September 21, 2016 - Houston Chronicle

Dug Begley, Transportation Writer -

Building on what they consider the success of a redesigned bus system, Metro transit officials on Thursday approved a $1 billion 2017 fiscal year budget that expects flat or decreasing sales tax revenues, while assuming ridership will increase.

The annual budget, mostly for routine operations, passed muster with the Metropolitan Transit Authority board, following a final public hearing Wednesday.

The 2017 budget is $72 million less than the 2016, though Metro’s operations will cost nearly $10 million more. With the end of light rail construction for the foreseeable future, the transit agency’s capital budget declined by $82 million. There are new park and ride lots and bus shelter improvements planned for the upcoming year.

Read more (includes charts & Power Point):  http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/transportation/article/Metro-holds-budget-steady-but-expects-rider-9237083.php