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610 West Loop nightmare could be a dream thanks to these new high-flying plans

Could METRO buses be the answer to the 610 problem?

Photo by TxDOT

As construction wraps up on a project to build dedicated bus lanes along Post Oak Boulevard, an extension of the project is just beginning.

TxDOT is building elevated bus-only lanes on the 610 West Loop, between the Northwest Transit Center and Post Oak Boulevard that will connect into the brand new Post Oak bus lanes.

Riders coming in on US-290 and I-10 Park & Ride METRO buses can transfer at the Northwest Transit Center, then continue on the bus lanes running over the freeway right into the Uptown District. The idea is to create an "HOV on steroids" for the tens of thousands of commuters going to the Galleria area each day.

"If you can take that park and ride in and you can go into Uptown, that's a pretty direct ride in," Andy Skabowski, METRO's Chief Operating Officer, says.

In order to build the 610 bus lanes TxDOT has shut down the southbound Post Oak exit off the West Loop, along with a feeder road lane, which has caused significant backups in the Galleria area.

"Right now, the drive is horrible. Almost every route in my direction to come here, it's put on at least 30 minutes extra to get through all of the construction," Sophia Gallegos, a daily commuter to the Galleria area, complains.

With the new lanes, come 14 new special rapid-transit buses, with a goal of six-minute stop frequency. The ride will cost the same as any other METRO bus, $1.25 each way, with free transfers. METRO says the system will operate like a train. "It has platforms, and it looks and feels and acts like a rail system," Skabowski explains.

Some drivers we spoke with said they'd give the system a try. "Sure, why not, sometimes when I have the time," driver Samir Becic tells us.

Others won't, but hope it will get buses out of the way. "People will stop trying to cut in front of a bus to try to beat the traffic, which will cut down on accidents," Gallegos says.

The buses are expected to start running on the brand new lanes by June of 2019.

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a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

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