(Houston, TX) – Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced that the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) has been awarded a $14,770,058 grant from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program.  METRO will use the funding to replace legacy fare payment systems used by regional transit providers in the Houston area.  The new fare collection system will help improve payment options among regional transit services and allow customers to purchase media and reload value to their accounts using cash, credit or debit.

“At a time when METRO works to prioritize the health and safety of Houstonians who depend on transit, I am glad to announce this new funding that will help make payment more efficient,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “This investment will improve ridership and modernize our region’s transit systems." 

“I am extremely pleased that the Federal Transit Administration selected METRO’s grant application and will award $14.7 million toward the implementation of a regional automated fare collection system.  METRO is constantly looking for ways to improve the transit experience for our riders.  From improving sidewalks and shelters, to replacing the current outdated infrastructure with a new collection system, our goal is to make transit easy to use and accessible to everyone.  I want to thank Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher and the entire Congressional delegation for their continued support and their commitment to transit,” said Tom Lambert, President & CEO of METRO. 

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.