Government
BY JESSICA SHORTEN
The Woodlands Township looks to possible ‘mini’ mass transit service
The action taken
Haut said if the township moved forward on developing a version of the program, the board could either choose to locally fund the program— providing greater freedom to shift the program as needed—or seek grant funds which may come with additional requirements to ensure compliance. Board members unanimously agreed to look further into the possibility of creating the service free to residents as the board prepares to hold its annual strategic planning session, where board members will discuss future goals and priorities for the township. The board also requested Haut look to potential grant funds through the Houston-Galveston Area Council to help oset the cost of the service if the board agrees to make it a priority in the 2026 budget initiatives.
The Woodlands Township could establish a new “mini” mass transit service in the next year, providing an alternative to the xed route transit currently available in the township. Township Director of Transportation Ruthanne Haut presented the plan to the township’s board of directors on March 26, suggesting an app-based transit service with a eet of electric vehicles. Haut said existing transit services like The Woodlands Trolley only follow xed routes in the Town Center area, whereas the on-demand vehicle transit would be able to go anywhere within a geographically mapped area. “It’s exible; it’s convenient. It’s [a] non-xed route. Our trolleys are a xed route service; they don’t deviate, so this can kind of take you anywhere within that geomapped area,” Haut said.
Projected scope of service
Annual total projected costs: $1 million+
Fleet: 6-8 electric vehicles
Schedule: Daily, 8 a.m.-midnight
Marketing: $40,000/rst year
Additional sta needed: Supervisor
SOURCE: THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIPCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Board member Linda Nelson said she had seen a similar service in Fort Lauderdale, and she believes the option would be helpful for those who do not want to use rideshare services.
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THE WOODLANDS EDITION
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