Houston Metro Title VI Fare Equity Analysis

In 2018, TMD completed a Title VI Fare Equity Analysis of four fare collection scenarios that Houston Metro (Metro) was considering. TMD evaluated each scenario separately using recently collected on-board passenger survey data, American Community Survey data, and data collected from fare reloading systems. TMD analyzed each scenario to identify any impacts to Title VI populations. The analysis included using ArcGIS software to analyze and map the potential impacts to minority and low-income populations. TMD prepared and submitted a final technical memorandum to Metro summarizing the analysis and key findings. In 2023, Metro sought TMD’s expertise to re-evaluate one of the fare scenarios and evaluate five (5) additional scenarios aimed at reducing cost and improving the customer experience by simplifying the fare media options available. Similar to the 2018 analysis, TMD followed FTA guidelines and Metro’s Fare Equity Policy and Procedures and used on-board passenger survey data, American Community Survey data, and data collected from fare reloading systems to determine if implementing these scenarios could create a potential disparate impact on minorities or a disproportionate burden on low-income riders. TMD prepared and submitted a final technical memorandum to Metro summarizing the Title VI Fare Equity Analysis.