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Houston Metro Light Rail
from HOK Transportation Brochure
by HOK
Houston, Texas
The first rail transit project in Houston, the Main Street line serves as a central transit “spine” connecting activity hubs across central Houston.
7.5 miles
16 Stations
SERVICES
Architecture Design
Landscape Architecture
Master Planning
Streetscape Design
Urban Design
With a goal to increase accessibility across Houston, HOK master planned and designed the first light rail system and rail stations for the Houston Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). The rail corridor includes 16 stations, beginning at the University of Houston’s downtown campus, continuing south through downtown and midtown Houston, passing through the Museum District and the Texas Medical Center, and concluding at a park-and-ride facility south of NRG Stadium.
HOK developed a prototypical light rail station design that Metro could implement and adapt by site, using various colors, platform paving materials and patterns, column cladding and glazing on the station’s canopy roof. Each station includes a steel and glass canopy covering one-third of the 250-ft. long platform to protect travelers from the elements.
HOK engaged both the client and community throughout the project to ensure the design fit Houston’s needs and respects the city’s past, present and future. Landscaped promenades, recalling Houston’s historic promenades, follow the rail line between stations. Based on the success of HOK’s initial design and implementation, the Houston light rail system has expanded to serve additional neighborhoods.
