Houston opens new light-rail extension

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) officials marked the "grand opening" of Houston's new North Red Line light-rail service on Saturday.

The 5.3-mile line extends the system's current 7.5-mile line that began operations in 2004. Agency officials celebrated the opening by allowing riders to travel free all day.

The new line runs through downtown Houston and the city's Northside neighborhood. It cost $756 million to build, with federal dollars covering about 60 percent.

Two other light-rail lines are under construction and are expected to open next year.