AG Opinion Tracker: Roles of Local Governmental Entities in Transportation Projects & Contracts

Senator Nichols has requested an Attorney General opinion as to METRO’s role in a rapid transit bus project down Post Oak in the Uptown Management District. 

The background:

• 2003 Voters approve light rail down Post Oak Blvd. The language included that the proposition created a binding and enforceable contract between the City of Houston, Uptown, and METRO
• Now the proposal is to use the same land area but utilize rapid bus transit rather than light rail
• METRO will probably not provide funding
• METRO will operate the buses

What inquiring minds want to know: Can the voter approved light rail be converted to buses and there still be an existing, enforceable contract?

RQ-0028-KP