What changed in the FY27 plan?

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) Board of Directors has adopted a fiscal year 2027 business plan and budget that preserves existing service levels while projecting an additional $29.2 million in sales-tax revenue, 2.6% above the agency's original estimate.

The revised forecast reflects current economic conditions and stems from an updated budgeting methodology that counts both sales-tax receipts and operating grant revenue against available funds, according to the agency.

How does the new revenue figure affect service?

Houston Metro says the combined adjustments let the board avoid service cuts that had been under consideration in earlier drafts. The adopted plan also sidesteps debt restructuring and any draw on reserve funds during FY27.

• Sales-tax revenue: +$29.2M versus original forecast
• Variance from original: +2.6%
• FY27 service level: maintained at existing levels
• Reserve funds: unused
• Debt restructuring: not pursued

Who took part in the approval?

Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock credited Houston Mayor John Whitmire for pushing collaboration across city, county and regional stakeholders during the budget process.

"This board worked hard on this budget, and I'm proud of where we landed," Brock said. She added that the plan "keeps our focus where it belongs: providing safe, clean, reliable and accessible service, taking care of the buses, trains and facilities our customers depend on and continuing to improve our existing system."

Brock also said the agency will "continue to right-size and update service based on ridership and customer needs so that our resources are aligned with how people are actually using the system."

What did agency management say?

Interim President and CEO Tom Jasien framed the budget as a careful sweep of funding options rather than a budget expansion.

"Developing a responsible budget means looking carefully at every option and making sure our resources are aligned with the services our customers depend on most," Jasien said. "This budget maintains that service while meeting our financial obligations and protecting [Houston Metro's] ability to serve this region for years to come."

What process preceded the vote?

The agency says the adopted plan followed public hearings, financial review and consultation with passengers, employees, community stakeholders and regional partners. Board members and staff evaluated priorities, weighed feedback and examined multiple approaches to balance rider needs with stewardship of public money, according to the transit authority.

No specific timetable for service adjustments or capital outlays was disclosed in the board materials referenced. Sales-tax collection trends in Harris County — Houston Metro's primary funding stream — will determine whether the 2.6% uplift holds through the fiscal year.

The agency has not yet released ridership benchmarks tied to the FY27 plan; those figures will test the board's stated commitment to align service with how customers use the system.