says to provide excellent
[3:21:58] customer service internal and external
[3:22:02] customers. We've also heard about the
[3:22:03] event on Tuesday called popcorn
[3:22:06] Tuesday. The purpose is to get
[3:22:07] employees away from the desk to let
[3:22:12] them come down and motivate them and
[3:22:13] give them a tip for the week. You see
[3:22:15] pictures of some of the past tips you
[3:22:22] see many tips around the building as
[3:22:23] employees save them and pin them in the
[3:22:27] cubicles throughout the building lastly
[3:22:28] I want to mention the customer service
[3:22:32] stats for December we saw a significant
[3:22:35] increase in customer engagement from
[3:22:39] December 2024 to 2025. For 2025 we had
[3:22:41] 12,348 in person visitors at the ride
[3:22:45] store over 4700 more customers than
[3:22:51] last December. We had 47,200 customer
[3:22:56] calls which is over 12,400 more than
[3:23:00] last December. We had 10,000 customer
[3:23:04] text conversations, over 3000 more than
[3:23:05] customer conversations than last
[3:23:10] December. That is our business
[3:23:11] development update for the month
[3:23:13] >> Are there any questions? Board
[3:23:19] member Vilaseca
[3:23:20] >> Thank you for the thorough update I
[3:23:22] appreciate it. On a couple of questions
[3:23:26] on the last two sides as far as
[3:23:29] increased engagement at the rideshare
[3:23:32] store downstairs and a ride store along
[3:23:39] with calls coming in. Do you attribute
[3:23:40] that to the change in fare system. Do
[3:23:48] you have the breakdown of the reasons
[3:23:49] why people are stopping and why they
[3:23:50] are calling?
[3:23:51] >> I think it's a little bit of the
[3:23:53] fare system we will see more that in
[3:24:00] the coming months in the ride stores we
[3:24:01] only have four permanent locations and
[3:24:02] we opened nine mini ride stores so
[3:24:05] that data volume there. As we get the
[3:24:06] new fare system going publicly we will
[3:24:09] get a lot more in person customers to
[3:24:10] the stores in the next couple of months
[3:24:12] ridership has been going up since Covid
[3:24:16] we still see the effects of that of
[3:24:17] people calling over the months. When we
[3:24:27] visit with friends at other transit
[3:24:28] agencies they implement a new fare
[3:24:29] system they had high customer
[3:24:30] engagement over the transition so we
[3:24:31] think that will hit the coming months
[3:24:35] you will see these numbers go higher in
[3:24:36] the next few months
[3:24:40] >> Okay. And then are we staffed up and
[3:24:43] prepared to help address additional
[3:24:44] calls and inquiries with the fare system
[3:24:46] >> Last couple years we increase
[3:24:48] headcount to handle longer hours and
[3:24:54] take more calls in the ride stores we
[3:24:58] have temporary employees we hired to
[3:24:59] help with the fare system to work at
[3:25:02] the mini ride stores to have the
[3:25:03] headcount to run stores and help
[3:25:07] customers in person at the 13 ride
[3:25:08] stores
[3:25:09] >> Okay thank you
[3:25:11] >> Board Member Ponce
[3:25:16] >> Thank you Reverend. Thank you for
[3:25:19] that presentation very thorough and I
[3:25:21] appreciate that I'd like to say me and
[3:25:26] Reverend Preston contributed to the
[3:25:30] ride store and Vilaseca to I'm sorry we
[3:25:40] contributed I was able to go downstairs
[3:25:41] and they gave me a sweater and a pen an
[3:25:43] additional gear. I have two questions
[3:25:47] regarding the new fare system. Do we
[3:25:50] have a percentage of our ridership
[3:25:53] looks like as to how many of the
[3:25:59] ridership have transition to the new
[3:26:00] system
[3:26:01] >> I don't have those numbers right
[3:26:04] now. I know we would be work on those
[3:26:05] numbers it's only just started. Some of
[3:26:10] our big numbers will come once we get
[3:26:11] the ride sponsors on so companies help
[3:26:12] us get those on the system. If you go
[3:26:17] downstairs you see lines in the ride
[3:26:18] stores lots of customer is excited to
[3:26:19] get on the new system. The old system
[3:26:23] is old and the TBM don't work so lots
[3:26:24] of customers are excited to get on the
[3:26:26] system. I can get that for
[3:26:35] [Indiscernible] I think 1 million card
[3:26:42] since 2008 when the system when in place
[3:26:47] those will not be all replace many
[3:26:48] customers lost their cards and we don't
[3:26:51] have those we don't have an exact
[3:26:52] comparison to have old cards in the
[3:27:01] future we can give you numbers of who
[3:27:02] is on the system
[3:27:03] >> Thank you for getting a sweater we
[3:27:04] had lots of merchandise sales we sold
[3:27:05] lots of holiday sweaters from employees
[3:27:09] and from customers. The big hot items
[3:27:10] some of you tried to buy we had a block
[3:27:18] set a Lego set. We got one case of
[3:27:19] those in and they were sold out in four
[3:27:22] hours. It was just gossip in the
[3:27:23] building and employees went to buy the
[3:27:27] sets. We have more coming we don't know
[3:27:28] when they will be arriving but they
[3:27:30] have shipped and we will have more
[3:27:33] those for sale soon
[3:27:34] >> Wonderful one more question. Link
[3:27:42] Houston is a great organization I'm
[3:27:43] thankful we were able to partner and
[3:27:44] have a conversation with them. I'm
[3:27:47] interested to know what the feedback was
[3:27:54] if you don't have that right now
[3:27:55] that's okay but if you could come back
[3:27:56] later
[3:27:57] >> We can give you more information
[3:27:58] about their ideas I don't have all
[3:28:00] their comments I was not at the entire
[3:28:02] meeting but the customer information
[3:28:03] team led the meeting and we were headed
[3:28:08] downstairs big posters of all the
[3:28:13] kiosks and signs explaining how we make
[3:28:14] it easier for customers and we can get
[3:28:17] you other ideas. They did not know all
[3:28:18] the details of what we had done to
[3:28:21] improve the signs and what it goes into
[3:28:26] to make the signs so it was a good
[3:28:27] discussion we can get you the follow up
[3:28:28] on the feedback
[3:28:29] >> Thank you very much again I'm sorry
[3:28:31] director Vilaseca for forgetting you
[3:28:35] >> Chair of the board
[3:28:40] >> As I mentioned earlier I want to
[3:28:42] make sure our park and ride and
[3:28:47] corporate contracts also sponsors are
[3:28:50] well aware of their instructions and
[3:28:51] what they need to do to make sure we
[3:28:53] don't have disruption
[3:28:57] >> We are working with the
[3:28:58] transportation coordinators of each of
[3:28:59] the companies we are following up with
[3:29:03] them. All of the companies are not on
[3:29:05] the new system yet this is the
[3:29:09] beginning of the process. Over the next
[3:29:10] few months we work with the companies
[3:29:11] to make sure they have their cards, can
[3:29:15] upload employees into the system and
[3:29:16] distribute those two employees.
[3:29:20] >> Mr. Frank, thank you so much
[3:29:24] >> We will move to the next item the
[3:29:28] next briefing will be Community
[3:29:30] Connector update
[3:29:35] >> Good afternoon I will be presenting
[3:29:40] today. This is a board briefing on the
[3:29:43] Community Connector service the
[3:29:47] community service is the operation that
[3:29:49] uses smaller electric vehicles that
[3:29:53] provide local trips in designated zones
[3:29:56] we been working with MV Transportation
[3:30:00] to operate the service. METRO has a
[3:30:04] contract with MV Transportation to
[3:30:05] provide METROLift ADA service and
[3:30:11] Microtransit service. The METROLift
[3:30:12] service is the largest part of the
[3:30:14] contract more than 90 percent of trips
[3:30:19] provided are ADA trips the remaining
[3:30:21] portion of the contract provides
[3:30:24] Microtransit demand response open to
[3:30:25] the public in designated zones that
[3:30:28] services similar to the Community
[3:30:32] Connector service it was natural to ask
[3:30:33] MV to continue the service. We work
[3:30:36] with MV they met with the current
[3:30:39] operator to inspect vehicles develop an
[3:30:41] operating plan and enter into an
[3:30:43] agreement with the vehicle operator and
[3:30:48] the app operator to continue operating
[3:30:49] the service for 90 days it was a team
[3:30:54] effort working with procurement legal
[3:30:56] risk and operations worked with the
[3:30:59] develop a contract modifications.
[3:31:05] MV started operating the service with
[3:31:06] the subcontractor on January 7 so we
[3:31:09] are in the early stages we been
[3:31:12] operating for six days we will continue
[3:31:16] to evaluate the service we are looking
[3:31:17] to enhance driver training and
[3:31:19] requirements we will be introducing
[3:31:22] fare equipment or apt a solution to
[3:31:27] collect fares we will continue to
[3:31:30] evaluate the service by developing key
[3:31:31] performance indicators determine if
[3:31:32] adjustments are needed and continue
[3:31:34] working toward the best customer
[3:31:42] service experience we can. Is a short
[3:31:43] briefing because we just started a few
[3:31:44] days ago
[3:31:45] >> Are there any questions?
[3:31:48] >> Thank you so much we know it is
[3:31:52] early thank you for your presentation.
[3:31:56] A final breathing is the monthly
[3:31:58] operation report Kurt Luhrsen
[3:32:05] >> Thank you Reverend Preston I will be
[3:32:09] giving the update for January covering
[3:32:12] the performance for the month of
[3:32:17] December. Over all ridership for local
[3:32:20] bus continued the trend of slow steady
[3:32:23] increases we've seen post covid
[3:32:30] Curb2Curb we have expanded that in the
[3:32:31] last year so that continues to grow as
[3:32:34] does our commuter park and ride services
[3:32:38] as more and more employees are coming
[3:32:42] back to work downtown and more
[3:32:43] employees come to work more days of the
[3:32:44] week. That continues to grow. Rail
[3:32:47] right now continues to lag, we are
[3:32:53] working on a number of projects to
[3:32:54] improve that experience for folks, we
[3:32:57] hope to see an improvement as the year
[3:33:02] continues this calendar year. Next
[3:33:05] slide. Digging into more detail, our
[3:33:11] on-time performance was good. I want to
[3:33:15] say I'm very proud of our bus
[3:33:18] operations staff. This is the first
[3:33:19] time on-time performance has hit 80
[3:33:23] percent on the local bus since we moved
[3:33:27] to account every point by the second
[3:33:31] system 20 years ago. That is a huge
[3:33:34] achievement and that goes to the work
[3:33:37] we are doing in many areas of bus
[3:33:41] operations. That's not just one group
[3:33:42] that's from the scheduling team
[3:33:43] supervision team on the street. Bus
[3:33:47] control who is monitoring the service
[3:33:51] in real time, we have standby buses to
[3:33:52] step in when things don't go as planned
[3:33:54] to keep the service moving as well as
[3:33:58] communication team to alert customers
[3:34:01] what's going on to make sure we can get
[3:34:02] everybody where they need to go as
[3:34:06] quickly as possible. Very proud of the
[3:34:07] effort the team has done, I'd be remiss
[3:34:09] if I did not point that out. We
[3:34:16] continue to increase our passenger
[3:34:17] counts year-over-year for the month of
[3:34:20] December. Park and ride similar trends.
[3:34:24] Good on-time performance since we made
[3:34:26] that change in the fall and early
[3:34:31] winter. We adjusted some deadhead times
[3:34:34] as TxDOT took some roadway capacity out
[3:34:38] of the freeway, we adjust how buses get
[3:34:39] in and out of downtown to improve
[3:34:42] on-time performance. That has studied
[3:34:45] our decline and we are pleased with
[3:34:49] those results. The park and ride
[3:34:52] ridership rebounds strongly month over
[3:34:53] month compared to last year. Mean
[3:35:01] distance between failures the team is
[3:35:02] doing a good job keeping the service on
[3:35:04] the street. They look for ways to
[3:35:06] improve pullout. The new buses roll in.
[3:35:11] They have been excellent for the most
[3:35:13] part as they hit the street the
[3:35:18] customers appreciate that. The
[3:35:19] operators like the new bells and
[3:35:23] whistles and everything on there as
[3:35:27] opposed everybody appreciates driving a
[3:35:28] new vehicle as opposed to a 14-year-old
[3:35:31] vehicle. That is very positive and
[3:35:32] everybody is responding well to that.
[3:35:36] And the reliability has been good as
[3:35:37] well as you see from the statistics.
[3:35:45] Rail performance we've continued our
[3:35:46] improvements on the red line in terms
[3:35:49] of on-time performance after we have
[3:35:50] those changes made to the signal in
[3:35:53] September and October. We are back up
[3:35:57] to our 93 percent goal on the red line
[3:36:00] and looking to make further
[3:36:04] improvements to that. As I mentioned,
[3:36:05] we continue to see the same 15 to 18
[3:36:10] percent decline month over month on the
[3:36:14] red line this year. We're working on
[3:36:16] that companywide to reverse the trend.
[3:36:20] Next slide. Green and purple not as
[3:36:23] pronounced as the red line. On-time
[3:36:26] performance very strong on green and
[3:36:30] purple. The ridership is down slightly.
[3:36:34] Not as much as red. And we are hoping
[3:36:39] to double our efforts and improve that.
[3:36:47] Next slide. Good reliability. We talked
[3:36:49] for a number of months on the projects
[3:36:50] we are doing in real maintenance to get
[3:36:53] the cars retrofitted and cleaned up,
[3:36:56] get improvements made to them in a
[3:37:01] number of areas. We are starting to
[3:37:02] show signs of good on-time good
[3:37:05] reliability with the vehicles as we
[3:37:12] move forward. Next slide. METROLift
[3:37:14] performance again I could not be
[3:37:19] happier. We had a little blip on
[3:37:23] on-time performance last month. We
[3:37:24] spend a lot of time talking about the
[3:37:27] fare system. We have introduced a new
[3:37:28] way for people to book their rides on
[3:37:33] METROLift as well as how we schedule it
[3:37:35] and dispatch them using the new app it
[3:37:39] has taken a lot of people a lot of
[3:37:43] effort and over time call volumes went
[3:37:44] up with questions about the system the
[3:37:46] length of time it takes to handle folks
[3:37:48] go up those numbers are coming down and
[3:37:52] we start to get a handle on how to use
[3:37:57] the system. Every time we make a change
[3:37:58] throughout the day it recalculates the
[3:38:04] optimum assignment of vehicles and trip
[3:38:07] locations. We really expect to see
[3:38:10] better customer experience moving
[3:38:13] forward. We had our highest on-time
[3:38:15] performance for METROLift last month.
[3:38:20] As you can see the ridership continues
[3:38:22] to steadily grow. Next slide. Good
[3:38:28] reliability. Many vehicles have been
[3:38:29] replaced in the last year and a half.
[3:38:34] Are contractors do a good job of
[3:38:35] maintaining them and keeping them on
[3:38:38] the street. Our hot lanes all our
[3:38:47] meeting the standards I think I will be
[3:38:48] asking to make a presentation to give
[3:38:49] you more detail. If you remember three
[3:38:55] months ago we made some changes on the
[3:38:58] 59 North corridor as to when the toll
[3:39:03] would be the highest and when we would
[3:39:11] exclude non-HOV users from the lanes to
[3:39:12] make sure we could get speeds up. We
[3:39:17] want to come back and tell the story of
[3:39:18] what we saw on how people have responded
[3:39:21] and how speeds have improved and it's
[3:39:24] flowing much better for the HOV and HOT
[3:39:26] including the bus service in that
[3:39:29] corridor. Very positive with all of our
[3:39:36] speeds now. Next slide. I want to
[3:39:38] highlight you heard from Russ about the
[3:39:40] marketing communications slide of the
[3:39:41] shutdowns we had in December. This is
[3:39:47] very critical work for the rail it does
[3:39:54] not just magically operate without a
[3:39:58] whole lot of effort and maintenance
[3:39:59] over time and it is quite exciting to
[3:40:03] go out and see the fireworks going off
[3:40:07] as they are grinding the rail the
[3:40:09] picture second to the right someone is
[3:40:16] grinding the rail and getting ready to
[3:40:18] take it out you see on the far right
[3:40:24] there welding it at a temperature you
[3:40:25] don't want to go anywhere near and
[3:40:30] making sure the two pieces of metal
[3:40:31] rail can be bounded together and work
[3:40:34] seamlessly and smoothly for customers.
[3:40:41] You see a picture of what you don't see
[3:40:42] on the bus side is service supervisors
[3:40:44] out there manning the lines and
[3:40:48] communicating with customers making
[3:40:49] sure the bus service replacement
[3:40:53] services working. Because the rail
[3:40:54] shutdown doesn't mean people have a
[3:40:57] place to go. I've got a picture the bus
[3:40:58] going through the construction zone and
[3:41:00] the picture to the far left, seeing the
[3:41:03] amount they have to dig out. What this
[3:41:08] work was, three of the four locations
[3:41:09] where the rail line crosses they are
[3:41:15] called diamonds. We replaced three of
[3:41:17] the four diamonds in this four-day
[3:41:19] work. You can see the amount of
[3:41:23] concrete they have to jackhammer out,
[3:41:28] saw cut the damaged part of the rail off
[3:41:32] it's quite a lot of heavy dirty work.
[3:41:35] We have done this in the dead of summer
[3:41:42] when it's 100 degrees. We had our first
[3:41:43] time replacement last year it was
[3:41:45] hovering above freezing, about 38
[3:41:49] degrees last year. It was more pleasant
[3:41:53] temperature wise this year. Are
[3:41:54] contractors and maintenance of way
[3:41:56] crews are dedicated and do a dynamite
[3:42:00] job. I want to give them props for what
[3:42:04] they do every day and focus on the
[3:42:05] importance of this kind of maintenance.
[3:42:08] We replaced three of the four diamonds
[3:42:11] this weekend. One of the welds you see
[3:42:14] on the right if it is that particular
[3:42:18] one, one of the welds did not work to
[3:42:21] our satisfaction. It was showing signs
[3:42:25] of weakness. We could of gotten a bad
[3:42:27] batch of thermite, a number of things
[3:42:29] could of cause that. We will be going
[3:42:32] back in the next shutdown in February
[3:42:36] to cut out that small piece of rail
[3:42:40] input in a replacement. This is why we
[3:42:44] do these things repeatedly. I know they
[3:42:45] are a hassle nobody likes to show up.
[3:42:48] They show up to the rail line and they
[3:42:49] don't want to get on a bus. It's a lot
[3:42:52] of work for customer service to answer
[3:42:55] questions but it's so important to keep
[3:42:58] the rail line running particularly when
[3:42:59] we have major events like FIFA if we
[3:43:02] wait until the last minute and the rail
[3:43:07] line fails we have to continue to go
[3:43:08] over this five miles an hour. If you
[3:43:10] have written the rail line it can get
[3:43:13] up to 35 or 40 miles per hour. Five
[3:43:16] miles per hour is very slow. Noticeably
[3:43:22] slow. So we are looking forward to
[3:43:23] getting this last one fixed and
[3:43:25] hopefully getting better welds out
[3:43:28] there as we look for ways to improve
[3:43:31] our service and make sure it's
[3:43:35] top-notch for users. I'm happy to
[3:43:36] answer any questions
[3:43:37] >> That is our report
[3:43:41] >> Thank you for that update. Also
[3:43:44] thank you for your coordination. I know
[3:43:46] there is a lot of events and activity
[3:43:51] you have to coordinate around to do the
[3:43:54] work. Also doing it in advance of
[3:43:58] events upcoming so thank you
[3:44:03] >> Any other questions or comments from
[3:44:07] board members? Allow me to say thank
[3:44:09] you to the board members in attendance
[3:44:13] to the meeting. Mayor Fry had to leave
[3:44:14] early but he began with us thank you
[3:44:18] board member Ponce Board member
[3:44:19] Vilaseca Board Member Han to our Chair
[3:44:21] and interim president and CEO the time
[3:44:28] is 12:48 PM and this concludes the
[3:44:30] customer experience operation business
[3:44:31] development committee meeting
[3:44:33] >> Good afternoon we are beginning our
[3:44:53] public safety committee meeting. The
[3:44:56] time is 1248 are there any public
[3:44:57] comments
[3:45:00] >> One, Dominic Maisoc
[3:45:04] >> Reverend can you hear me? Yes I hear
[3:45:09] you loud and clear. You can start my
[3:45:11] 180. I want to make a comment about
[3:45:18] those four diamonds at Central Station
[3:45:22] Junction area. My read of this is those
[3:45:30] rails highly specialized crossing, not
[3:45:31] only do you have the gutter for the
[3:45:37] light rail, those look like very
[3:45:46] expensive pieces of track. I don't mind
[3:45:47] the LRT cars crossing those diamonds at
[3:45:50] slow speed so we get much life as we
[3:45:54] can. Chief, I appreciate you and I
[3:46:04] appreciate Tom Jasien. If I see a
[3:46:08] problem I text you. I appreciate that
[3:46:14] one-on-one information or conversation
[3:46:16] we are having. One thing though and I
[3:46:19] saw something the other day it was
[3:46:22] yesterday. At the city Council meeting
[3:46:25] I went down to the [Indiscernible] to
[3:46:28] eat which is main and capital. I come
[3:46:35] out at 730. One thing I am noticing is
[3:46:38] as the sun is going down, all of the
[3:46:46] homeless come out. Again, this is a
[3:46:51] situation, not just METRO or METRO PD
[3:46:54] problem, this is a citywide problem. It
[3:47:03] seems like and I've noticed several
[3:47:04] times I've been in the downtown area,
[3:47:05] people are using the red line
[3:47:12] [Indiscernible] my observations have
[3:47:13] been on the red line of course, people
[3:47:19] use the transit facilities as shelters.
[3:47:26] There's also problems at the
[3:47:27] [Indiscernible] station on the red
[3:47:29] line. I think there may be a solution
[3:47:31] chief and this is in terms of Moody
[3:47:35] Park. I noticed the Harris County
[3:47:40] sheriff's office is watching the red
[3:47:44] line north to Northline I think the
[3:47:45] Houston city Council has approved
[3:47:50] having Moody Park being under the watch
[3:47:51] of the Harris County Parks Department
[3:47:57] and that might be an incentive for
[3:47:59] Harris County sheriffs to Park and
[3:48:03] watch stuff at the park as well as
[3:48:07] using the restroom I know there are
[3:48:10] restrooms at Moody Park that also gives
[3:48:15] us an opportunity to leverage that to
[3:48:20] also watching the park and the red
[3:48:23] line. I have those on the north end and
[3:48:27] it's not as many people it it could be
[3:48:34] the homeless situation could be our
[3:48:35] customer base is moving somewhere else
[3:48:40] because on [Indiscernible] that line is
[3:48:45] booming. Then 96 which I ride to the
[3:48:47] rail is booming. So I don't know,
[3:48:52] lastly I was talking about the
[3:48:54] [Indiscernible] I think part of the
[3:48:55] thing is you need to get part of your
[3:49:01] team a part of METRO staff and riders
[3:49:07] like myself we need to form a task
[3:49:09] force and see what we can do with
[3:49:14] making fares better, better enforcement
[3:49:19] other things. Link Houston is a good
[3:49:21] idea but there are other people that
[3:49:25] ride the system. You have 30 seconds.
[3:49:31] All riders from all parts of the system
[3:49:39] on all forms of the system and maybe
[3:49:40] together we can come up with ideas for
[3:49:41] safety and improving enforcement of the
[3:49:42] rules of the system I have no other
[3:49:43] comments back to you Reverend
[3:49:49] >> Thank you Mr. Meisel that concludes
[3:49:51] the public comments. At this time we
[3:49:55] will have opening public safety message
[3:49:59] to promote safety awareness. Santiago
[3:50:01] Osorio
[3:50:02] >> Thank you members of the committee
[3:50:06] good afternoon. This month we are
[3:50:07] serving national human traffic
[3:50:10] intervention month. January is the
[3:50:11] month to focus on human trafficking at
[3:50:14] METRO the safety of riders is a top
[3:50:17] priority. During this month we
[3:50:18] encourage the community to stay alert
[3:50:21] and look out while using the transit
[3:50:23] system human trafficking can occur
[3:50:25] anywhere including the public system.
[3:50:28] Being aware can save lives. If you
[3:50:32] notice anyone that seems suspicious
[3:50:36] trust your instincts. Signs of
[3:50:37] trafficking include being aware of
[3:50:40] location suspicious behavior and
[3:50:43] activities see or take a look at
[3:50:46] customer that are unable to speak for
[3:50:48] themselves, that they look like they
[3:50:54] are out of place, if they are fearful
[3:50:55] of control by another person. Contact
[3:50:57] the police department and make a
[3:51:01] report. Police Department has a 24 hour
[3:51:05] hotline, also a direct line at
[3:51:10] 713-224-2677. Were reported to one of
[3:51:14] the transit employees you can also
[3:51:17] contact the human traffic hotline at
[3:51:20] 1-888-373-7888. Your awareness can make
[3:51:24] a difference together we can keep
[3:51:26] transit safe thank you
[3:51:28] >> Thank you so much for that public
[3:51:34] safety message. I'd like to take an
[3:51:38] opportunity to say in December 2025 we
[3:51:40] we're excited about coming into a new
[3:51:44] year we made it to January 2026 with
[3:51:49] excitement and expectation the amazing
[3:51:50] thing has happened this month, we've
[3:51:53] been faced with an unexpected shooting.
[3:51:56] I believe as an agency, everything we
[3:52:01] can do to place safety measures in
[3:52:03] place is a very important. We have a
[3:52:09] wonderful METRO police team. I want to
[3:52:10] say thank you for all you do. Thank you
[3:52:15] for what you are doing and we respect
[3:52:16] the fact that your lives are on the
[3:52:19] line for us. We will move now to the
[3:52:24] action item number three. Mr. Domingo
[3:52:29] [Indiscernible]
[3:52:33] >> The purpose of this is to implement
[3:52:38] unarmed security guard services across
[3:52:39] all METRO properties facilities and
[3:52:43] parking areas. The services will
[3:52:45] include served and response
[3:52:46] capabilities to support special events
[3:52:49] and emergencies. I'm requesting
[3:52:54] authorization Interim President CEO to
[3:52:55] execute a three-year contract with two
[3:52:56] one-year options with InterCon Security
[3:52:58] systems from armed security services
[3:52:59] for a maximum contract amount not to
[3:53:08] exceed $49 million. InterCon Security
[3:53:13] has committed to 20 percent small
[3:53:14] business participation by utilizing
[3:53:17] patrol division LLC the contract
[3:53:21] effective April 15, 2026 funding is
[3:53:22] included in the FY 26 operating budget
[3:53:25] >> Are there any questions?
[3:53:28] >> Board Member Han
[3:53:32] >> Do we have something similar to this
[3:53:35] contract this upcoming contract now? is
[3:53:43] this something we do have or is that a
[3:53:44] new contract we are going to have
[3:53:45] >> Is a little bit of both. We
[3:53:46] currently have a contract although the
[3:53:50] new contract is different than the
[3:53:51] current contract
[3:53:54] >> In size and scope
[3:53:57] >> So right now we do have something
[3:53:58] similar but it's a different than the
[3:54:03] new contract we will have
[3:54:04] >> We have an unarmed contract
[3:54:07] currently but the scope of work for the
[3:54:11] existing contract is very different
[3:54:14] than what is proposed
[3:54:15] >> Would you explain the difference so
[3:54:17] folks are aware
[3:54:22] >> The existing requirement is for the
[3:54:25] security guard force more entry-level
[3:54:30] than the current contract. The proposed
[3:54:31] contract requires a higher security
[3:54:33] license a level II license from the
[3:54:37] state. The proposed contract will
[3:54:41] require level II license. The uniforms
[3:54:43] equipment training and background
[3:54:44] requirements for personnel will be
[3:54:47] different as well as an increased
[3:54:48] presence with the new contract staffing
[3:54:56] certain posts that don't currently exist
[3:54:57] >> So besides the higher level of the
[3:54:58] security force in the new contract, as
[3:55:02] a member of unarmed security force do
[3:55:09] we have many more guards in the new
[3:55:10] contract compared to the older one
[3:55:13] >> Yes. The hourly increase will be
[3:55:18] approximately 1000 hours weekly. The
[3:55:20] coverage will expand. We have
[3:55:25] approximately 80 guard force personnel
[3:55:26] that will increase to 120
[3:55:28] >> Alright thank you
[3:55:35] >> Any other questions? Thank you so
[3:55:36] much we will move the item forward.
[3:55:43] >> We will proceed with the briefings
[3:55:47] the monthly police and security report
[3:55:52] Chief Ban Tien police and security
[3:55:53] update
[3:55:54] >> Good morning good afternoon Board of
[3:56:01] Directors and Mr. Jasien this will be
[3:56:02] our public safety briefing for
[3:56:07] December. The key take away is we
[3:56:13] engaged our metrics based on major
[3:56:16] Groups. offenses a are more serious
[3:56:19] and b less serious since the beginning
[3:56:21] of the fiscal year we have seen a good
[3:56:27] trend trending down and we would like
[3:56:28] to continue to maintain the trend.
[3:56:37] [Indiscernible] incident I want to
[3:56:38] highlight the fact that our two biggest
[3:56:40] location problem locations are the bus
[3:56:44] stop and bus shelters. And the LRV
[3:56:47] platform the simple fact that we do
[3:56:48] share the space like any major city
[3:56:51] with the city of Houston and try to
[3:56:52] prevent as much as we can the reality
[3:56:57] is we are reflection of the city
[3:56:58] because we share the space
[3:57:06] [Indiscernible] biggest problems
[3:57:07] because of that we are serving a lot of
[3:57:09] resources at those locations
[3:57:13] enforcement, we have seen
[3:57:14] [Indiscernible] with those contact with
[3:57:16] individuals being rude or misbehaved
[3:57:18] and we have seen a trend to reduce
[3:57:27] enforcement slightly perhaps it is a
[3:57:28] coordination with the surge we have
[3:57:29] been a safety initiative in the last
[3:57:31] couple of months. We want to focus on
[3:57:35] the most important thing to react and
[3:57:36] have a huge impact on. It's basically
[3:57:43] assault cases we have on the assault
[3:57:45] type we break into three types the most
[3:57:47] serious aggravated assault simple
[3:57:49] assault and intimidation we see a
[3:57:51] slight uptick on assault in the month
[3:57:54] of December and compared to November
[3:57:57] aggravated assault and simple assault
[3:58:03] with intimidation pretty flat. Fare
[3:58:06] citation thanks to the new system we
[3:58:10] implemented we almost slightly doubled
[3:58:16] the enforcement and we continue
[3:58:20] it takes a while for folks to get use
[3:58:22] to a system to make sure they get use
[3:58:25] to it and we will take more enforcement
[3:58:26] action as we move forward. Our care
[3:58:37] [Indiscernible] regular basis to come
[3:58:38] in contact with the homeless population
[3:58:41] to provide a service and offer service
[3:58:43] they need in comparison to November and
[3:58:46] December we increased our contact to
[3:58:51] 600. The harsh reality is the fact that
[3:58:54] if you look at to the right of that
[3:59:01] half of the close to half of them stay
[3:59:05] with [Indiscernible] and some of them
[3:59:06] take contact over and over but they
[3:59:08] also [Indiscernible] most of the time
[3:59:11] if we put enough emphasis and
[3:59:16] engagement for those individuals some
[3:59:17] of those seek resources for help.
[3:59:20] Perhaps there is no true metrics to
[3:59:24] gauge that but some of the success
[3:59:29] officers can provide individual and
[3:59:37] most of them have individual stories a
[3:59:38] lot of them have a tragic story and the
[3:59:39] reality is we get them to a place they
[3:59:40] need to go because if they stay out
[3:59:41] there it will be a tragic at the end of
[3:59:43] the day. These are major arrests I want
[3:59:46] to continue to paint the picture and
[3:59:50] frame the graph to the picture to the
[3:59:55] right. This is our heat map imagine the
[4:00:00] vast space we have in the METRO area
[4:00:01] responsibility over 1300 square miles
[4:00:04] four counties among them 14 cities. Most
[4:00:11] of our location of the incidences
[4:00:14] basically cluster around the middle in
[4:00:15] close proximity to the red line. The
[4:00:17] reason for that is most of the riders
[4:00:21] biggest ridership using the system
[4:00:22] throughout the red line train in
[4:00:26] downtown. The truth is it spreads out
[4:00:30] all over the city so MPD for a small
[4:00:31] department we have a lot of space to
[4:00:37] cover. Next slide. Here are a couple a
[4:00:41] significant arrests we made. I want to
[4:00:48] highlight this one being the fact I
[4:00:49] wanted to telegraph to the bad guys we
[4:00:50] are out there patrolling bus stops and
[4:00:51] bus routes. Because of that it led to
[4:00:53] this arrest and narcotics related crime
[4:00:57] suppression officers patrolling the
[4:01:00] areas. I want to put a public safety
[4:01:02] message. We do put some time presence
[4:01:06] on those buses and bus routes and they
[4:01:11] are often have plainclothes routes as
[4:01:17] well. I want to highlight this because
[4:01:19] of the collaboration with the law
[4:01:22] enforcement agency. Is stemmed from an
[4:01:27] disturbance on the bus and by the time
[4:01:28] the officer got there the suspect had
[4:01:30] left the scene because of the way we
[4:01:34] communicate in this case with Houston
[4:01:37] PD we were able to track the suspect
[4:01:38] down the road he was involved in a
[4:01:39] shooting that weapon was recovered I
[4:01:43] can only imagine without the
[4:01:46] collaboration and we did not apprehend
[4:01:48] the suspect that they often like any
[4:01:55] big city we absolutely don't have the
[4:01:57] ability or resources to impact and
[4:01:59] prevent every crime but the key of how
[4:02:01] we respond that is going to be key
[4:02:10] meaning the fact that in order for us
[4:02:11] to do that we rely on collaboration
[4:02:12] technology and most importantly the
[4:02:13] people that committed out there not
[4:02:14] just to go to a scene but go beyond the
[4:02:18] call and that's what I call commitment.
[4:02:22] This is a snapshot of what we gauge. We
[4:02:27] call it a group a crime in the state
[4:02:32] standard meaning a more serious crime.
[4:02:36] I want to frame this in perspective
[4:02:38] meaning the fact that earlier slide use
[4:02:45] all the heat map. The take away from
[4:02:49] this is roughly in the month of
[4:02:52] December we have approximately over 5.9
[4:02:54] million riders. The serious crime we
[4:03:01] are tracking 122. For every 100,000
[4:03:02] riders we have for the month, to our
[4:03:05] impacted. The statement is so true one
[4:03:09] crime is too many regardless the end
[4:03:14] state outcome of the crime one crime
[4:03:15] is too many as I mentioned earlier my
[4:03:22] department cannot prevent everything
[4:03:23] and anything but we can continue to
[4:03:26] identify hotspots served those
[4:03:27] resources for collaboration and
[4:03:30] partners since November thank to board
[4:03:31] approval for the initiative we have we
[4:03:34] put outside agency the system during
[4:03:39] peak time. We continue to assess and
[4:03:42] evaluate hotspots and continue to
[4:03:43] expand those areas of coverage. In the
[4:03:49] interim we also operations have
[4:03:50] invested in a lot of new technology. We
[4:03:56] telegraph our capability but we do rely
[4:03:57] on technology to solve crimes. Are
[4:04:00] there any questions this is all I have
[4:04:02] >> Are there any questions?
[4:04:09] >> I just want to echo the comments of
[4:04:13] Chair Preston. I appreciate all the
[4:04:15] work you do and certainly in making
[4:04:20] sure we hold people accountable when
[4:04:22] they ride our system and they are not
[4:04:28] behaving. It's making sure we want to
[4:04:31] make sure we have the proper resources
[4:04:32] you need to get your job done. We want
[4:04:35] to thank you and law enforcement for
[4:04:39] making sure folks are safe so thank you
[4:04:41] >> I do want to echo the comment that
[4:04:45] is so true since I've been here
[4:04:51] basically I've been told and I welcome
[4:04:54] that chief to the best of our ability
[4:04:57] we give you the resources to do your
[4:04:58] job but we will hold you accountable
[4:05:00] this is the reason we expand our
[4:05:03] footprint decentralize the location
[4:05:09] putting key storefront type or
[4:05:11] substation most impactful to a
[4:05:12] particular location and more strategic
[4:05:19] and also given the resources and I
[4:05:20] don't want to over telegraph a new
[4:05:21] capability will come to us in the next
[4:05:22] few months, the mobile station to take
[4:05:24] resources where it's most needed on top
[4:05:29] of that the expansion increased hiring
[4:05:31] of the police officers I have to
[4:05:32] appreciate every bit of that but that
[4:05:35] is a true statement you should hold me
[4:05:40] accountable for every single individual
[4:05:41] that wears this uniform accountable
[4:05:46] >> Board member Vilaseca
[4:05:48] >> I also wanted to thank you and the
[4:05:51] team for doing the work every day and
[4:05:56] going above and beyond. It's a
[4:05:58] difficult situation when these tragic
[4:06:03] events,. I did talk to Tom earlier this
[4:06:04] week about making sure if there's
[4:06:06] anything I or we can do to support your
[4:06:14] staff operators witnesses with
[4:06:15] psychological and emotional support and
[4:06:16] well-being given these different
[4:06:21] experiences. I know you are going to
[4:06:22] circle back around with me but I want
[4:06:24] to voice public support of that, being
[4:06:28] sensitive to those needs
[4:06:29] >> Thank you so much man
[4:06:34] >> Board member Ponce
[4:06:36] >> Reverend Preston is looking at me
[4:06:40] over there. I echo the same sentiments.
[4:06:44] As you were speaking sir I was thinking
[4:06:49] about not just taking these folks out
[4:06:53] of our buses but the folks that make it
[4:06:54] into our buses and rails that don't get
[4:06:59] caught, they go into other
[4:07:02] neighborhoods and commit crime. The
[4:07:03] work that you and your staff are doing
[4:07:09] our significant to keeping our
[4:07:13] customers and staff save. Not just them
[4:07:14] but the communities they are going into
[4:07:20] as well. I think other law enforcement
[4:07:24] agencies are thankful for the work
[4:07:25] METRO PD is doing as well so thank you
[4:07:28] very much. After this I would like to
[4:07:29] circle back on item 3 if that's okay
[4:07:31] with the board
[4:07:33] >> I want to capture that moment. I
[4:07:36] think your assessment is 100 percent
[4:07:41] accurate. Bad guys now days there is no
[4:07:43] jurisdictional boundaries they go where
[4:07:44] they go some of our initiatives called
[4:07:47] displacement we do our best with the
[4:07:51] collaboration the case we talked about
[4:07:55] this is the key we go and respond to
[4:08:00] the call and not collaborate with
[4:08:01] partners I can only imagine what the
[4:08:02] individual is going to do throughout
[4:08:04] the day not just on our system but in
[4:08:05] the city of Houston so thank you sir
[4:08:10] >> Thank you for your comments I'm
[4:08:13] going to take a point here just before
[4:08:16] moving to our next item we will circle
[4:08:19] back on item number three board member
[4:08:23] Ponce
[4:08:24] >> Thank you Reverend Preston. Summit
[4:08:33] gave me the idea and I started thinking
[4:08:34] about this item a little more regarding
[4:08:38] the unarmed security guard services. I
[4:08:41] wanted to get a better idea as to how
[4:08:44] that is going to impact the METRO PD
[4:08:49] work as well. When I think about it
[4:08:52] putting more security officers there we
[4:08:59] can think about it where we can get
[4:09:01] more METRO PD officers to those high
[4:09:06] crime areas and then focus these
[4:09:08] security officers in those low income
[4:09:11] areas is that the idea here?
[4:09:14] >> To piggyback on your question, it
[4:09:17] would be good to understand the
[4:09:22] coordination between the two and where
[4:09:25] they complement each other
[4:09:29] >> If I can I will ask Santiago and
[4:09:31] Chief Tien to respond
[4:09:36] >> Thank you. To answer the question
[4:09:40] I'm going to start off by saying the
[4:09:41] coordination within PD we are our goal
[4:09:47] we understand that guards are not
[4:09:49] licensed police officers and therefore
[4:09:50] they serve a different purpose we do
[4:09:59] have a lot of areas candidate for their
[4:10:00] services and we intend to place them in
[4:10:01] areas where currently MPD is occupying
[4:10:04] space where they can be free and be
[4:10:08] re-assigned to areas the chief is in
[4:10:09] more need of it those areas we can
[4:10:12] coordinate once we get more into the
[4:10:17] details of the contract so that there's
[4:10:18] a big coordination related to transit
[4:10:19] centers we are staffed within PD areas
[4:10:24] that security guards can take over to
[4:10:25] give a quick example most recently with
[4:10:26] a fare the new fare media initially it
[4:10:32] was a sign of task to have officers at
[4:10:37] those location but through the contract
[4:10:40] we shifted guards to the little fare
[4:10:42] ride stores in order for them to be
[4:10:45] tied into the eight hour shift there.
[4:10:49] Being able to be deployed to buses or
[4:10:51] trains the coordination is there.
[4:10:55] Further we can only have areas where we
[4:10:56] have no other than cameras. We
[4:11:01] will be deploying guards more on a
[4:11:02] regular basis where we have knowledge
[4:11:05] where there is vandalism or auto theft.
[4:11:09] Things like that that criminals don't
[4:11:11] care if they see a guard or officer,
[4:11:16] they see someone there they figure it's
[4:11:17] better to go somewhere else. He that is
[4:11:22] the goal behind the expanded security
[4:11:25] guard contract. I hope I answered your
[4:11:26] questions
[4:11:29] >> I think it's an excellent idea. Is
[4:11:32] an efficient use of resources. I'm on
[4:11:36] board for this one
[4:11:39] >> Chief Tien do you want to weigh in
[4:11:44] >> Yes, sir. I see the guard as a
[4:11:49] deterrent and somewhat to a large
[4:11:50] degree a prevention to have their
[4:11:52] presence. By having them in fixed post
[4:11:54] facility type allows to free up and MPD
[4:11:59] officer to take enforcement actions.
[4:12:04] From the police side I welcome all the
[4:12:07] help, even to the speakers we kicked
[4:12:12] off the committee meeting made it a
[4:12:13] fact that the relationship helps they
[4:12:17] tell us exactly what our problems are
[4:12:18] and where we need to go because we have
[4:12:23] the ability to mobilize to address a
[4:12:27] location where they are. Having
[4:12:28] additional resources will free up my
[4:12:33] resources to move elsewhere. With
[4:12:34] expansion I need all the help because
[4:12:38] by adding new facility I need officers
[4:12:41] patrol to enforce so I welcome all the
[4:12:42] help
[4:12:49] >> Thank you I have one question
[4:12:50] whether or not we will be deploying if
[4:12:57] you are able to share some of these
[4:12:58] guards onto the bus routes or trains
[4:12:59] will they supplement current presence
[4:13:03] there or I'm curious to hear the extent
[4:13:06] you can share
[4:13:07] >> To the buses themselves we have had
[4:13:12] discussions where it's more suitable
[4:13:13] for law enforcement to ride buses but
[4:13:20] to the transit centers where we get
[4:13:21] bulk of customers to interact with
[4:13:22] buses and yes there are transit centers
[4:13:23] identified that are heavy ridership
[4:13:30] like TMC Wheeler we have other centers
[4:13:31] where guards will have a lot of
[4:13:33] presence. If there's coordination with
[4:13:37] the chief and special initiatives we
[4:13:38] will be adding more guards with law
[4:13:43] enforcement that's a possibility. We
[4:13:44] are open for those conversations
[4:13:49] >> Most of the resource will be
[4:13:50] anchored on a fixed post type when you
[4:13:53] move out to maneuver and take actions I
[4:13:56] want my police officers out there. I
[4:14:00] just mention stuff will happen sometimes
[4:14:09] we cannot control what happens but how
[4:14:10] we respond is key by having arm to
[4:14:11] police officers out there it will be
[4:14:12] key. I don't believe the guard is here
[4:14:16] to replace MPD they just augment and
[4:14:17] support
[4:14:19] >> I have another question. These
[4:14:30] officers security guards are they going
[4:14:35] to be mobile so they are circulating
[4:14:37] around locations rather than having a
[4:14:40] fixed post
[4:14:41] >> There's a portion of the contract
[4:14:43] that is identified to have mobile units
[4:14:47] currently we have one so we are moving
[4:14:51] up to 10 maybe 15 meaning vehicles they
[4:14:53] can go from one transit center to
[4:14:57] another. There's an opportunity in
[4:14:58] [Indiscernible] and Spring Park and
[4:15:02] ride. Those are within three miles of
[4:15:07] each other and it's a perfect scenario
[4:15:08] for someone to move back and forth and
[4:15:09] show presence at any given time. So we
[4:15:11] have that ability
[4:15:12] >> Thank you
[4:15:13] >> Any other questions or comments?
[4:15:17] Thank you we will move the item forward.
[4:15:24] We'll move to the next briefing the
[4:15:25] monthly bus and rail safety report.
[4:15:30] Mohammed
[4:15:34] >> Good afternoon everybody. As part of
[4:15:35] the regular safety report I will provide
[4:15:42] safety performance for the month of
[4:15:43] December 2025 for rail bus and
[4:15:46] paratransit focusing on collisions and
[4:15:50] safety actions underway. We will start
[4:15:54] with the bus operations. We experience
[4:15:55] the month of December 21 collisions.
[4:15:59] That is below the benchmark of 22. This
[4:16:03] is the second consecutive month we
[4:16:07] remain under target. Some of the things
[4:16:09] we are doing we continue to monitor
[4:16:13] every event that occurs. Investigated
[4:16:15] to the extent possible in generating
[4:16:19] corrective actions as needed. We have
[4:16:20] training programs and initiatives
[4:16:21] underway such as the procurement of the
[4:16:27] bus training simulator. On the rail
[4:16:31] side, happy to report we met our
[4:16:36] benchmark and we ended the month with
[4:16:38] three reportable collisions the
[4:16:40] benchmark was nine so this is the third
[4:16:41] month we came below target which is
[4:16:49] encouraging. Real collisions tend to be
[4:16:52] closely monitored system wide programs
[4:16:57] in place. I'd like to thank Chief Tien
[4:17:00] for his enforcement actions, traffic
[4:17:04] engagement, it's been happening for a
[4:17:05] few months and I believe this has
[4:17:07] helped with driving numbers where we
[4:17:11] are now. Paratransit side of the house,
[4:17:15] December showed three board collisions
[4:17:19] that was the benchmark so we met the
[4:17:24] benchmark for the service. These events
[4:17:25] are reviewed as part of the ongoing
[4:17:27] safety oversight of the service
[4:17:30] providers. Overall this year has been
[4:17:34] so far looking promising. Our annual
[4:17:38] members target toward [Indiscernible]
[4:17:39] looks to be either at or below the
[4:17:43] target and we will continue actions and
[4:17:45] activities and keep you updated on all
[4:17:51] the initiatives underway, technology
[4:17:53] initiatives and pilot program we are in
[4:18:00] the process. Are there any questions or
[4:18:01] comments?
[4:18:04] >> Thank you so much for your briefing
[4:18:11] >> The current time now is 1:21 PM and
[4:18:16] this concludes our public safety
[4:18:23] committee meeting.