Transforming Aging Transit Hub in Houston into a Flagship Infrastructure
The Northwest Transit Center, a renovated major transit hub in Houston, Texas, has recently undergone significant updates, making it a more accessible, efficient, and comfortable travel option for all users. The project, which began in June 2019 and was completed in December 2020, was a collaboration between Houston METRO and HNTB Corp., with a budget of $35 million.
The new facility, now double the size of the previous center, is hailed as a first-of-its-kind multimodal center. It incorporates Houston METRO's Universal Accessibility principles, ensuring equitable access to transit services for people with disabilities. These principles, aligned with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and best practices in transit accessibility, are widely adopted by transit systems like Houston METRO.
Key features of the Northwest Transit Center's universal accessibility include:
- Barrier-free access via elevators and ramps between different levels and platforms. - Handrails on ramps and stairs to aid mobility-impaired passengers. - Large-print and tactile Braille signage to assist passengers with visual impairments. - Audio and visual information systems, including public address systems and Help Points, to communicate timely transit information to those with hearing or vision disabilities. - Accessible customer service windows and ticket vending machines designed to be used comfortably by wheelchair users. - Platform-edge warning strips to alert visually impaired riders at platform edges. - Modifications to reduce the gap between platforms and vehicles for easier boarding. - Telephones with volume control and text telephones (TTYs) for communication access. - Accessible restrooms when available, though not all stations have them.
The updates have also addressed bus queuing burdens at the 10 existing bus bays and increased patron parking space availability. The new multimodal transit center could become a BRT connection point from a proposed terminus for a high-speed rail line station between Houston and Dallas.
The design of the new Northwest Transit Center also includes ample parking for a total of 451 vehicles. It serves as a key connection point for park-and-ride and local bus transfers from Interstate 10 and U.S. 290. The final design includes two platforms with a total of 20 bays for local commuter buses and a third platform dedicated to Houston METRO's new Uptown Bus Rapid Transit Silver Line.
The renovations have improved connectivity, access, safety, and security. A phased interim operations plan was created to maintain bus service while the existing facility was renovated, ensuring nearly seamless connectivity. The phasing facilitated construction, allowing for the start of phase 2 before phase 1 was completed.
As part of Houston METRO's commitment to inclusive transit programs, the Northwest Transit Center is the first of the agency's facilities to incorporate all eight principles of Universal Accessibility. It features raised walkways across bus travel lanes, docking stations for recharging wheelchair batteries, handrails, expanded handicap parking, braille signage, bike storage facilities, a bike repair station, accessible public restrooms, level access for safer loading and unloading on BRT bus platforms, and future Bluetooth bus bay beacons.
With these updates, the Northwest Transit Center is now a modern, accessible hub that reflects Houston METRO's long-term service goals, including the addition of 75 miles of BRT lanes and many additional BRT buses. It is a significant step towards eliminating barriers and ensuring equitable access to transit services for all users, in line with the core Universal Accessibility principles.
- The new Northwest Transit Center, designed for efficient transportation, is now a BRT connection point for a proposed high-speed rail line station between Houston and Dallas, showcasing the integration of diverse modes of travel within the industry.
- The renovations at the Northwest Transit Center have extended beyond just bus services, as they now feature accessible parking for 451 vehicles and serve as a connection point for park-and-ride and local bus transfers.
- In the realm of financial management, the successful completion of the Northwest Transit Center project, with a budget of $35 million, demonstrates Houston METRO's dedication to improving accessibility and equity in the transportation industry.
