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On Nov. 3, 51 percent of local voters approved a referendum, giving Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) the go-ahead to proceed with its METRO Solutions transit system plan.

METRO Solutions includes adding 64 miles of light rail to the system’s existing 7.5-mile Main Street Line, scheduled to open Jan. 1, 2004. The plan also includes adding an 8-mile commuter-rail line and 250 miles of two-way Park & Ride service, and increasing bus service 50 percent.

The referendum authorized METRO to issue $640 million in bonds to begin construction, but does not approve a tax increase.