Briefing Discussion Decision. Briefing Discussion Decision

Transcription

1 Title: Board Members: AGENDA Government & Public Affairs Committee Date: September 21, 2011 Time: 9:00 a.m. Carrin F. Patman (Chair), Trini Mendenhall Sosa, Christof Spieler, Burt Ballanfant, Dwight Jefferson Staff Members: G. Greanias, T. Jasien, J. Gray, J. Sedlak, M. Menger, A. Trevino, R. Roberts Time Item Number And Short Title Purpose Person(s) Responsible 9:00 a.m. 9:10 a.m. 1. Legislative Update Briefing Discussion Decision T. Jasien Details: Discuss developments in the Texas Legislature and in Washington, D.C. 9:10 a.m. 9:20 a.m. 2. Monthly Media Summary Details: Discuss Media summaries for the month of August. Briefing Discussion Decision J. Gray 9:20 9:30 a.m. Executive Session Briefing Discussion Decision G. Garcia Details: EXECUTIVE SESSION: Pursuant to TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE , , , and , the Board will consult with its attorneys on pending or potential litigation, legal matters in which the attorneys duties are governed by the State Bar of Texas (Code of Conduct); and will deliberate, in accordance with the above statutes, real estate matters, personnel matters, security matters and devices, and any legal issues regarding contract negotiations that may result in potential litigation. Board Room 1900 Main Street, Second Floor

2 METRO BOARD OF DIRECTORS GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Legislative Update September 21, 2011 Washington Update o SAFETEA LU Extension o FY2012 Appropriations Update

3 August 2011 Monthly Media Report

4 AUGUST MEDIA COVERAGE During the month of August, METRO was featured or mentioned in at least 250 media reports by 40 different media outlets. Radio: KTRH, KUHF, KSEV, KODA, KPRC (AM). TV: KXLN, KPRC, KHOU, KTRK, KRIV, & KIAH. Print/Websites/Blogs: Houston Chronicle, Houston Press, Cypress Times, Guidry News Service, CultureMap.com, Ultimate Pearland(Chron), Off the Kuff Blog, Houston Tomorrow, Community Impact Newspaper, West U Examiner, Progressive Railroading, Instant News West U, Houston Business Journal, Swamplot, Security Info Watch.com, The Venture, UHD, Fort Bend Sun, Ultimate Montrose, River Oaks Examiner, ENR.com(Engineering News Record), Reconnecting America Website, Lou Minatti Blog, Missouri City News, Texas Watchdog, Fort Bend Independent, Fort Bend Star, CNN I Report, Bond Buyer, Houston Strategies Blog, August coverage of METRO started with several stories on a lawsuit filed in connection with the taxi cab accident in July that claimed the lives of two METROLift patrons. That was followed by several stories on a METRO Police Officer who shot and killed a man after a chase. The story that captured the most attention by the media was Mr Greanias return to work following his one week suspension. There were close to 70 stories or media mentions surrounding that situation. Some of the other featured stories during the month: *The first new light rail tracks to be placed on the streets in Houston in decade (There were close to 30 stories on this milestone) *Light-rail construction and closure of the North Main St Bridge at I-10 * Head on crash on the Eastex Freeway that claimed the life of a METRO contract worker (19 stories) * Opening of a new Missouri City Park- N-Ride

5 8/2 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY VMS REPORT News This Morning Early Edition KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/01/2011, 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM [EC] 00:35:34 There was more on that cab that hit a disabled 18 healer and both women died. Metro lift contracted the cab to take them home after their doctor's appointments. They have now hired an attorney for the families. 00:36:05 Keywords: Taxi Accident: Metro Lift; Sylvester Turner, State Representative and Attorney; Visuals: Houston Police on scene; Audience: 38, News At Noon KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/01/2011, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM [EC] 00:12:20 Today, State Representative Sylvester Turner will file lawsuit on behalf of one of the women killed in a taxi accident. 56-year-old Sandra Smart and 84-year-old Dorothy Britain were riding home from their doctor appointments in a contracted MetroLift cab when it crashed into a stalled 18-wheeler on Highway :12:44 Keywords: Taxi Accident: Lawsuit; Sandra Smart; Dorothy Britton; Visuals: Taxi accident, Highway 59, Houston; Metro Lift Cab; Audience: 127, Fox 26 Morning News KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/02/2011, 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM [CC] 00:10:01 Stripping down to help well deserving men and women suit up. That's what some of your friends and neighbors have been doing this morning. There's a little bit of a bump in the road. Fox 26's John Donnelly live in downtown Houston. I want to find out about this bump in the road now. Yeah. Well, you know these guys --here they come. They were standing at the Metro stop dressed like that and Metro police are not amused and asked them to leave. We'll talk to them and find out what's going on. This is part of a national suit drive that Men's Warehouse is conducting. Their accepting donations of job interview type clothing for the month of August. This is the fourth time they've done this. If you look good, you feel good and you'll give a better interview. Unfortunately, metro not terribly amused by them being here. Apparently, there's three locations throughout town. One down here at Main and Lamar. We're at Main and Preston. And another one on West Gray. Now, these 900 Men's Warehouse locations around the country, 10 in Houston, will accept donations. They'll give you a break. I think it was 50 percent off if you buy sething afterwards. The best part about this is if you do make a donation, this donation is going to stay local. Ctually for each city, it's going to stay within that community. For individuals that are actually coming up here turning in stuff, it will stay in Houston and quite possibly they might see their suit on somebody coming in for an interview with that particular company. All right. So here they are. I had to switch mike's the. Sorry about that. I don't know why I bother talking. I know the ladies aren't hearing anything I'm saying. What happened? How's it going in what happened? Well --Metro shut us down. You going to stand over here? I guess we'll probaly go in between street corners and try to get more people to donate suits to Men's Warehouse. They had no sense of humor? No, sir. Didn't get a cop uniform? No. We were trying. 00:12:11 Audience: 63, Local 2 News At 5 KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/01/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [CC] 00:09:33 We're learning new details tonight about a lawsuit filed on behalf of the family of two women killed in a taxicab crash. The women were killed on their way home from dialysis treatment. T he lawsuit names the driver, David Wayne Houston, along with Metro, Yellow Cab and the owner of the tractor/trailer. Yellow cab and the driver are agents of Metro. 00:11:39 Audience: 67,938

6 6. Eyewitness News At 4:30 KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/02/2011, 04:30 AM - 05:00 AM [CC] 00:07:01 Family members of a woman killed in a taxi cab crash have filed a lawsuit claiming it could have been prevented. Lawsuit filed by the family of Sandra Jean Smart names yellow cab taxi driver David Houston, Metro, and San Antonio trucking company. So far none of the defendants have seen that lawsuit. Smart and another woman dorothy Britain died last month when their taxi crashed into a disabled tanker truck in northeast Houston. 00:07:26 Audience: 32, Eyewitness News Tonight KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/01/2011, 10:00 PM - 10:35 PM [CC] 00:12:34 The family of a woman killed in a taxi crash has filed a lawsuit against multiple defendants. The suit, filed by the family of Sandra Jean Smart, names Yellow Cab taxi driver, David Houston, Metro and the trucking company out of San Antonio. None of the defendants have seen the lawsuit yet. 00:13:04 Audience: 175,928 punishment than usual for this type of the incident. That after apologizing to Metro in a letter. What did that song come from? It was from michael berry from the talk show and put on the web site. A lot of reaction. 00:12:07 Audience: 93, Eyewitness News KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/01/2011, 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM [CC] 00:02:03 The biggest impact of all of this by the way, will be on spending cuts. $ 2.1 trillion worth of spending cuts over the next ten years. B ut let's look at where some of the money comes from. $ 350 billion from the Pentagon budget. Medicare reimbursements could be cut in some of these spending cuts. Transit funding like for Houston future light rail expansion could be cut. 00:03:31 [CC] 00:07:17 Yellow Cab and Metro named in a wrongful death suit in connection with a deadly crash last month. Two women were killed when their cab slammed into a stalled 18-wheeler. The cab was contracted for the women who were returning from dialysis treatment as part of the MetroLife program. 00:07:43 Audience: 160, Eyewitness News At 4:00 KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 8/01/2011, 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM [EC] 00:05:39 A local family has filed a lawsuit over a deadly taxi crash that killed two women. Sandra Jean Smart and Dorothy Briton died July 15th when the taxi they were riding in slammed into a disabled tanker truck. Smart's family has filed a suit against Yellow Cab, Metro, which contracted with Yellow Cab to transport certain medical patients, David Houston, the taxi driver and Coastal Transport Company which owned the tanker. 00:06:35 Keywords: Crash : Costal Transport County; David Houston, charged; Visuals: Metro graphic; Sandra Smart, Dorothy Britton, killed; Speakers: Sylvester Turner, attorney; Audience: 109,211 computer. His personal computer. Sao Thomas, right? Will not so fast. The sites were access to the Metro internet system. Normally the disciplinary action for such a violation is a verbal warning. But because George Greanias is the head honcho and is expected to set an example, Metro suspended him for a week. George Greanias more than $230,000 a year. He scheduled to return to work on August 8th. Talk about an awkward Monday morning. At this trout, and this trial, people are quick to question the judicial system. And at this one to the list appeared as a legal loophole in Washington state that allows a man to watch the videos. 00:13:44 Audience: N/A kuhf houston public radio public radio news & information twenty four hours a day from houston, tx

7 Lawsuit Filed in Fatal Accident Against Cab Driver August 1, 2011 by: Pat Hernandez A lawsuit is filed by the family of one of the victims in a fatal cab accident last month. 56 year old David Houston was behind the wheel of the Yellow Cab mini-van when he crashed into a stalled 18-wheeler on the Eastex Freeway near Laura Koppe last month. Houston was transporting 84 year old Dorothy Britton and 56 yr old Sandra Smart from a dialysis center when the accident happened. The cab was contracted by METRO as part of a service called METROLift that provides transportation for people with medical issues who cannot ride the bus. Houston State Representative Sylvester Turner Houston State Representative Sylvester Turner is an attorney who filed suit on behalf of the family of Sandra Smart. "This is a lawsuit with several different parties, all related in one form or another, METRO, Yellow Cab, another company set up by Yellow Cab to deal with METRO, Texas Para Transit, the cab driver, and then the owner of the disabled tanker that was on the shoulder, Coastal Transport Company." Witnesses say the cab driver was driving erratically, swerving in and out of lanes on Highway 59, when he rear-ended the 18-wheeler that was parked on the shoulder with a flat tire. Houston was charged with criminally negligent homicide. Turner discovered that the cab had a camera, but was told there was no recording made of the accident. "I want to make sure that the video recording and everything is preserved that we can reconstruct this accident, and that when this process comes to some end, whenever that end will be, that everybody will have a pretty good idea of what took place, and that the right parties will be held accountable and responsible for the death of these 2 women." Turner says Smart's family is not commenting on the suit, which seeks unspecified damages. Attempts to get a comment from METRO were not successful. KTRK

8 Family files lawsuit over deadly taxi crash Monday, August 01, 2011 Two taxi passengers were killed in the accident on July 15 HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A local family has filed a lawsuit over a deadly taxi crash that killed two women. Sandra Jean Smart and Dorothy Britton died July 15 when the taxi they were riding in slammed into a disabled tanker truck. Smart's family has filed a suit against Yellow Cab, METRO which contracted with Yellow Cab to transport certain medical patients taxi driver David Houston, and Coastal Transport Company, which owned the tanker. Smart's attorneys said the crash could have been prevented. "They simply want to make sure that what happened to their mom doesn't happen to anyone else down the road. They're a lot of people who depend on the METRO lift service as we all know," said attorney Sylvester Turner. None of the companies named in the suit have received a copy of the lawsuit. David Houston is out on bond, facing two counts of criminally negligent homicide. (Copyright 2011 KTRK TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

9 KPRC 8/3 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY

10 KTRK: Houston activates heat emergency plan Updated at 10:45 AM today HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) urges everyone to take precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illness and death. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat advisory for the Houston region. The city of Houston has activated its heat emergency plan. Houston activates the plan when the heat index, a computation of air temperature and humidity, reaches 108 on two consecutive days. High-risk groups such as adults age 55 and older, children under the age of five and people with chronic illness are urged to stay inside air-conditioned buildings between 1pm and 5pm, the hottest part of the day. Anyone without access to air-conditioning can seek shelter during business hours at city multi-service centers, libraries or recreation centers. Houstonians may call 311 and ask for the nearest open city facility. Metro can provide transportation to the Central Library, 500 McKinney. Arrangements for transportation to the library can be made by calling 311. Reliant Energy is operating cooling centers around town, and offering assistance for those who may have trouble with their summer electric bills. The city of Houston Health Department has 10 multi-service centers available across the city as Beat the Heat Centers. They're open every day from 8am to 5pm. VMS REPORT 1. Eyewitness News KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/02/2011, 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM [CC] 00:10:19 Signed, sealed and delivered. After months of partisan politics, President Obama signed legislation to raise the debt ceiling and keep the US from defaulting on its bills. So what exactly does this new deal mean for you? But now, Congress turns towards cutting spending. Almost a trillion dollars in automatic spending cuts.... So what's likely to get axed?... Headstart, college loans, those are on the chopping block. Transit funding for Houston's Metro light rail expansion :12:41 Audience: 160, Fox 26 Morning News KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/02/2011, 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM [CC] 00:16:15 Some of you may be doing a double-take driving around downtown. Teams are men are walking the streets wearing little more than their boxers and socks. John Donnelly is live in downtown Houston. John, I know this is all for a good cause. Yes. For a good cause, I'm keeping my shirt and everything else on. I mean, there's probably a petion asking me to stay dressed. You can see one of the men behind me. They're participating in a suit drive. This is the fourth time mens warehouse has done this. They want any sort of business clothing that you can donate, shirts, ties, belts, shoes, male or female. They've got the men out here. A few minutes ago, they were at the Metro stop downtown, and Metro police didn't like that. They asked them to leave. They probably didn't know this was for a good cause. Anyway, this is --it's been successful. This is the fourth yr they've done this. They have these male models trying to encourage people to donate. We spoke to one person who said, yeah, yeah, it's working. At least for her. You don't see that in downtown Houston to often. You don't. It's very great. I wish I had my camera. I said this

11 before and I'll say it again. I know none ofhe women are hearing anything I say. They're just watching. There you two go. Tell Natalie to get down here. She's got some competition. I'll let you tell her that. John Donnelly reporting live. 00:19:14 Audience: 60, KUHF News KUHF-FM (APR/NPR) Freq. 88.7, Houston DMA: 10 08/02/2011, 07:04 AM - 07:10 AM 00:03:54 The family of a Houston woman killed in an accident last month is suing Metro and a cab company year-old David Houston was behind the wheel of a Yellow Cab minivan when he crashed into a stalled 18-wheeler on the East Texas Freeway. Houston was transporting 84-year-old Dorothy Briton and 56-year-old Sandra Smart from a dialysis center when the accident happened. The cab was contracted by Metro as part of a service called MetroLift that provides transportation for people with medical issues who cannot ride the bus :05:40\ Audience: 22,800 HOUSTON CHRONICLE Metro officer fatally shoots armed driver in SW Houston By ROBERT STANTON and JESSICA PRIEST HOUSTON CHRONICLE Aug. 2, 2011, 11:10PM Karen Warren Houston Chronicle Police talk next to a Metro police car with a suspect in the back seat who was found in an attic after another suspect was shot by an officer Tuesday. A man described by relatives as an aspiring rapper was shot and killed Tuesday by a Metropolitan Transit Authority officer who thought he was reaching for a gun, Houston police said. A relative of the dead man offered a different account of the incident, saying the officer opened fire when the man was simply trying to back up his car near a security gate. According to the Houston Police Department, which is investigating, Metro officer Richard Hernandez was pursuing the driver of a Cadillac that had run a red light at Richmond and Fountainview about 2:20 p.m. The driver pulled in front of a gate that leads to a townhouse in the 5800 block of Fairdale, where a passenger got out and ran, HPD spokesman Victor Senties said. That man later was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Arkansas.

12 The transit officer approached the car, spotted a gun inside it and ordered the driver out of the vehicle, Senties said. The car reversed instead, ending up in a nearby ditch. Hernandez again approached the Cadillac, warned the driver to not reach for the weapon and to get out, Senties said. The officer believed the driver was going for the gun and began shooting, fatally striking the man, he said. "The suspect ignores the verbal commands, he reaches for the weapon," Senties said. "He did not ever point it directly at the Metro officer. But he did make a furtive move to grab the weapon." The officer was about 8 feet from the man when he fired, Senties said. The identity of the dead man was not immediately available. Relatives described him as an aspiring rapper and father of a son. Witness's account differs A woman who identified herself as the godmother of the dead man and the mother-in-law of the passenger said her godson pulled into the driveway of the townhome complex where she lives and punched in the wrong code to enter the security gate. She said she was sitting in her car in the parking lot of the complex, waiting for him to arrive. "So he had to back up and re-pull up in order to submit the code again," said the woman, who did not want to be identified. "And that's when the officer pulled up behind him. He asked the officer, 'What was the problem?' He put the car in reverse and that's when he (officer) just started shooting." The woman said that her godson kept a pistol in a compartment in his car, but it was not in plain sight. Metro Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said that based on initial information, the shooting appears justified. "Our policy is very strict as to when police officers can exercise deadly force when he (an officer) really believes someone is in imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury," Rodriguez said. "Based on the preliminary investigation, we certainly feel like that element was met." Hernandez, 37, will be placed on three days administrative duty, officials said. He has been with Metro for 12 years, including five years on its tactical team. Second fatal shooting The incident marks the second fatal shooting in the transit authority's law enforcement division since it was created in A Metro officer in May 2009 shot and killed a man suspected of assaulting a woman on or around one of the agency's light rail stations. In that incident, R.L. Harrington fired his weapon "in fear for his life" after he and officer J.P. Zepeda tried unsuccessfully to detain the man by using their Tasers as he walked toward a jogging trail near Rice University. Throughout the incident, the man "lunged" at the officers and "(waved) a knife in a threatening manner," police said at the time. Metro has 220 officers. Transit authority spokesman Jerome Gray said Tuesday he did not know how many times Metro officers have discharged their weapons in recent years. robert.stanton@chron.com jessica.priest@chron.com Read more:

13 WEST UNIVERSITY EXAMINER (also in Bellaire Examiner, River Oaks Examiner, Memorial Examiner) Metro officer shoots, kills suspect near Galleria area This aerial photo from ABC-13 shows the scene in the 5800 block of Fairdale Street. Posted: Tuesday, August 2, :33 pm Metro officer shoots, kills suspect near Galleria area By Regional News Bureau 0 comments A Metro police officer shot and killed a man in southwest Houston on Tuesday afternoon after stopping his speeding vehicle. Houston police said the driver displayed a gun at the time of the stop, and that a passenger fled, but was quickly apprehended. The incident took place in the 5800 block of Fairdale Street, between Westheimer Road and Richmond Avenue, west of the Galleria area, at about 2:30 p.m. KHOU: Metro police officer shoots, kills suspect in southwest Houston by Rucks Russell / KHOU 11 news Posted on August 2, 2011 at 3:03 PM Updated yesterday at 10:13 PM HOUSTON A Metro police officer shot and killed a suspect in southwest Houston Tuesday afternoon, investigators confirmed to KHOU 11 News.

14 It happened around 2:30 p.m. in the 5800 block of Fairdale near Fountainview. Police said Officer Richard Hernandez was making a routine traffic stop when he saw the driver reach for a gun wedged between the seats of the car. According to police, Hernandez, who had SWAT training, opened fire on the driver, striking him several times. He died at the scene. Aerial video appeared to show the suspect s car in some kind of a shallow ditch. The dead suspect s godmother, who said she witnessed the incident, said the shooting didn t happen the way police described it. "When the police officer approached him he immediately was trying to put his car in park. And it went in reverse and they just started opening fire on him. And they shot him five times for no reason," the woman said. Police said a second suspect originally fled the scene as the officer approached the car. He was found within an hour by a K-9 unit, hiding in the attic of a nearby townhome, police said. He was arrested. Police said the dead suspect had an outstanding felony warrant in the Houston area, but it wasn t clear what the warrant was for. The other suspect had an outstanding robbery warrant out of Arkansas. Hernandez, a 12-year veteran of the force, is a weapons instructor at Metro. Authorities said he will be placed on desk duty for three days, which is standard procedure in the event of a shooting. HPD continues to investigate. KIAH: Officer Involved Shooting Raises Lots Of Questions Morgahn Miller KIAH 8:59 p.m. CDT, August 2, 2011 HOUSTON, TX HPD says Metro Police Officer Richard Hernandez pulled over a car near a complex on Fountain View and Richmond after it ran a red light. A passenger bolted out of the car and cops say the driver had a weapon between the seats.that's when cops say the metro officer saw the man reach for the weapon and opened fire killing the driver. The passenger was later caught and arrested.

15 KRIV: METRO Officer Involved in Fatal Shooting Updated: Tuesday, 02 Aug 2011, 6:32 PM CDT Published : Tuesday, 02 Aug 2011, 3:29 PM CDT JOHN PERERA Web Producer southwest Houston. HOUSTON - A METRO Police officer was involved in a fatal shooting Tuesday afternoon in The fatal shooting took place in the 5800 block of Fairdale Lane around 2:55 p.m., according to the Houston Police Department. Investigators say Officer Richard Hernandez, 37, witnessed a vehicle speeding through a red light at Fountainview. The 12-year veteran pulled the driver over at an apartment complex. A passenger left the vehicle and ran off on foot. The driver ignored the Hernandez s commands and reached for a gun in the front seat, investigators say. Hernandez saw this and shot him. Community activist Quanell X was nearby, talking to the family members of the dead suspect. Hernandez will be on desk duty for 3 days during the investigation. The last time a Metro Police officer was involved in a fatal shooting was KTRK: METRO police officer fatally shoots suspect Tuesday, August 02, 2011 Jessica Willey HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We now know more about a deadly officer-involved shooting that happened late Tuesday afternoon in southwest Houston. By dusk, only a few officers remained on the scene in the 5800 block of Fairdale between Westheimer and Richmond. The dead man's family had arrived from Liberty County. They declined to talk on camera, but said they wanted to see where he died for themselves. It was around 2:30pm when a METRO police officer patroling a bus route nearby says he spotted the dark blue sedan run a red light. He followed the driver to a townhome complex and that's when a routine traffic stop went south. "He put the car in reverse and they just started shooting," witness Brittany Reding said. The officer told HPD investigators when he approached the car, the passenger immediately jumped out and the driver, who was within reach of a pistol, wouldn't comply with his commands. Instead, HPD says he put the car in reverse but got as far as the ditch, where once again the METRO officer told him to give up. He never did. He made a move and was shot and killed.

16 "The suspect made a move to grab the weapon. He did actually ever not point it directly at the METRO officer but he did make a furtive movement to grab the weapon," HPD Spokesman Victor Senties said. Soon the passenger, who had an outstanding warrant, was tracked down and arrested, and the dead man's family was telling us everything happened a lot quicker. "They pulled up behind this young man entering my gate for whatever reason and when the police officer approached them, he immediately was trying to put that car in park. And it went in reverse and they just started opening fire on him," Reding said. His father added it's not like him to have a gun. METRO's police chief backs his officer and believes he gave him every opportunity. "Repeatedly, repeatedly, I don't know the number of times, but he repeatedly advised the suspect to put his hands up, put them over his head, get out of the car, and at no point did it appear to us that the suspect ever attempted to comply," METRO Police Department Chief Victor Rodriguez said. The officer is 37 year old Richard Hernandez, a 12 year veteran of METRO police. He is a member of the tactical team and firearms trainer. A grand jury will now review the case to determine if he did anything wrong. Rodriguez says his officers often patrol bus routes and rail lines. Though we've spoken to the family, we're not yet identifying the 29 year old driver because the medical examiner has not yet made it official. KPRC: METRO Officer Shoots, Kills Suspect POSTED: Tuesday, August 2, 2011 UPDATED: 6:49 pm CDT August 2, 2011 HOUSTON A METRO police officer shot and killed a suspect during a routine traffic stop in southwest Houston on Tuesday, officials said. The incident happened at 2:30 p.m. on Fountain View Drive at Fairdale Lane. Investigators said a driver ran a red light and was speeding when an officer tried to pull him over. He drove to a nearby condominium complex, where the driver put the car in reverse and refused to follow the officer's commands, police said. The METRO officer said he spotted a gun on the front seat and fired his weapon several times when the driver reached for it. The man died in his car. A passenger in the car jumped out and ran off, officers said, but he was arrested on Fairdale a short time later. No one was injured.

17 Several blocks were shut down in the area during the investigation. Houston police are investigating the shooting. KPRC METRO Worker Caught On Hidden Camera Faces Felony Charge By Stephen Dean POSTED: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 UPDATED: 7:18 am CDT August 3, 2011 HOUSTON Police have arrested a former METRO worker on felony charges after a hidden camera Local 2 Investigates report found him visiting X rated video stores while he claimed to be helping stranded motorists. Court Document Local 2 Investigates reported Tuesday that a felony charge of tampering with a government record was lodged against 51 year old David Wayne Richards, who was the focus of a hidden camera report in October. In court records, METRO police wrote that Richards made false entries on his official daily work record, reflecting that he was helping stranded motorists when he was really being recorded going from one adult video store to another. Richards' work reports were displayed on the air in October, reflecting that he claimed to be helping three separate stranded motorists when he was really visiting two adult book stores. He was inside one store off Pinemont Drive for a full hour before he was confronted by Local 2 Investigates. When asked about the motorists he left stranded on the roadside while inside those stores, Richards responded, "I understand your point, sir. I know you're right. I don't have any argument," he said. He also asked the reporter not to air a report on his behavior. "I'm fired, sir," Richards said. "If y'all... doing this, I'm fired." As part of METRO's Motorist Assistance Program, he was supposed to be patrolling Houston freeways in search of drivers who were stranded on the roadside. The METRO police department quickly launched a criminal investigation when contacted by Local 2 Investigates for the reports that aired in October. METRO Vice President Tom Lambert, who was over the program, said, "We're embarrassed by it. It's not something that we expect should be happening. It's not something we condone to happen and so we're disappointed that it happened." In court records, METRO police wrote that, "The defendant's actions were done with the intent to defraud and harm another since he was paid for work he did not perform." Those court documents reflect that police tracked a GPS unit installed in Richards' work truck on the days he was being followed by Local 2 Investigates and also found that he entered fictitious license plates as having been helped when he was really shopping or viewing porn. Richards is due to face a judge in the 177th Harris County District Court for arraignment on Thursday. He has posted bail to be released from jail since his arrest.

18 When he was first confronted by Local 2 Investigates cameras, he was asked about his records that reflected he was across town helping motorists. "I wasn't trying to trick anybody," Richards said. When pressed about being paid by taxpayers while he was spending time in X rated stores, he responded, "I understand your point, sir. I understand." He could get probation or a prison sentence if he is convicted of the felony charge. kuhf houston public radio public radio news & information twenty four hours a day from houston, tx 'Wave' Goodbye to METRO's Airport Shuttle August 2, 2011 by: Edel Howlin METRO's airport direct shuttle has struggled to make a profit since its inception in 2008 and its set to shutdown later this month. Reducing their fee from $15 dollars to $4.50 earlier this year didn't help. George Bush Intercontinental Airport will be down a service as METRO s Airport Direct, or Route 500, prepares to shut its folding doors forever. The question is who will take on this route? Jerome Gray with METRO says unfortunately the ridership didn t justify keeping the service at an annual cost of nearly $2 million dollars. However he is aware their departure leaves a gap in that market. "Certainly there is a gap METRO doesn t have a position or a stand in terms of anyone getting in the game of transporting people to the airport at this point." Which means the market is wide open to takers such as Lauren Barras. Barras is the owner of the Washington Wave, a smaller fixed rate, fixed route shuttle that brings people around Houston s hotspots, including Washington St. where the service got its name. Barras has worked closely with METRO since she set her service up, she feels they have a good working relationship and would be a happy to take over this route. "I think they have realized that the ridership doesn t warrant the size vehicles they have and so in fact the city feels like it s a service we need to offer, but maybe smaller vehicles. I m definitely willing to step in if needed." Gray says downtown stakeholders are meeting to discuss a possible list of replacements for Airport Direct and Barras will be waiting to hear if she s top of that list. KRIV: Shedding Shirts for National Suit Drive

19 Updated: Tuesday, 02 Aug 2011, 10:35 AM CDT Published : Tuesday, 02 Aug 2011, 9:58 AM CDT HOUSTON - Several men spent a morning wearing only boxer shorts, dress shoes, socks and neckties in downtown Houston, but their reasons for the odd act were charitable in nature. The male models gathered downtown to promote the Men's Wearhouse National Suit Drive. They carried signs that read, "Give the suit off your back" to encourage people to donate any clothing that can be worn during job interviews to give to unemployed men and women as they search for work. The clothing items collected at Houston-area Men's Wearhouse stores throughout the month of August will be donated to five non-profit organizations including Career Gear Houston. Some of the male models were told by METRO police to not stand at the downtown METRORail stops because of their lack of attire, but they continued their mission to collect donated clothes and encourage more donations at the Men's Wearhouse stores throughout the Houston area. On the Web: Men's Wearhouse National Suit Drive -- Read more: PROGRESSIVE RAILROADING Personnel 8/2/2011 Houston METRO's CEO suspended for violating computer policy George Greanias, president and chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO), has been suspended for one week without pay for violating the agency s computer-use policy, agency officials announced. A METRO investigation revealed that Greanias used his personal computer to access more than one dozen adult-oriented sites of a sexual nature through the agency s Internet system during 14 days between Feb. 9 and July 1, METRO officials said in a prepared statement. Typically under such circumstances, the agency s policy calls for a verbal reprimand. However, METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia concluded that as president and CEO, Greanias must be held to a higher standard and, therefore, received the suspension as a more stringent punishment, agency officials said. George Greanias has done an excellent job in the past year and three months turning the agency around and improving transit services, morale and community relations, Garcia said. However, George must be

20 held accountable and the community must have confidence that the new METRO will be open and transparent. Greanias is scheduled to return to work Aug. 8. In a letter to employees, he said he made a mistake and that he accepts the disciplinary action willingly. Bayou Body Count Norton Joseph LaFleur III, Shot By Metro Officer, Bayou Body Count No. 115 By Richard Connelly Wed., Aug at 12:31 PM Another fatal shooting by a Metro cop For the second time in two years -- the only two times in its almost 30-year history -- a Metro officer has fatally shot someone. Norton Joseph LaFleur III, whose age is unknown, was shot by Metro police officer Richard Hernandez on the west side of town yesterday afternoon. Hernandez said LaFleur was reaching for a gun that was in the front-seat cup container of the Nissan he was driving. The incident, which happened about 2:20 p.m. in the 6000 block of Fairdale, began when LaFleur was seen speeding and driving through a red light, HPD says. Then things got odd. HPD's version is this: Hernandez followed the Nissan to the entry gate of an apartment complex. The passenger jumped out. (That man, Brandon Stevenson, 27, was wanted on a robbery warrant out of Arkansas and was arrested.) Hernandez approached the car on the driver's side and says he saw the gun and told LaFleur to put up his hands. And then: The complex gate then opened and Stevenson ran into the complex. Lafleur put his vehicle in reverse, backed the car around the patrol vehicle, continued in reverse on Fairdale and backed the Nissan into a drainage ditch on the north side of the street. Lafleur then repeatedly put the vehicle in drive and reverse in an attempt to get out of the ditch. METRO Police Officer Hernandez then approached the vehicle on the driver's side and

21 repeated verbal commands for LaFleur to put his hands up. At that time, an HPD patrol officer arrived at the scene to assist METRO Police Officer Hernandez. Lafleur ignored METRO Police Officer Hernandez's verbal commands and reached for his pistol. HPD says Hernandez told them he had been "fearing for his safety and that of the HPD officer on the scene." He shot "several times"; the HPD officer did not shoot. "As is customary in officer-involved shootings occurring in the city limits, this case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide Division and the Harris County District Attorney's Office," HPD says. In 2009, a Metro officer shot a man near the Rice campus when, he said, the man had "lunged" at him with a knife. The officer was no-billed by a grand jury. 8/4 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY VMS REPORT News At Ten KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/03/2011, 10:00 PM - 10:35 PM [CC] 00:02:53 We will tell you what metro is saying about this swerving bus caught on camera this morning by a concerned driver. 00:03:01 [CC] 00:07:54 Metro says it will retrain a bus driver after she was caught on video weaving in and out of traffic. A viewer shot the video and showed it to us, and we showed it to Metro. E ach day in Houston, some 145,000 people put their lives in the hands of Metro, t he vast majority of them on buses. So imagine our surprise when we were contacted by a viewer. " I'm doing this because it's the right thing to do." H e wants to remain anonymous, but feels strongly that what he witnessed needs to be shared :09:57 Audience: 198,264

22 2. 11 News This Morning At 6 KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/04/2011, 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM [CC] 00:31:18 What if you saw this on the morning drive, this swerving Metro bus --a viewer told us what he did. 00:31:21 [CC] 00:45:24 I drive for a living, and understand the dangers involved and the responsibility that I have to other people to drive safely and had you have someone driving a huge bus like this Metro bus, they have to held to a higher standard. 00:45:38 Audience: 64, News This Morning Early Edition KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/04/2011, 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM [CC] 00:27:44 More coming up on khou this morning. Including a story you will not see any other place. A driver seen swerving in and out of lanes, more on that driving and what steps Metro will take to make sure that does not happen again. 00:28:02 [CC] 00:36:31 A viewer shot this video, said that a driver was heading west on the Katy Freeway and this started. She cut me off and was weaving and not able to maintain her lane. She was confronted at the Park and Ride and she said she was weaving because she said that the wind was blowing. 00:36:55 Audience: 38, News At Six KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/03/2011, 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM [EC] 00:01:51 We have action to report tonight following that wild bus ride on a Metro bus. The driver has been removed from duty f rom behind the wheel. Each day in Houston, 145,000 people put their lives in the hands of Metro, most are on the buses. And what about the surprise when we were contacted by the viewer with the smart camera mounted on the dash? 00:04:10 Keywords: TZ; wild ride: Visuals: video of Metro bus ride weaving, view of Kingsland Park and Ride, Speakers: Andy Skabowski, Metro senior Vice President, [EC] 00:12:55 Metro' s CEO is getting some support after he was caught surfing adult Web sites with his work Internet service. Today, Mayor Annise Parker told us she's talked to George Greanias and she told him "that he was going to go through a really difficult time, and I felt for him as a human being. And if the board supported him and brought him back to work, that I would welcome him back." 00:13:25 Keywords: Support: adult websites, Metro board, Visuals: Metro CEO George Gernias, Speakers: Houston mayor Annise Parker, Audience: 157, News At Five KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/03/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [CC] 00:05:52 A Metro bus driver swirving in and out of traffic during rush hour, and the wild ride caught on camera. The erratic driving was captured by a smartphone mounted on the dash of another vehicle. In fact, after watching it, Metro has already taken action. T hey have to be held to a higher standard than the average driver. Metro agreed. And after viewing this video, she will be sent for retraining and was pulled from her shift. 00:07:07 Audience: 93,853

23 6. Local 2 Today At 5 AM KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/04/2011, 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM [EC] 00:05:56 5:05 right now. The sweltering temperatures have the city of Houston on alert. Everyone is taking extra precautions to stay safe. Mariza Reyes is live at an emergency clinic near Kirby and the Southwest Freeway. More on that, Mariza. Lauren, good morning. This is the place where most people will take their families if they're suffering from some type of heat-related injury. Of course you saw Anthony's forecast and there doesn't seem to be any end in sight for some relief. That's why the city has activated their heat emergency plan. It's a plan to keep you and your family safe. The heat emergency plan only goes into effect when the heat index reaches 108 on two consecutive days. High-risk groups during this time are adults age 55 and older, children under the age of five and people with chronic illness like asthma, they're all urged to stay inside air conditioned buildings between 1:00 to 5:00 p.m, that is considered the hottest part of the day. Also during a heat emergency, electric companies may not disconnect service because of lack of payment. Back out here live, during the heat emergency plan, the city of Houston also works with Metro to make sure that Houstonians can get to an air conditioned building. Now Metro will take people to the downtown library, the central library during business hours so that they can cool off. Coming up at 6:00, we'll actually talk to a doctor, he's a very good doctor, he's worked with a lot of professional athletes, with the Texans, the Rockets, and he's going to give us some tips to tell us how we can beat the heat and also talk about some very important fluids that can replenish our body during these very hot days, dog days of summer, and one of those fluids I'm hearing could be chocolate milk. We'll see how chocolate milk can help replenish our systems during this very hot weather. 00:08:26 Keywords: Extreme Heat: Metro; Texans; Rockets; Visuals: Reporter live from Kethodist Emergency Caer Center [EC] 00:28:09 It's 5:4. The latest now on that massive recall oturkey meat that's being connected to one death from salmonella. Cargill meat solutions corporation is now voluntarily recalling 36 million pounds of ground turkey that may be contaminated. 77 People in 26 states, nine in Texas, have gotten sick from this outbreak and, again, one case has been deadly. Experts are saying refrigerator cooked meat and poultry within two hours or risk illness. They also say even if contaminated ground beef is safe to eat, it is safe to eat if it's cooked to 165 degrees. Of course you make sure you always watch your hands while you're cooking and don't let anything else touch the meat. New this morning, we're learning about an extensive rap sheet of a suspect shot and killed by a metro officer yesterday. Investigators say 29-year-old norton lafleur, iii was reaching for a gun when a metro officer shot and killed him. The second suspect ran from the scene but has since been arrested. 00:28:27 Keywords: Rap Sheet: Visuals: Metro Police on the scene Audience: 30, NewsFix KIAH-TV (CW) CH 39, Houston DMA: 10 08/03/2011, 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM [CC] 00:02:11 Three days. That's the amount of time Metro officer, R. Hernandez, will spend away from work for his role in a fatal shooting. For only the second time in Metro history, an officer killed someone while on duty, r aising many questions. S hould Metro police patrolling the streets even be carrying weapons? 00:03:54 [CC] 00:09:20 Houston Transtar is a partnership of four government agencies: the City of Houston, Harris County, the Texas Department of Transportation and Metro. It's responsible for aiding transportation and emergency services along more than 400 miles of greater Houston roads. 00:09:52 [CC] 00:39:37 A Metro police officer shot and killed a suspect during a routine traffic stop. Police say while the officer was at the suspect's window for running a red light, the suspect reached for his gun on the front seat. That's when the officer fired. 00:39:51 Audience: N/A NewsFix KIAH-TV (CW) CH 39, Houston DMA: 10 08/03/2011, 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM [CC] 00:02:33 Three days. That's the amount of time Metro officer, R. Hernandez, will spend away from work for his role in a fatal shooting. For only the second time in Metro history, an officer killed someone while on duty, r aising many questions. S hould Metro police patrolling the streets even be carrying weapons? 00:04:06

24 [CC] 00:09:37 Houston Transtar is a partnership of four government agencies: the City of Houston, Harris County, the Texas Department of Transportation and Metro. It's responsible for aiding transportation and emergency services along more than 400 miles of greater Houston roads. 00:10:09 [CC] 00:38:59 A Metro police officer shot and killed a suspect during a routine traffic stop. Police say while the officer was at the suspect's window for running a red light, the suspect reached for his gun on the front seat. That's when the officer fired. 00:39:13 Audience: N/A 9. Local 2 News At 5 KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/03/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [CC] 00:03:12 New developments we want to talk to you about in our Etreme Heat tonight. Houston's Health Department is now calling it a heat emergency, which means the city can now work with Metro to provide transportation to cooling centers. 00:03:24 [CC] 00:09:27 I t's a story that had everybody talking, Metro's CEO a ccused of looking at porn Web sites at work. Tonight, we're getting Mayor Annise Parker's take. Mayor parker appointed most of the board members who hired George Greanias. W hen the mayor talks, the board that runs Metro here sure does listen. But tonight, it's what the mayor is not saying that could spell trouble for the CEO h ere at Metro. 00:11:47 Audience: 67, Local 2 News At 4 KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/03/2011, 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM [CC] 00:03:56 It is hot and it's going to continue to stay hot. T he City of Houston enacted its heat emergency plan because they say this heat is downright dangerous, and the mayor wants to let everyone know that there is a place to go to get inside and get out of the heat. If you do not have access to air conditioning, all you have to do is call 311 and ask for a ride to a city of Houston cooling center. You'll get a free ride on a Metro bus here to the downtown Houston library. 00:05:49 Audience: 54, Fox 26 News 5 PM KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/03/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [CC] 00:07:18 New details about a deadly officer-involved shooting in southwest Houston. Metro officials say the officer pulled over a car he spotted running a red light on Fountain View. The driver had a gun in the car and tried to drive away. And investigators say he made a move for the gun and Hernandez shot him. 00:07:48 Audience: 49, Live At Five KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/03/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [EC] 00:03:47 We have an update on breaking news we were following at this time yesterday. Police have identified a man shot and killed by a Metro police officer. Nolton Lafleur III was shot multiple times and died at the scene. Police say a Metro officer initially tried to pull him over for running a red light. 00:04:24 Keywords: Metro: Milton Lafluer III, Visuals: Metro police officer shooting scene, Houston Police Department, on scene, Brandon Stevenson, Audience: 135, Eyewitness News At 4:00 KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/03/2011, 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM [CC] 00:07:49 And we now know the name of a suspect shot and killed by a Metro police officer yesterday. According to police, Nolton Lafleur III ran a red light and an officer pulled him over. The officer told HPD that Lafleur was within reach of a pistol and Lafleur reached for the gun. 00:08:21 Audience: 109,211

25 HOUSTON CHRONICLE Metro CEO's behavior is well over acceptable line By BILL KING Aug. 3, 2011, 8:17PM Let me begin by stating my opinion that George Greanias has done a good job as Metro's CEO. Certainly, compared to what we had before, it is the difference between day and night. I say this notwithstanding that Greanias and I strongly disagree about Metro's proposed light rail project. That issue aside, there is no doubt that Metro's management has greatly improved under his leadership. However, everything positive about Greanias' stewardship of Metro became instantly irrelevant when Board Chair Gilbert Garcia revealed that Greanias had viewed adult-oriented content over Metro's Internet system while on Metro's premises during regular business hours. Translation: He was surfing porn at work. Metro has attempted to downplay the content on the sites Greanias visited, and with good reason. I have not visited the sites listed in the Metro press release, nor do I intend to do so. But the names of the sites are troubling in the extreme. The names of four of the sites indicated they may have featured images of minors. Metro has said that none of the sites include underage images, but admit that they relied on a disclaimer on the websites to that effect. Accepting the word of a porn site about the age of its actors is hardly what one would call an exhaustive investigation. But splitting hairs over whether the subjects were over 18 does little to ameliorate the fact that Greanias was looking at these sites in the first place. What may end up causing Greanias legal problems is that three of the sites appear to be escort services. While no evidence has surfaced that Greanias retained any services on these sites, his visits to such sites raise the question of why he would repeatedly do so if he was not, at least, considering doing so. Metro has attempted to characterize the incident as simply a violation of Metro's Internet policy, something for which an employee would typically receive a reprimand. However, Metro's policy does not call for progressive discipline and states that "Employees who are in violation of the guideline will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination." The contention that other employees would have received similarly lenient discipline has been challenged by Metro employees who were recently terminated. It certainly makes one wonder how Metro will ever enforce any employee discipline after this incident. Every employee facing discipline will undoubtedly cite the Greanias ruling. It also makes you wonder what someone has to do to get fired at Metro. But even if an employee gets a slap on the wrist for surfing porn on the job at Metro, Greanias is not an ordinary employee. As CEO, Greanias is the face of Metro to the public, its member cities, the Federal Transit Administration, the state Legislature and dozens of other constituencies and counterparties. For a very long time, when Greanias appears before any of these groups, his Internet surfing will be on everybody's mind, not anything he has to say about transit. What is more important than Greanias' fate are the roughly 100,000 Houstonians who rely on Metro's buses and MetroLift service to get them to and from work each day. The bulk of these folks cannot afford a car or physically cannot drive a car and have few alternatives to Metro's service. They are a group that suffered under the previous Metro administration as it slashed service and raised fares in a futile attempt to build the light-rail transit system. One of the most encouraging things to me about the "New Metro" was its rededication to improving its bus service. This incident puts everything Metro has done in that regard at risk.

26 But there is an even more serious implication of this episode than its effects on Metro. Whether Greanias continues in a position of public trust after this incident is going to make a much larger statement about our community generally. Some commentators on Greanias' fate have suggested that it should turn on whether he did anything illegal. Really? Have our expectations of our public officials fallen so low that all we ask is that they not be criminals? One of Houston's great strengths is its tolerance of a wide variety of beliefs and lifestyles. However, that does not mean that there are no standards of public morality and decency; that there are no boundaries beyond which we say, "This conduct is unacceptable for a public official." It will always be difficult in a diverse city like Houston to know exactly where that line should be drawn, but I am pretty sure that the vast majority of Houstonians will agree that surfing websites that appear to feature escorts while on the public's payroll is well across it. Greanias needs to do the right thing for Metro's employees and customers, this community and, frankly, for himself. He needs to step down and pass this responsibility on to someone who can discharge it without this cloud over their head. KPRC: Mayor Speaks With Suspended METRO CEO Over Porn Viewing On Job By Stephen Dean POSTED: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 UPDATED: 5:40 pm CDT August 3, 2011 HOUSTON The suspended CEO of Houston METRO Transit is not finding strong support from Houston's mayor in response to his viewing pornography on agency computers. When asked a direct question about whether she still supports METRO CEO George Greanias, Mayor Annise Parker answered Wednesday, "I have confidence in the people that I put in place as board members to analyze the agency and what the agency needs." She stopped short of saying he retains her support.

27 Last week, the METRO board suspended Greanias for one week without pay after he admitted to accessing what he called "highly embarrassing" porn sites through the transit agency's wireless computer connection at METRO headquarters downtown. He issued a memo to all employees apologizing for the infraction, and saying he thought he was viewing the porn on his own computer. He acknowledged that he was connected to the Internet through METRO servers so he admitted it was a violation. Parker said she spoke with Greanias about his suspension, telling him, "That he was going to go through a very difficult time. I felt for him as a human being and if the board supported him and brought him back to work that I would welcome him back." Just three months before records showed Greanias started repeatedly accessing porn on the job, he had harsh words for another agency employee caught by Local 2 Investigates' hidden cameras visiting numerous X rated video stores while he was supposed to be helping stranded drivers. Greanias said in that March broadcast, "I have an issue with any employee who doesn't do their job." He also said any agency worker caught on hidden camera dodging their duty or viewing porn had no place at the transit agency. "The fact that some employees, based on your news reports at least, seem to feel that on duty time is to be spent recreating, when in fact that's not the case, is extremely troubling," Greanias said in March. He said, "I am not going to tolerate, METRO is not going to tolerate folks who simply will not get with the program," he said in March. Parker deferred to the METRO board to decide on whether Greanias will remain in the top transit job. "I think I have great board members over there at METRO. I trust their judgment and I believe that they are doing a great job of transforming the agency into the new METRO and I continue to support their work," said Parker. KPRC: METRO Officer Fatally Shoots Armed Man Nolton Joseph LaFleur III Killed POSTED: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 UPDATED: 1:27 pm CDT August 3, 2011 HOUSTON A METRO police officer fatally shot an armed man in southwest Houston, police said. Houston police said METRO police Officer R. Hernandez spotted Nolton Joseph LaFleur III speeding on Fountain View Drive about 2:20 p.m. Tuesday. Hernandez followed LaFleur, 27, to an apartment complex security gate in the 6000 block of Fairdale Lane, police said. Detectives said Hernandez approached the car and a passenger, Brandon Stevenson, jumped out of the car.

28 Hernandez saw a pistol in the center console cup holder behind LaFleur's hand, police said. He told LaFleur to put his hands up, officials said. Investigators said the gate to the apartment complex opened and Stevenson, 27, ran inside. LaFleur backed the car around Hernandez's patrol car, back onto Fairdale Lane and into a drainage ditch, detectives said. He put the vehicle in drive and in reverse to try to get out of the ditch, officials said. Hernandez once again told LaFleur to put his hands up, and an HPD patrol car then arrived at the scene, police said. Police said LaFleur reached for his pistol and Hernandez fired several shots at him. LaFleur died at the scene, detectives said. Stevenson was captured hiding in an attic inside a nearby townhouse, police said. Officials said there was a warrant for his arrest on a robbery charge filed in Arkansas. KTRK: Suspect fatally shot by METRO police officer identified Wednesday, August 03, 2011 HOUSTON (KTRK) We now know the name of an armed suspect shot and killed by a METRO police officer Tuesday in west Houston. According to police, Nolton Joseph LaFleur III, 29, ran a red light on Fountainview at around 2:20pm Tuesday and a METRO police officer pulled him over in the 6000 block of Fairdale. Police say METRO Police Officer R. Hernandez, in his patrol vehicle, caught up with the Nissan sedan LaFleur was driving at an apartment security gate in the 6000 block of Fairdale. As the officer approached the vehicle on the driver's side, a male passenger suspect Brandon Stevenson jumped out of the car. The officer then saw a pistol in the center console cup holder by LaFleur's right hand, police say, and the officer gave LaFleur verbal commands to put his hands up and away from the gun.

29 The complex gate then opened and Stevenson ran into the complex. Police say LaFleur put his vehicle in reverse, backed the car around the patrol vehicle, continued in reverse on Fairdale and backed the Nissan into a drainage ditch on the north side of the street. Lafleur then repeatedly put the vehicle in drive and reverse in an attempt to get out of the ditch. Officer Hernandez says he approached the vehicle on the driver's side and repeated verbal commands for LaFleur to put his hands up. At that time, an HPD patrol officer arrived at the scene to assist the officer. According to police, Lafleur ignored Officer Hernandez's verbal commands and reached for his pistol. Fearing for his safety and that of the HPD officer on the scene, police say Officer Hernandez discharged his weapon several times. LaFleur suffered multiple gun shot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. A witness told us what she saw. "He put the car in reverse and they just started shooting," witness Brittany Reding said. "They pulled up behind this young man entering my gate for whatever reason and when the police officer approached them, he immediately was trying to put that car in park. And it went in reverse and they just started opening fire on him." Stevenson, 27, was found hiding in the attic of a nearby townhouse and was taken into custody a short time later. He faces a charge of evading on foot. Stevenson is also wanted on a robbery warrant out of Arkansas. The officer was not injured in the incident. Officer Hernandez is a 12 year veteran of METRO police. He is a member of the tactical team and firearms trainer. The case is being investigated by the HPD Homicide Division and the Harris County District Attorney's Office. (Copyright 2011 KTRK TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) KTRK: Downtown bridge closure adds to commute times Wednesday, August 03, 2011 HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Drivers commuting via North Main should expect a change in routine as the N. Main Street bridge closes to motorists beginning Monday, August 8. Light-rail service will continue normal operations and pedestrian access on the UH-Downtown side of the street will remain in place. Northbound traffic on Main will follow this detour right on Franklin, left on San Jacinto, right on Rothwell, left on Hardy, right on Lyons, left on Maury, left on Lorraine to Hogan and back to N. Main. David Couch, METRO Sr. Vice President for Capital Programs said, "We are configuring two major bridge structures for the light-rail expansion on the new North Line."

30 The closure between Naylor and Franklin streets allows crews to begin rebuilding the northern section of the Main St. bridge for light rail use. They'll also construct the southern part of the bridge, over the Union Pacific tracks. Southbound traffic will be detoured as follows: left on Hogan (which becomes Lorraine), right on Maury, right on Lyons, left on McKee, right on Providence, left on North San Jacinto and connect back to Main via Commerce. If you're walking in the area, be on the lookout for directional signage. METRO urges pedestrians to heed all signs. Those traveling the area should expect a longer commute. The detour will last a year to 14 months. For more information about the rail expansion program visit gometrorail.org. KHOU: Beat the Traffic Beat the Traffic: Metro closes N. Main bridge on Monday by Katherine Whaley / KHOU 11 News khou.com Posted on August 4, 2011 at 9:09 AM Metro is closing the North Main Street bridge beginning Monday, August 8. Light-rail service will continue and pedestrian access on the UH-Downtown side of the street will remain in place. The detour route for Northbound traffic on Main is: right on Franklin, left on San Jacinto, right on Rothwell, left on Hardy, right on Lyons, left on Maury, left on Lorraine to Hogan and back to N. Main. The goal is to configure two major bridges for the light rail expansion on the new North Line. The detour route for Southbound traffic is: left on Hogan (which becomes Lorraine), right on Maury, right on Lyons, left on McKee, right on Providence, left on North San Jacinto and connect back to Main via Commerce. If you re walking in the area, please watch for signage for pedestrian detours. KHOU: Caught on camera: Metro driver swerving through traffic by Brad Woodard / KHOU 11 News khou.com Posted on August 3, 2011 at 6:34 PM Updated yesterday at 6:43 PM

31 HOUSTON Each day in Houston, 145,000 people put their lives in the hands of Metro, the vast majority of them on buses. So imagine the surprise of one man who recently captured images of a bus swerving through traffic with a smart phone mounted on his dash. "I m not doing this for my 10 minutes of fame," the man said, wishing to remain anonymous. "I m doing it because it s the right thing to do." He says he was traveling west on the Katy Freeway at 7:30 a.m. when the erratic driving started. "She passed me in the left lane and almost hit me," he said. "She cut me off. When she got in front of me, I noticed she was weaving and not able to maintain her lane." The video shows the bus swerving from one lane to another, at one point forcing a pickup truck to take evasive actions. The bus was empty at the time and on its way to the Kingsland Park and Ride to pick up passengers. The anonymous photographer followed it there. "I asked her if she was okay and she said the wind was blowing." According to weather service reports, conditions at nearby airports for the time in question indicate the winds were relatively calm, less than 10 mph. That s not enough to make a bus swerve, said Metro, which took swift action after watching the video. "She s a newer employee. She came out of training in June, and she s been driving for two months," said Andy Skabowski, a senior vice president for Metro. "She s been pulled off the second half of her shift and will be put back into retraining based on what we saw." Skabowski said she will also be re-evaluated to determine if she s best suited for driving. He said the bus driver did speak to a police officer and that she was not impaired. He also thanked the anonymous man with the smart phone for bringing it to the agency s attention, saying it wants to be aware of any potential problems so they can be addressed. KIAH: Fatal Shooting Update HOUSTON, TX Metro Officer Richard Hernandez will spend 3-days away from work for his role in the fatal shooting that occurred late Tuesday afternoon in southwest Houston. For only the second time in Metro history an officer killed someone while on duty and raises the question: Should Metro Police patrolling the streets even be carrying weapons? The truth about what happened at the intersection of Fountain View and Fairdale may never been known, but the suspect Nolton Joseph LaFleur III is dead and the officer is claiming self-defense.

32 Transportation Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County News Release Wednesday, August 03, 2011 N. Main St. Bridge Closes to Motor Vehicles Beginning Monday, August 8 Drivers commuting via North Main should expect a change in routine as the N. Main Street bridge closes to motorists beginning Monday, August 8. Light-rail service will continue normal operations and pedestrian access on the UH-Downtown side of the street will remain in place. Northbound traffic on Main will follow this detour - right on Franklin, left on San Jacinto, right on Rothwell, left on Hardy, right on Lyons, left on Maury, left on Lorraine to Hogan and back to N. Main. David Couch, METRO Sr. Vice President for Capital Programs says, "We are configuring two major bridge structures for the light-rail expansion on the new North Line. Our goal is to provide Great Transit Infrastructure and this work brings us a step closer to providing our downtown and Northside stakeholders with enhanced service. The finished project will be a major benefit for all of Houston. The closure between Naylor and Franklin streets allows crews to begin rebuilding the northern section of the Main St. bridge for light rail use. They'll also construct the southern part of the bridge, over the Union Pacific tracks. Southbound traffic will be detoured as follows: left on Hogan (which becomes Lorraine), right on Maury, right on Lyons, left on McKee, right on Providence, left on North San Jacinto and connect back to Main via Commerce. If you re walking in the area, please be on the lookout for directional signage. Safety is a priority and METRO urges pedestrians to heed all signs. Those traveling the area should expect a longer commute. The detour will last a year to 14 months. For more information about the rail expansion program visit gometrorail.org. North Line Construction Update bloghouston.net 03 August 2011 NEW METRO has another porn problem METRO Worker Caught On Hidden Camera Faces Felony Charge - Stephen Dean, KPRC-2 News

33 Local 2 Investigates reported Tuesday that a felony charge of tampering with a government record was lodged against 51-year-old David Wayne Richards, who was the focus of a hidden camera report in October. In court records, METRO police wrote that Richards made false entries on his official daily work record, reflecting that he was helping stranded motorists when he was really being recorded going from one adult video store to another. [snip] METRO Vice President Tom Lambert, who was over the program, said, "We're embarrassed by it. It's not something that we expect should be happening. It's not something we condone to happen and so we're disappointed that it happened. Ah, hapless former police chief Tom Lambert makes an appearance! We would have thought Jerome Gray would be handling these sorts of press inquiries (given Lambert's past performances). To quote my blogging colleague Anne Linehan from an exchange earlier, this seems to be some Culture of Porn NEW METRO has going! Posted by Kevin 08/03/11 09:47 PM Comments (1) 02 August 2011 Chron: Greanias must answer "serious questions" Greanias scandal: Future of the Metro CEO turns on solid answers to serious questions - Houston Chronicle We agree with this weekend editorial from the Chronicle. Well, with the headline at least. The Chronicle's questions aren't as specific as we'd like, so we'll help out: Why was George Greanias surfing possibly illegal gay adolescent porn sites at all, and did he exhibit a pattern of visiting those sites (multiple visits and/or multiple clicks on those sites). If the answer to the last is affirmative, then Greanias must be terminated and the information turned over to the DA. Posted by Kevin 08/02/11 09:58 PM Comments (4) HOUSTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS (Ran in several editions) HPD looking at fatal shooting of armed motorist by Metro officer An aerial view provided by the ABC-13 helicopter of the site of shooting Tuesday afternoon.

34 Posted: Wednesday, August 3, :40 pm HPD looking at fatal shooting of armed motorist by Metro officer By Regional News Bureau 0 comments Houston police investigators are looking into the fatal shooting of an armed motorist by a Metro police officer Tuesday afternoon in southwest Houston. Norton Joseph LaFleur III died from several gunshot wounds following a brief chase that ended on Fairdale Avenue, between Richmond Avenue and Westheimer Road, HPD said. A passenger, later identified as Brandon Stevenson, 28, fled on foot, but was found a short time later hiding in the attic of a nearby townhouse. He is wanted for suspicion of robbery in Arkansas. Metro officer R. Hernandez, who fired the shots, told HPD he saw LaFleur, in a blue Nissan sedan, speed through a red light, heading north on Fountainview Street at about 2:15 p.m. Following a brief pursuit, the car stropped at an apartment security gate at 6014 Fairdale. Hernandez reported seeing a gun in the center cupholder of the car as the passenger jumped out. The officer said he ordered LaFleur to show his hands, but instead he shifted into reverse and began backing down the street until he got stuck in a drainage ditch. According to the officer s report, after several attempts to drive away, LaFleur reached for the gun. That was when Hernandez fired. CYPRESS TIMES METRO CEO SUSPENDED ONE WEEK FOR VIOLATING COMPUTER POLICY Published 08/03/2011-9:01 a.m. CST HOUSTON, TX - METRO President & CEO George Greanias has been suspended for one week, without pay, effective July 28. This disciplinary action followed a METRO investigation that concluded Mr. Greanias violated company guidelines on the use of electronic communications. METRO s investigation revealed that while on his personal computer, Mr. Greanias accessed more than one dozen adult oriented sites of a sexual nature through the METRO Internet System. The access violations occurred on 14 days from February 9, 2011 to July 1, Normally, the disciplinary action for such a violation is a verbal reprimand. Any subsequent violation could lead to more severe punishment, including termination. METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia has concluded that, as president and CEO, Mr. Greanias must be held to a higher standard, and decided instead of a warning Mr. Greanias would receive a more stringent punishment of one week suspension, without pay.

35 Mr. Garcia said, George Greanias has done an excellent job in the past year and three months turning the agency around and improving transit services, morale, and community relations. However, George must be held accountable and the community must have confidence that the New METRO will be open and transparent. METRO s system to investigate this matter worked and there were no attempts to circumvent the procedures put in place to address the violation. In a letter to employees, Mr Greanias said he made a mistake. As for the punishment, he said, I agree with that judgment, and I accept it willingly. Greanias is scheduled to return to work as president and CEO on Monday, August 8th. HOUSTON CHRONICLE Light-rail project shuts Main Street for months

36 Students who walk across the Main Street bridge to the University of Houston-Downtown may have to find a new route. (Google Maps) By DALE LEZON Houston Chronicle (Metro) The North Main bridge at Interstate 10 will be closed to motor vehicles beginning next week and the closure could last more than year to allow crews to prepare the bridge for a light-rail extension project. The closure will begin Monday and could last up to 14 months, according to Metro officials. However, officials said, light-rail service will continue normal operations and pedestrian access on the UH-Downtown side of the street will be uninterrupted. The closure allows crews to rebuild the northern section of the bridge for light rail use. They ll also construct the southern part of the bridge over the Union Pacific railroad tracks. We are configuring two major bridge structures for the light-rail expansion on the new North Line, David Couch, METRO Sr. Vice President for Capital Programs, stated in a new release about the closure. Our goal is to provide Great Transit Infrastructure and this work brings us a step closer to providing our downtown and Northside stakeholders with enhanced service. The finished project will be a major benefit for all of Houston. Northbound traffic on Main will follow this detour: right on Franklin, left on San Jacinto, right on Rothwell, left on Hardy, right on Lyons, left on Maury, left on Lorraine to Hogan and back to N. Main. Southbound traffic will be detoured as follows: left on Hogan (which becomes Lorraine), right on Maury, right on Lyons, left on McKee, right on Providence, left on North San Jacinto and connect back to Main via Commerce. Fry Says News Of METRO CEO s Suspension Is Very Sad Details Emerge On Sexual Oriented Websites

37 By Sara Waisanen August 1, 2011 No comments Following the recent suspension of METRO President and CEO George Greanias for visiting sexual oriented websites, InstantNewsWestU contacted Mayor Bob Fry for comment. It s very sad, Fry said. From all indications he s done a good job. Greanias was recently suspended from his position for one week without pay for visiting 14 sexual oriented websites from Feb. 9 to July 1. An investigation by METRO found that Greanias violated company guidelines by accessing the sites on his personal computer through the METRO Internet System. According to press reports, Greanias visited a number of sexual oriented websites including rentboy.com, sharethatboy.com, sogayboy.com, Daddysreviews.com, Adultworld.com, hourboy.com, hardcoregaysexxx.com, men4rent.com and maximumescorts.com. METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia said in a statement last week that Greanias must be held to a higher standard, and decided instead of a warning he would receive a one week suspension, without pay. George Greanias has done an excellent job in the past year and three months turning the agency around and improving transit services, morale, and community relations, Garcia said. However, George must be held accountable and the community must have confidence that the New METRO will be open and transparent. Greanias was appointed president and CEO of METRO in September of last year. He is expected to return to work on Aug. 8. West U, one of 14 cities that belong to METRO, contributes around $1 million in sales tax to the agency and receives $259,000 from its general mobility fund every year. InstantNewsWestU tried contacting Burt Ballanfant, a METRO board member who represents small cities including West U, but he has not responded to a request for comment. 8/5 8/8 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY VMS REPORT (8/8) News This Morning Early Edition KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM [EC] 00:06:08 Today may be the tough day for the head of Metro. George Grineas is set to return to work after suspended for surfing porn at work. Some are wondering if he could lead the agency effectively. Allison Triarsi is live outside Metro headquarters. Reporter: the big question is not only that can he serve but will they have him stick around? Right now yor parker as well as Metros Board decided it was enough to suspend george greanias without pay for a week... 00:07:48 Keywords: Back to Work: Metro President and CEO George Grineas; Metro Board; Houston Mayor Annise Parker; Board Chairman, Gilbert Garcia; Visuals: Metro Headquarters; Grineas; Garcia;

38 [EC] 00:33:54 Khou 11news reporter right turn right turn is joing us live --Allison triarsi is joing us live outside of Metro. Reporter: it is a public humiliation that many are not sure that george can recover from. We are outside of Metro Head quarters this morning. The main bus terminal getting a little more busy this morning. It's still early. Still though, here's what he has going for him. Overall there is an opinion that this man has vastly turn around Metro in a short amount of time... 00:35:47 Keywords: TZ; Back to Work: Metro CEO George Grineas; Visuals: Metro headquarters; Downtown Transit Center; Metro buses;audience: 38, News First Look KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 04:30 AM - 05:00 AM [CC] 00:09:50 Metro CEO heads back to his office after being caught surfing porn while at work. George Greanias has been suspended without pay. He used his personal computer to view explicit weites on the company's website. It's still unclear if they will continue to lead the agency. His public face now is not what you want. Greanias has apologized. Metro denies any job changes for Greanias. 00:10:32 Audience: 16, News At Ten KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/07/2011, 10:00 PM - 10:35 PM [CC] 00:14:13 Tomorrow the CEO of Metro will head back to work for the first time after being caught surfing porn while at work. Khou 11 news reporter leigh frillici went to find identity if george greanias will be able to lead the company effectively. Reporter: George Greanias is put in charge of improving the company's rection... 00:15:50 Audience: 205, News Weekend Report KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/07/2011, 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM [CC] 00:15:29 Torrow the ceo of Metro will head back to work for the first time after being caught surfing porn while at work. Khou is he news reporter frilli found out if george greanias can lade the company effectively. Reporter: he was put in charge of giving tro a new direction, to improve the company's image. George greanias came in and turned around an agency with no real public support. Reporter: now greanias faces a real challenge, his own image has been tarnished. There it's not right. He disobeyed the rights. Reporter: it happened last month when Metro announced that their president was using their computer at work to surf adult websites... 00:17:01 [CC] 00:17:39 What a hot day today and mario I was tolding you out at bush park, the paved trails, big cracks like I have never seen before out there. The heat that we're having and drought, of course, really taking its toll not only on the body, but on many of the foundations around the Houston metro area. So if you have a foundation, just keep watering and you will be doing yourself a favor later on. You won't have to do any repairs. Hopefully we'll get rain in the not too distant future, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen this week. We're stiled holding on the same exact weather pattern that has been producing 100-degree temperatures since the beginning of the week on Monday. We continue that trend. Notice we have had five days of 101-degree temperatures officiallied at the airport. This is our seventh consecutive dave 100-degree temperatures and this is the 10th longest period we have seen this summer ever recorded in Houston with 100-degree temperatures, the cond long event ever. Now although these are very hot temperatures, they are not records. That is because we see records now in the 104-degree range back in 2003, for today and back in 1962 for tomorrow. So it looks like we're going to be close that record, but probably miss it by just a few degrees. You can see the numbers are just beyond a 100 degrees north of the city, around huntsville and college stion and around katie and even 100 degrees, but it feels even warmer than that what you factor in the humidity. Bear in mind, this is taken in the shade. These heat index values are normally in the shade with very light winds so bear in mind you are probably in the sunshine if you are out there exerting a lot of force on your body and this is going to mean that the heat index values will be even warmer during the hottest part of the afternoons in the sunshine. So take that into consideration when you do exercise in the afternoon and take frequent breaks as we have been telling you. Nothinhas really changed, high pressure continues to loom overhead. It's still 98 and humidity still relatively high and deutschs at :19:35 Audience: 178,733

39 5. Fox 26 Morning News At 4 AM KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 04:00 AM - 05:00 AM [CC] 00:34:31 If you drive on north main to get to and from work, expect major delaysue to the Metro Light Rail construction. That's where we find fox 26's randy wallace this morning. Randy, good morning. Reporter: good morning, chris. Michelle just warned us, and people that drive downtown really need to be aware of this. Okay. This is t nth main street bridge, and it's going to close to motoristless starting at 9 A.M. --Motorists starting at 9 A.M. If you loose use lig use light rail or walk across the bridge, nothing happens... 00:35:14 Audience: 8, Fox 26 News At Nine KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/07/2011, 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM [CC] 00:06:48 Tomorrow the north main street bridge will be closed to drivers as construction begins on Metro's Light Rail north line eension. North main will be shut down between nailer and franklin while crews reconfigure the bridge for light rail trains. It will last from a year to 14 months. 00:08:55 Audience: 94,901 VMS REPORT (8/5) News At Noon KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/04/2011, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM [EC] 00:09:08 Metro plans to retrain a bus driver after she was caught on camera weaving in and out of traffic. The bus was empty at the time, but our viewer confronted the driver at the Kingsland Park & Ride. 00:10:01 Keywords: Bad Bus Driver: Kingsland Park And Ride; Metro Bus Driver Training; Visuals: Video of Metro bus driver weaving in and out of traffic on the Katy Freeway; Metro bus station; Speakers: Unidentified Camera Man; Audience: 127, News At Ten KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/03/2011, 10:00 PM - 10:35 PM [EC] 00:02:53 We'll tell you what Metro is saying about this swerving bus caught on camera this morning by a concerned driver. 00:03:01 Keywords: Open : Jury Duty Arrest; Metro Bus [EC] 00:07:54 Metro says it will retrain a bus driver after she was caught on video weaving in and out of traffic. A viewer showed the video to us, and reporter Brad Woodward showed it to Metro. Less than 10 miles per hour, not enough to make a bus swerve, according to Metro, who took swift action after we brought the video to their attention. 00:09:56 Keywords: TZ; Metro Bus: Visuals: smarthphone video showing Metro bus driver weaving in and out of traffic on the Katy Freeway; Kingsland Park & Ride; Honda dealership sign Speakers: unidentified driver, witness; Andy Skabowski, Metro Senior Vice President Audience: 198, The Sunny Morning Show KODA-FM Freq. 99.1, Houston DMA: 10 08/04/2011, 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM 00:32:31 The suspended CEO of Houston Metro Transit not finding strong support from Houston's mayor in response to his viewing pornography on agency computers. The Metro board suspended George Greanias for a week without pay after he admitted to accessing what he called "highlly embarrassing porn sites" through the agency's wireless computer connection. 00:33:23 Audience: 28,425

40 4. Eyewitness News Tonight KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/04/2011, 10:00 PM - 10:35 PM [CC] 00:09:15 Houston is in a heat emergency. The city opened cooling centers to try to give residents relief from our dangerous temperatures. A nyone who needs to get to the cooling center can find the city's 311 help line. Metro can provide transportation to the central library, also by calling :11:09 Audience: 175,928 KPRC METRO CEO Returns To Work After Suspension For Online Porn At Work By Stephen Dean POSTED: Monday, August 8, 2011 George Greanias HOUSTON The CEO of Houston's METRO Transit agency returned to work Monday from his one week suspension for viewing pornography on the job with a new apology letter to fellow employees, Local 2 Investigates reported. George Greanias called a meeting with his senior staff for 10 a.m., but one of his first items of business was a second letter of apology to METRO's employees. Greanias just finished a one week suspension without pay from his $235,000 job after admitting he viewed "highly embarrassing" porn sites while on the job at METRO headquarters downtown. The agency said his porn surfing was discovered in a routine audit. In an apology letter on the day his suspension was announced, he wrote that he was using his own personal computer and did not realize the wireless connection to the Internet used agency computer servers. METRO's board president said the punishment levied against Greanias was actually more severe than any other employee would have faced for the same infraction. In his letter to agency staff at 8:45 a.m., he insisted that he did not break the law. His letter, reviewed by Local 2 Investigates, again said he was sorry and taking full responsibility for violating trust and breaking METRO rules, but he gave no signs that he plans to resign.

41 Local 2 Investigates reported last week that Houston Mayor Annise Parker stopped short of saying she continued to support him. The mayor appoints five METRO board members and has a strong influence on major decisions facing the board. In Monday's apology letter, Greanias wrote, "I made a terrible mistake by not only violating METRO policy, but also by letting down everyone in this agency and the public. There's no excuse for my behavior and I won't offer one." Some METRO staffers told Local 2 Investigates that police did not get an opportunity to investigate whether any laws were broken by the porn surfing at work. The agency has made no mention of any internal or outside police agency conducting a criminal investigation into what sorts of images may have been downloaded while Greanias was on the various sites over a span of more than two weeks. In his letter, Greanias wrote, "The best way I know how to redeem myself is to deliver better transportation that provides easier commutes and helps build a stronger economy. That has been my goal since I got here and it remains my goal." His letter said the METRO board was "completely" transparent with regard to his wrongdoing and suspension. He wrote, "I'm ready to get back to work." METRO said Greanias was unavailable to speak on camera to Local 2 Investigates because he was in meetings Monday morning. Greanias' Letter To METRO Staff "I want to address my recent suspension and the embarrassing and difficult situation I brought upon myself. Let me start by saying that I am ready to get back to work today. My mission is to deliver the best transportation system in America for our riders, taxpayers, employees and all our citizens. "I made a terrible mistake by not only violating METRO policy, but also by letting down everyone in this agency and the public. There was no excuse for my behavior and I won t offer one. I broke our policy and I broke trust with METRO employees and the public. I am truly sorry and apologize to every METRO employee, every METRO board member, elected officials, stakeholders, every METRO rider and to the public. I take full responsibility and have accepted my suspension without pay as appropriate and justified. "The best way I know how to redeem myself is to deliver better transportation that provides easier commutes and helps build a stronger economy. That s been my goal since I got here, and it remains my goal. The hallmark values of the New METRO are transparency and accountability. We work every day to solve problems and that includes acknowledging problems so that we can solve them. "I am deeply saddened and embarrassed that I created a problem. My employers have acknowledged that and have been completely open and transparent with the public and the media. I strongly support that. They have imposed a punishment on me that is serious and appropriate. I also strongly support that because leaders should be held to a high standard.

42 "I want to be very clear that while I violated METRO s policy, and I broke trust with METRO and the public, I did not break the law. I understand that breaking trust is just as serious, and I am dedicating myself to making amends for that. The issue here is not my personal life; the issue is my public job. I have accepted my punishment from the board and now I am ready to get back to work and focus on the transportation needs for our community." If you have a news tip or question for KPRC Local 2 Investigates, drop them an e mail or call their tipline at (713) 223 TIPS (8477). KHOU Metro CEO Greanias returns to work, issues apology after suspension for porn incident by Leigh Frillici / KHOU 11 News khou.com Posted on August 7, 2011 at 6:27 PM Updated today at 11:54 AM HOUSTON Metro President and CEO George Greanias returned to work Monday, about 12 days after he was suspended without pay for using the Metro Internet system to view porn online. Greanias accessed more than a dozen sites on his personal computer through Metro s Internet system during company time, according to Metro. Metro Chairman Gilbert Garcia said the violations occurred on 14 days from February 9, 2011, to July 1, The disciplinary action came as the result of an internal investigation. Greanias admitted he made "a terrible mistake" in a written statement released by Metro on Monday. The sites I accessed were of a sexual nature to say the least, highly inappropriate, and embarrassing, Greanias wrote in an earlier apology letter to employees. For what has happened, I apologize.

43 Last year, Greanias had been hand-picked by the mayor to turn the troubled agency around. George Grenias came in and turned around an agency that had no real public support, said Bob Stein, political analyst for KHOU 11 News. Now Grenias faces his toughest challenge yet: reinventing his own image in the public eye. It s not right, said Cathy Young of Pearland. There are rules against it and he disobeyed the rules. [His suspension] should have been a month, until they found out what to do with him, added Donald Bell, who lives in downtown Houston. But Metro spokesperson Jerome Gray said they still have high expectations for Grenias. We are expecting him to continue to do the great things he has been doing, said Gray. Greanias still has the support of the board as well. Experts say Metro may shift the spotlight from Greanias to their board chairman Garcia. [Garcia] will probably be the public spokesperson more often than George Grenias, said Stein. You ll see George in the day-to-day operations, but he may cease to be - how should I say this - as visible. The suspension cost Greanias about $4,500. KHOU Metro President George Greanias issues written apology by Michelle Homer Statement by Metro President and CEO George Greanias Posted on August 8, 2011 at 11:41 AM Metro President and CEO George Greanias returned to work Monday after a week-long suspension for viewing porn on his personal computer on Metro's Internet system. He released the following statement apologizing for his actions: "I want to address my recent suspension and the embarrassing and difficult situation I brought upon myself. Let me start by saying that I am ready to get back to work today. My mission is to deliver the best transportation system in America for our riders, taxpayers, employees and all our citizens.

44 I made a terrible mistake by not only violating METRO policy, but also by letting down everyone in this agency and the public. There was no excuse for my behavior and I won t offer one. I broke our policy and I broke trust with METRO employees and the public. I am truly sorry and apologize to every METRO employee, every METRO board member, elected officials, stakeholders, every METRO rider and to the public. I take full responsibility and have accepted my suspension without pay as appropriate and justified. The best way I know how to redeem myself is to deliver better transportation that provides easier commutes and helps build a stronger economy. That s been my goal since I got here, and it remains my goal. The hallmark values of the New METRO are transparency and accountability. We work every day to solve problems and that includes acknowledging problems so that we can solve them. I am deeply saddened and embarrassed that I created a problem. My employers have acknowledged that and have been completely open and transparent with the public and the media. I strongly support that. They have imposed a punishment on me that is serious and appropriate. I also strongly support that because leaders should be held to a high standard. I want to be very clear that while I violated METRO s policy, and I broke trust with METRO and the public, I did not break the law. I understand that breaking trust is just as serious, and I am dedicating myself to making amends for that. The issue here is not my personal life; the issue is my public job. I have accepted my punishment from the board and now I am ready to get back to work and focus on the transportation needs for our community." KTRK METRO CEO returns to work following suspension Updated at 11:16 AM today HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The CEO of Houston METRO, who was embarrassed by a cyber sex scandal, returns to work today. George Greanias was suspended for one week without pay after admitting to surfing sex websites while at work. He was handpicked by Houston Mayor Annise Parker to transform METRO's image in the wake of several other high-profile scandals. Greanias is sitting down with Eyewitness News Anchor Melanie Lawson for an exclusive interview. Hear what he has to say for himself in later editions of Eyewitness News. Below is the full text of a statement Greanias released this morning: "I want to address my recent suspension and the embarrassing and difficult situation I brought upon myself. Let me start by saying that I am ready to get back to work today. My mission is to deliver the best transportation system in America for our riders, taxpayers, employees and all our citizens.

45 I made a terrible mistake by not only violating METRO policy, but also by letting down everyone in this agency and the public. There was no excuse for my behavior and I won't offer one. I broke our policy and I broke trust with METRO employees and the public. I am truly sorry and apologize to every METRO employee, every METRO board member, elected officials, stakeholders, every METRO rider and to the public. I take full responsibility and have accepted my suspension without pay as appropriate and justified. The best way I know how to redeem myself is to deliver better transportation that provides easier commutes and helps build a stronger economy. That's been my goal since I got here, and it remains my goal. The hallmark values of the New METRO are transparency and accountability. We work every day to solve problems -- and that includes acknowledging problems so that we can solve them. I am deeply saddened and embarrassed that I created a problem. My employers have acknowledged that and have been completely open and transparent with the public and the media. I strongly support that. They have imposed a punishment on me that is serious and appropriate. I also strongly support that -- because leaders should be held to a high standard. I want to be very clear that while I violated METRO's policy, and I broke trust with METRO and the public, I did not break the law. I understand that breaking trust is just as serious, and I am dedicating myself to making amends for that. The issue here is not my personal life; the issue is my public job. I have accepted my punishment from the board and now I am ready to get back to work and focus on the transportation needs for our community." (Copyright 2011 KTRK TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) BELLAIRE EXAMINER Greanias back at Metro after porn-viewing suspension; pastors call for firing Update: Pastors call for firing of Metro s Greanias Greanias in a transit agency publicity photo. Posted: Monday, August 8, :04 pm Updated: 12:45 pm, Mon Aug 8, Greanias back at Metro after porn-viewing suspension; pastors call for firing By MICHAEL REED 0 comments That Metro CEO George Greanias returned to the job today after serving a one week suspension for viewing pornography at work did not escape the notice of a prominent group of church leaders in the area. Saying Greanias displayed an appalling lack of decency, moral judgment and responsible decision-making, the Houston Area Pastors Council, called for his immediate firing.

46 In a statement released shortly afterward, Greanias said, in part: I made a terrible mistake by not only violating Metro policy, but also by letting down everyone in this agency and the public. There was no excuse for my behavior and I won t offer one. Greanias said he broke trust with Metro employees and the public, but that he had been transparent with both the board and the media in the wake of the incident. He described his punishment as serious and appropriate, adding he did not break the law. The CEO was reprimanded for accessing adult content on his personal computer through the transit agency s computer system on July 28. Some of the sites were for escort services. In a vital position of public trust we are far beyond the do what I say not what I do methodology, the pastors said in a written statement. It is unacceptable and further undermines the already historically low public trust of city government fraught with deception, mismanagement, arrogance and contempt for the people they are charged with serving. The group, an interracial, interdenominational organization representing several hundred churches, cited the 63-year-old CEO s claim that some Metro employees who had the same thing... had no place at the transit agency. His leadership is irreparably damaged, the group added. Greanias was appointed Sept. 16, 2010, after becoming interim CEO following the departure of embattled Frank Wilson. He had been presented as something of a white knight for a squeaky clean image and his efforts to improve the transit agency s tarnished image up until the suspension HOUSTON CHRONICLE Metro CEO Greanias: 'No excuse' for behavior By CAROL CHRISTIAN HOUSTON CHRONICLE Aug. 8, 2011, 10:47AM Metro President and CEO George Greanias apologized today for surfing sexually explicit websites on Metro's Internet network, offering no excuse for his behavior but stressing the need to "get on with the business of the agency." In his first public comments since the Metropolitan Transit Authority board suspended him for a week without pay on July 28, Greanias said he's passionate about the importance of Metro to the community and feels confident that he and the agency can get beyond the suspension. "If we don't figure out transit once and for all, we're going to cripple our economy," he said. "Every leader acknowledges that. I came back because I believe in the mission. The best thing I can do now is get back to the mission." Greanias today plunged into the task of self-rehabilitation while resuming Metro business. By 9:30 a.m. he had met with staffers for updates on what happened while he was out, issued an apology letter to employees and been interviewed by a reporter. Greanias was suspended after he got caught surfing sexually explicit websites on Metro's premises using his personal computer and the agency's wireless Internet system.

47 A statement from Greanias today said, in part, "I made a terrible mistake by not only violating Metro policy, but also by letting down everyone in this agency and the public. There was no excuse for my behavior and I won't offer one. "I broke our policy and I broke trust with Metro employees and the public. I am truly sorry and apologize to every Metro employee, every Metro board member, elected officials, stakeholders, every Metro rider and to the public. I take full responsibility and have accepted my suspension without pay as appropriate and justified." Although the activity violated Metro policy and has been a major embarrassment for Greanias and the agency, he said today he had done nothing illegal. Asked why he didn't realize his visits to adult-content websites would leave a record that could be traced, Greanias responded that it was not relevant. "The relevant point is there is no justification for doing it in work hours," he said. "That was not appropriate conduct. The fact is I shouldn't be doing it in this office no matter how many hours I work." In his apology letter, Greanias said he told employees that he's prepared to answer their questions. "And then we all need to get on with the business of the agency," he said. "I'm determined that we won't lose a step because of my misstep." Metro's board chairman, Gilbert Garcia said he has confidence in Greanias to be as successful as he was before the suspension. "We're going to get through this hurdle," Garcia said. "We're not going to change quarterbacks when we're about to enter the playoffs." Greanias said he felt blessed to work with a great group of people and, with their support, is eager to get back to work. "There's so much to do," he said. HOUSTON CHRONICLE (8/6) Deputies fatally shoot man, say he was a threat By MIKE GLENN Copyright 2011, HOUSTON CHRONICLE Aug. 6, 2011, 6:59AM Sheriff's deputies shot and killed a man they said was a fugitive who had tried to run them down after being pulled over in northwest Harris County. The man, who has not been identified, was stopped about 1 p.m. along Texas 6 at West Road. Deputies and other law enforcement officers quickly surrounded the man's car, a Nissan Cube, and ordered him out. "At that point, he drove his vehicle towards the deputies," said Deputy Thomas Gilliland, a sheriff's spokesman. At least two deputies in the path of the man's car opened fire. The man's car went through the intersection then collided with another vehicle. The man, who has not been identified, was pulled from the wrecked car and taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead, deputies said. What appeared to be bullet holes could be seen on the car. A window also appeared to have been shot out.

48 Friday's officer-involved shooting was the second such incident this week involving a Houston-area law enforcement officer. On Monday, Metropolitan Transit Authority police officer Richard Hernandez fatally shot a man that he said reached for a gun during a traffic stop. Hernandez told investigators that he gave chase after spotting Nolton Joseph LaFleur III drive through a red light. He caught up with the car at an apartment security gate in the 6000 block of Fairdale, Houston police said. LaFleur ignored several commands from Hernandez to get out of the car, officials said. The Metro officer fired several times when LaFleur reached for a pistol in the car's center console cup holder, Houston police said. LaFleur died at the scene, police said. The man who was shot Friday had been the target of an ongoing investigation by the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force. "He has been under surveillance for a few days," Gilliland said. The task force members asked for deputies in patrol cars to make the traffic stop, as is common practice. Officials at the scene did not release details about the man's criminal history but said he has "numerous" felonies on his record. Sheriff's officials said two deputies were injured in incidents connected to the shooting. One of the deputies, following a truck that he believed to have been part of the shooting, lost control of his patrol car nearby and struck a tree in a traffic median. The deputy, who has not been identified, was taken to a hospital with head and upper body injuries. A second deputy was directing traffic at the shooting scene when a motorist accidently drove over his feet. Both deputies were taken to the hospital with what were said to be non life-threatening injuries, officials said. HOUSTON CHRONICLE: POLITICS BLOG Posted by chrismoran on August 4, 2011 at 5:24 pm Permalink 15 Comments Parker defers to Metro board on Greanias At Wednesday s post-council meeting news conference, Mayor Annise Parker again did not directly address whether she had confidence in George Greanias as president and CEO of the Metropolitan Transit Authority in the wake of his suspension for visiting porn sites on the Web at work.

49 I think I have great board members over there at Metro. I trust their judgment, and I believe they re doing a great job of transforming that agency into the new Metro, and I continue to support their work, Parker said. Parker pledged during her campaign two years ago to remake Metro as a more transparent agency. Last year she replaced a majority of the board members. Parker s board then hired Greanias, who had led Parker s transition committee on Metro and transportation issues. When asked a follow-up question on whether she had confidence in Greanias s ability to lead the transit agency, Parker said, I have confidence in the people I put in place as board members to analyze the agency and what the agency needs. She spoke to Greanias recently, she said, and told him, That he was going to go through a really difficult time and I felt for him as a human being, and if the board supported him and brought him back to work, that I would welcome him back. Two days before Metro announced the suspension, Parker and Greanias held a joint news conference to announce that the city of Houston would contribute $20.6 million to the cost of an underpass at Harrisburg Boulevard for Metro s East End light rail line. A press release announcing the suspension was originally dated July 26 the day of the Harrisburg event though it was not issued until July 28, and the date has since been changed on Metro s Web site. Metro spokesman Jerome Gray said the release was not written until the 28th and that the agency s Web team made a typo in dating the document. Metro board Chairman Gilbert Garcia confirmed that. He also said he had informed Parker several days before the underpass event that Greanias was under investigation and that the mayor responded by telling Garcia she trusted in him and the board. What the mayor knew by Harrisburg was that this investigation was going on, that I was looking at things related to George, Garcia said. We weren t sure what the results would be. Garcia said there was no effort to hold off on the suspension until after the celebratory announcement on the East End line. The suspension occurred two days later because that was when the results were in and the board was scheduled to meet, he said. I wasn t going to take a step without informing the board, Garcia said. The press release went out after the board s closed session at which it agreed to the suspension. HOUSTON CHRONICLE: NEWSWATCH BLOG Light-rail work will detour N. Main traffic for months

50 Students who walk across the Main Street bridge to the University of Houston-Downtown will have to use the other side of the bridge. (Google Maps) By CAROL CHRISTIAN Houston Chronicle Drivers who use the North Main Street bridge downtown should prepare for a 14-month detour starting Monday as work continues on Metro s North Main light rail line.

51 Until late 2012, North Main will be closed to motorists between Naylor and Franklin. The Hernandez Tunnel under the Union Pacific Railroad tracks will remain open. The Metropolitan Transit Authority project includes two bridges the replacement of a 420-foot Main Street span over White Oak Bayou near the University of Houston-Downtown, and a proposed new, approximately 2,500-foot structure over the nearby railroad tracks, said Fred Childs, North Line project manager. During construction, the existing Red Line light-rail service to UH-Downtown will continue normal operation and pedestrian access to the university will not be interrupted, Metro officials said. Metro is working closely with the university to help students access the campus by car while work is in progress, according to transit agency spokeswoman Margaret O Brien Molina. The 420-foot section to be replaced is part of the longer Main Street bridge that also crosses Buffalo Bayou and carries the Red Line to UH-D. The Red Line s northern end is atop the Main Street bridge at the door of the university. Demolition of the span over White Oak Bayou will begin 20 feet north of that point, Childs said. As proposed, the North Line will extend the Red Line by 5.3 miles to the Northline Transit Center, on Fulton at Northline Mall. It is scheduled for completion in Work started in March on supports for the bridge over the Union Pacific tracks, Childs said. When finished, that bridge will carry only Metro light-rail cars, while other vehicles will use the Hernandez Tunnel under the tracks, he said. During the construction, northbound Main traffic will detour right on Franklin, left on San Jacinto, right on Rothwell, left on Hardy, right on Lyons, left on Maury, left on Lorraine (which becomes Hogan) and back to North Main. The southbound detour will be: Left on Hogan to Lorraine, right on Maury, right on Lyons, left on McKee, right on Providence, left again on San Jacinto, and right on Commerce to Main. HOUSTON CHRONICLE: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (AUG.3) Letters: Suspension of Metro CEO

52 HOUSTON CHRONICLE Aug. 3, 2011, 8:07PM Through the mud In light of the Houston Metro Board of Directors' embarrassing revelations regarding its CEO, his suspension and then the board's decision to welcome him back to oversee operations and supervise its 3,550 employees, a few questions come to mind ("CEO porn scandal shocks Metro," Page A1, Friday). Does the board really expect an emasculated administrator to maintain the respect of his staff and workers? If CEO George Greanias did such a great job and made himself so indispensable, what was the purpose of the public humiliation? If the board was looking for an excuse to fire him, they've got it. If, on the other hand, as seems to the case, the board sees him as a savior, why drag him through the mud and trash the reputation of an outstanding, 29-year public servant, especially since he did nothing illegal and studies show that viewing porn is widespread throughout society? Thomas Edward Ryan, Houston Not surprising It was not surprising that the Chronicle's editorial board elected to take it fairly easy on Metro CEO George Greanias in the editorial on Saturday ("Re: George Greanias; The future of the Metro CEO turns on solid answers to serious questions," Page B6). After all, Greanias represents the very paradigm of the Chronicle's ideal politician a limousine liberal. And I suggest that board ask itself a question and see if it can honestly say that it would have taken the same position if the offender had been Texas Gov. Rick Perry. I think not. I doubt there would have been any discussion of how he did something wrong, but it as not illegal. I was also a little surprised that columnists Rick Casey or Lisa Falkenberg did not weigh in to defend Greanias' salacious appetite. Can't you just imagine the kind of scathing article Falkenberg would have written if the politician sneaking peeks had been a Republican? Her indignation would have been incalculable. And to think you liberals rail about Fox News being unbalanced. Ronnie T. Martin, Friendswood This is insane I am beside myself. We pay a man $235,000 a year to surf around on porn sites? Then he gets a wrist slap and brags on TV how he will restore public trust next week when he is back on the taxpayer/farepayer payroll. This is insane. Metro has fired folks for being on Facebook but, of course, that was an African-American who never stepped on Rice's campus. Metro needs to send a real message to its employees and to the citizens of Houston. We should have no tolerance for such a void in leadership. We will become a national joke. On the other hand, maybe if we show porn on board our trains and buses, it will increase ridership, and we certainly have the guy to pick out the stuff to exhibit. Kidding aside, this man must go, and the message must be sent. I know the Metro board will do the right thing. Jim Joyce, Houston Paid too much Let me get this right, the Houston taxpayers pay George Greanias more than $200,000 a year to sit in his office and look at porn on his private computer? He is either paid way too much or doesn't have enough to do.

53 And to make matters worse, the Metro Board of Directors supports him. E. Ross Craft, Houston TAKE THE LOW ROAD WITH METRO A bridge less traveled: Main Street artery to close for 14 months to make way for two new bridges By Steven Thomson :44 am Downtown drivers will be making a few detours in the 14 months ahead as the North Main Street bridge alongside the University of Houston-Downtown closes starting Monday to make way for METRO Rail North Line construction. Light rail service will continue and pedestrian access on the UH-Downtown side of the street will remain intact. The project will result in a two separate bridges for rail and vehicular uses. The 420-foot Main Street bridge over White Oak Bayou abutting University of Houston-Downtown will be replaced, and rising beside it will be a new 2,500-foot bridge over the freight rail line. For downtown-bound drivers heading south on Main Street, METRO suggests taking a left at Hogan (which becomes Lorraine), taking a right on Maury, right on Lyons, left on McKee, right on Providence, left on North San Jacinto and connecting back to Main via Commerce at which point drivers will discover a pot of gold. The advised northbound traffic detour is another delightful maze: Right on Franklin, left on San Jacinto, right on Rothwell, left on Hardy, right on Lyons, left on Maury, left on Lorraine to Hogan and back to North Main Street, where drivers will see the rising buttresses of an elevated section of the METRO line, begging the question: Shouldn't the entire system be a monorail with unobstructed right of way? The 5.3-mile stretch of the North Line is scheduled to open in Are you annoyed by the bridge closure? Does the implementation of a two bridge system appear unnecessary? Or are you eagerly anticipating swift access to Northline Mall? HOUSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL (MUST HAVE SUBSCRIPTION FOR ACCESS TO ENTIRE ARTICLE) Metro CEO needs the old heave-ho

54 Houston Business Journal Date: Friday, August 5, 2011, 5:00am CDT When the Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority discovered its president and CEO, George Greanias, had, over a dozen different times, accessed sexually explicit websites at agency headquarters, using the company s Internet service, it acted quickly and decisively. But not strongly enough. It is common knowledge and written code at most businesses that company property is not to be used for personal interests and certainly never for sexual purposes. Violating that code displays extremely poor judgment, lack of self control and irresponsibility. In short, not the qualities you would want in an employee and never in a leader. Greanias is credited by... kuhf houston public radio public radio news & information twenty four hours a day from houston, tx Main St. Bridge Closes For Next Year August 5, 2011 by: Laurie Johnson METRO continues to march north with its expansion of light rail lines. The ongoing construction will shut down the North Main Street bridge for about a year. The N. Main Street bridge runs directly in front of the University of Houston- Downtown and is a large artery into the downtown area. METRO Spokeswoman Margaret O'Brien Molina says the bridge will close Monday morning and won't reopen until some time in late "That is the dead end right now. That's where the line stops. We have seven and a half miles of rail through Houston, it stops at the University of Houston-Downtown. What we're going to be working on is the portion north of that and in order to get that work done it requires that we shut down N. Main at that juncture." The expansion will connect the Main line with the North line, which will add another five miles of light rail. O'Brien Molina says there may be traffic delays in the area while commuters get used to the changes. "Be patient with this progress. It's going to be well worth the while in the long run. But for the short-term, there's a well thought out plan to go out to the side by this detour they're just going to have to follow the signs kind of and get used to it. We wanted to get it in place before students were back at the University of Houston-Downtown campus, so hopefully it'll go smoothly." In addition to the North Line, METRO is simultaneously working on the East End and Southeast lines, all of which are scheduled to wrap up some time in 2014.

55 8/9 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY VMS REPORT News At Ten KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 10:00 PM - 10:35 PM [CC] 00:10:12 " It was wrong, it was stupid. The outcome has been humilating to me personally." The head of Metro is talking about his suspension for surfing pornography at work. 00:10:26 [CC] 00:13:13 After a week-long suspension for watching pornography at work, the CEO o f Metro is back on the job and doing what most in his position have refused to do, talk about what happened. In a candid conversation, George Greanias said he said he can't explain why he did what he did, but plans to repair his reputation. He said Metro was right to suspend him without pay. 00:13:57 Audience: 198, News At Ten KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/07/2011, 10:00 PM - 10:35 PM [EC] 00:11:27 Plus Metro CEO heads back to work tomorrow after being caught surfing porn at work. But after such a public scandal, can he still be an effective leader? 00:11:39 Keywords: Tease : Navy seal killed; Metro CEO; Visuals: Boeing 787 Dreamliner; [EC] 00:16:03 Tomorrow, the CEO of Metro will head back to work for the first time after being caught surfing porn while at work. I t happened last month when Metro announced their president was using their computers at work to surf adult Web sites. George Greanias was suspended for a week without pay and returns to work on Monday. Now the man known as the face of Metro faces his biggest challenge yet, reinventing his own image in the public eye. 00:17:48 Keywords: TZ; Metro CEO: Visuals: Statement by Jerome Gray the Metro Senior Press Offer about Metro CEO George Greanias; Gilbert Garcia; Speakers: George Greanias, Metro CEO; Bob Stein, Political Analyst; Donald Bell, Cathy Young, Amanda Foerster, Area residents; Gilbret Garcia, Metro Chairman; Audience: 205, News First Look KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/09/2011, 04:30 AM - 05:00 AM [CC] 00:03:25 Firefighters are working double duty to stay safe on the job. They are battling flames and the extreme temperatures in heavy protective gear. The fire chief tells us he's requiring extra manpower for every fire call and encouraging water breaks and ice packs. A Houston firefighter is recovering after overheating yesterday. He is expected to be okay. Firefighters on the scene reportedly used a Metro bus station as a cooling station for them. 00:04:31 Audience: 16, News At Five KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [CC] 00:02:44 For the first time the president and CEO of Metro is being candid about being caught surfing porn at work. Courtney, what did he have to say? He said he made a mistake and violated Metro policy and is embarrassed by it and he said he has work to do and he is going to do it :04:32 Audience: 93, News At Six KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM [EC] 00:01:54 Tonight, the CEO of Metro is speaking out with apologies and explanations for the investigation that led to his suspension. George Greanias was suspended for looking at porn on the job. Looks like he is trying to make an example of himself for what he wants Metro to be. T hey want it to be transparent and open. And he said today, if he and Metro were willing to talk about this, the fact that he used his personal computer to look up pornogphic Web sites, it shows they are willing to talk about anything. 00:04:04 Keywords: Open : heatwave, flight, Visuals: George Greanias, Metro CEO,

56 [EC] 00:09:43 Dozens of firefighters are battling another grass fire in this heat. Air 11 flew over an area off Hammerly, near the Sam Houston Tollway. No structures have been damaged. Firefighters are using a Metro bus as a cooling station. 00:10:13 Keywords: fire scene: Parish School, Metro Bus, Visuals: fire scene in Houston, Houston Firefighters on scene, Houston EMS, Audience: 157, News Weekend Report KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/07/2011, 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM [CC] 00:10:56 After one week suspension for looking at pornography at work, Metro's CEO heads back to work. You are going to begin to see is people testing the waters to see whether or not George is more of a problem than a benefit. So, a fter such a public embaassment, can this man effectively lead Metro? What the experts say. 00:11:16 [CC] 00:14:59 If you have a bank of America debit card in the last ten years you could be getting some cash back. The nation's largest bank is required to give customers refunds if they were charged certain overdraft fees. Bank of America would sometimes charge stomers more than one overdraft fee per day. If you are eligible for a refunds, expect a postcard from bank of America. Metro 's CEO is heading back to work after a very public suspension for looking at porn at work. But can he move on and be an effective leader? 00:15:10 [CC] 00:17:19 Tomorrow, the CEO of Metro will head back to work for the first time after being caught surfing porn while at work. N ow, the man known as the face of Metro faces his biggest challenge, reinventing his own image in the public's eye. 00:19:05 Audience: 178, Fox 26 News At Nine KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/07/2011, 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM [CC] 00:03:21 And the detour signs are going up in downtown Houston as Metro 's light rail is ready to expand. 00:03:29 [CC] 00:10:25 And now, a traffic alert in downtown Houston. Tomorrow, the North Main Street bridge will be closed to drivers as construction begins on Metro's light rail North Line extension. North Main will be shut down between Nailer and Franklin while crews reconfigure the bridge for light rail trains. 00:10:50 Audience: 94, News At Four KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM [CC] 00:00:00 The president of Metro George Greanius says he is humiliated and sorry but ready to get back to work. Greanius has been on adult websites during the job. Reporter: He says he knew what he did was wrong, that he made a stupid mistake, and he's sorry but he's ready to get back to the business of Metro. This was a big shock for many. So Greanius says he's wanted to go public with it. And he says if he and Metro are willing to talk about this, there isn't much they are not going to talk about. We asked some employees what they wanted to ask their boss and they said this. Reporter: A lot of people said why, why. I violated a Metro policy. It was wrong. It was stupid. The outcome has been humiliating to me personally. That's really the important point. What I'm apologizing for is I should not have done it, regardless of why I did it... 00:02:31 [CC] 00:08:36 If you use the north main street bridge in northeast Houston be prepared to take a detour for about 14 months. Metro is working on finishing the north main light rail line. So the area will be closed. Existing light rail service to the University of Houston downtown we are told will not be affected. 00:08:50 Audience: N/A News This Morning Early Edition KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM [EC] 00:08:30 Today might be a tough day for the head of Metro. George Greanias is set to return to work after being suspended for surfing porn at work. Now, many are wondering if he can still lead the agency effectively. 00:10:10 Keywords: Back to Work: Metro President and CEO George Grineas; Metro Board; Houston Mayor Annise Parker; Board Chairman, Gilbert Garcia; Visuals: Metro Headquarters; Grineas; Garcia;

57 [CC] 00:32:52 Plus, suspension's over for Metro's CEO. He's back at work this morning after being caught surfing porn while at work. 00:33:03 [EC] 00:36:16 We will be there later this morning when the head of Metro returns to work. George greanias is coming off a one-week suspension for looking at adult Web sites at work. And he has a tough road ahead of him when it comes to gaining the respect and the needs of the agency. 00:38:10 Keywords: TZ; Back to Work: Metro CEO George Grineas; Visuals: Metro headquarters; Downtown Transit Center; Metro buses; [EC] 00:57:44 A lot of serious news this morning. It includes a tragic shooting after a family returns home. And the return of Metro's leader as well, after an embarrassing porn scandal. 00:57:57 Keywords: Preview: Metro Leader; Audience: 38, News At Noon KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM [EC] 00:09:57 The north main street bridge is closed. Drivers will need to find a new way around. The bridge will be shut down between naylor and franklin. They are working on two major bridges for the line. Drivers will be detoured during the project. Light rail services will continue as scheduled. 00:10:20 Keywords: Bridge Closure: Light Rail Services; Visuals: North Main Street Bridge Closure map; Metro North Main Rail Line construction project; [EC] 00:14:01 A week after being suspended for surfing porn on work the Metro CEO is back on the job. 00:14:26 Keywords: Tease: Town Left High And Dry; Metro CEO Suspended For Porn Surfing; [EC] 00:17:29 The top man at Metro is apologizing for his actions after being suspended for surfing porn on the job. In a statement released this morning he wrote that he is saddened and embarrassed by the situation. It's been more than a week since he used his personal computer to view sexually explicit websites... 00:18:01 Keywords: TZ; Back To Work: Metro Wi-Fi Network; Visuals: Metro logo; Metro CEO George Greanias, Suspended For Surfing Porn While Working; Audience: 127, News First Look KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 04:30 AM - 05:00 AM [CC] 00:03:06 Suspension is over for Metro's CEO. He's back at work this morning after being caught surfing porn while at work. 00:03:16 [CC] 00:11:43 This morning, Metro's CEO heads back to his office after being caught surfing porn while at work. For the past week, George Greanias has been suspended without pay. According to Metro, Greanias u sed his personal computer to view sexually explicit Web sites on the agency's WiFi network. 00:12:30 Audience: 16, NewsFix KIAH-TV (CW) CH 39, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM [CC] 00:05:31 And chances are Metro President and CEO George Greanias is experiencing a case of the Mondays. It's his undoubtedly akward first day back to work. After a suspension for "violating Metro's communications guidelines." Greanias released a statement about the quote "embarassing and difficult situation he brought upon himself." In a nutshell he says, there was no excuses for my behavior and I won't offer one... 00:07:10 Audience: N/A NewsFix KIAH-TV (CW) CH 39, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM [CC] 00:06:34 And chances are Metro president and CEO George Greanias is experiencing a case of the Mondays. It's his undoubtedly akward first day back to work after a suspension for "violating Metro's communications guidelines." Looking at pornography. Greanias released a statement about the quote "embarassing and difficult situation he brought upon himself." in a nutshell he says... 00:08:03 Audience: N/A 14. Local 2 News At 10 KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 10:00 PM - 10:35 PM [CC] 00:10:30 Plus, he was suspended for watching pornography at work. Now tonight, you'll hear the apology straight from the head of Metro. 00:10:47

58 [CC] 00:14:27 Metro's CEO is apologizing tonight for surfing pornographic web sites on the network. He returned to work today after being suspended without pay for a week. In a letter to Metro workers, he called it a terrible mistake and offered mo excuse for it. We sat down with him where he again apologized for his actions. I should not have been violating Metro policy by looking at adult sites during work hours. Absolutely wrong. I apologize for that. He tells us that he would not have returned to the agency unless he felt confident that he could keep Metro moving forward. 00:14:56 Audience: 133, Local 2 News At 6 KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 06:00 PM - 06:30 PM [CC] 00:00:01 This fire is about 500 feet from this school. You can see those flames are now out. We did speak to a paramedic. He treated an injured fire fighter for heat exhaustion. Thankfully that fire fighter is doing all right. Firefighters earlier requested Metro buses to cool off after fighting this fire because of how hot it is, to get in the AC. They put out this fire a bit quicker than originally thought. 00:01:20 [CC] 00:09:03 We are hearing from the CEO of Metro after he was suspended for surfing porn sites. He was suspended for surfing porn while at Metro headquarters. He called it a terrible mistake and offered no excuse. He sat down with Stephen Dean and said while surfing for porn he was doing his job. I should not have been violating Metro policy by looking at adult sites during work hours, I apologize. Reporter: How can you say you are getting Metro's work done when you are doing that? Because I did. The fact is nobody suggested the work I'm entrusted to do, that I'm privileged to do, nobody is suggesting it didn't get done. Reporter: When asked if he would consider resigning if he loses support from the mayor or public, he answered he would not have come back at all unless he felt confident he would keep Metro moving forward. 00:09:52 Audience: 90, Local 2 News At 5 KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [CC] 00:10:54 We are hearing from Metro's CEO for the first time since he was suspended. 00:11:19 [CC] 00:14:31 This was the first day back to work for Metro's CEO. George Graenius, who was suspended after surfing porn. He sat down with "Local 2" investigator Stephen Dean. Reporter: Houston's transit chief says it was not difficult to walk through the doors of that agency again after his suspension for viewing porn on the job. When I sat down with him one-on-one he took one very novel stance. He told me that even while surfing for porn in his office he insisted he was getting his job done for Metro and says that is why he is back. I should not have been violating Metro policy by looking at adult sites during work hours. Absolutely wrong. I apologize for that. Reporter: How can you say you are getting Metro's work done? I did. It is a simple fact. The fact is nobody suggested that the work I'm entrusted to do, that I'm privileged to do, nobody suggests it didn't get done... 00:16:10 Audience: 67, Local 2 News At 4 KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM [CC] 00:17:09 Drivers on the north side of downtown are getting used to seeing a lot of detour signs go up as crews begin on the new north light rail line. For the next 14 months North Main Street will be closed between Franklin and Naylor, just north of I-10. This is in front of the U of H downtown campus and near Spaghetti Warehouse. Be prepared to follow the alternate routes. Also area bus stops are being relocated. For light rail passengers and pedestrians, all is a go. You will be able to get where you're going just fine. 00:18:19 [CC] 00:20:41 Houston's transit chief is back at work after a suspension for viewing porn on Metro computers. 00:20:58 Audience: 54, Local 2 News At 11 AM KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM [EC] 00:05:44 President and C.E.O. of Metro is back on the job today. George Greanias reported for work this morning after serving a one-week unpaid suspension for using the agency's wireless network to look at sexually explicit web sites, and in a statement, he says he will stay on the job. Greanias's statement says I made a terrible mistake by not only violating policy but letting everyone down in the agency and the public of there's no excuse for

59 my behavior and I won't offer one. I broke trust with metro employees and the public. We've posted the entire statement for you at click2houston. Com. 00:06:22 Keywords: Back to Work: President and CEO of Metro, George Greanias; one week suspension for porn; Visuals: Statement from George Greanias as President and CEO of Metro; Audience: 26, Fox 26 Morning News KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/09/2011, 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM [CC] 00:07:32 Metro's CEO and president is on damage control right now, now that he's back at work after a weeklong suspension. George Greanias admitted to using the agency's wireless networ to surf pornography and gay web sites on Metro's wireless network. As for his critics that think he should not still have a job I made a mistake, I've owned up to it as embarrassing as it is. The board has disciplined me and asked me to stay. As long as I serve the purposes and needs of Metro and work on the issues of transit for Houston, as long as I can make progress, I want to stay. As long as the board wants me to stay, I will stay. We asked our fox 26 viewers if he should resign. 60% of those who responded to our on line poll said yes. 40% said no. 00:08:23 Audience: 29, Fox 26 Morning News KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/09/2011, 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM [CC] 00:36:47 Metro's chief George Greanias said he's staying put. He served a suspension after looking at pornography on the job. He returned to work on Monday morning after serving a week suspension without pay. He admitted using the transit authority's wireless network to look at pornographic web sites on his personal computer. He did it on 14 different occasions, but he says he's ready to put it behind him and move the agency forward. I made a mistake. I owned up to it. The agency laid it all out there in public. We met our commitment to public trust and accountability. The board has asked me to stay on. I have confidence I can do the job the board wants me t to do. The one-week suspension came with the blessing of the mayor. 00:37:34 [CC] 00:55:21 Give yourself extra time to plan e route and get used to it, especially as school is beginning. If you go to school at the u of h downtown campus, it's expected to cause delay be ready for it. They're expanding the light rail that runs through the area. 00:55:56 Audience: 14, Fox 26 Morning News At 4 AM KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/09/2011, 04:00 AM - 05:00 AM [CC] 00:32:32 We have a big construction project going on near u of h downtown. North main, the light rail substantial is going on the. A total closure between Naylor street and franklin, and that will continue for the next year or so, through October That's what they're telling us. Plenty of signage in the area. I was over there yesterday, so just follow the signs for the detour. Give yourself extra time. 00:33:37 [CC] 00:35:40 Metro's chief George Greanias say he only violated Metro policy, that he committed no crime for using Metro's internet. Greg Groogan met with George Greanias on Monday when he returned to work. Listen. You're keenly aware that many citizens were shocked and alarmed by the names and nature of the sites you visited. For the record, have you engaged in escort service or knowingly viewed pornographic images of younger people? I have not violated the law. 00:36:31 Audience: 8, Fox 26 News At Nine KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM [CC] 00:01:31 Houston's Metro chief talks about being caught accessing porn at work. 00:01:31 [CC] 00:09:32 The president of Metro is back on the job. He was suspended without pay for a week for using the company's internet service to access pornographic web sites. Fox 26's Greg Groogan set down with George Greanias to get his side of the story. It appeared Houston Metro head found a leader in George Greanias who finally had the troubled transit system on track. It's important that July 28th, yet another eruption of shoddy ethical behavior.

60 Greanias admitted surfing multiple porn and male escort sites using Metro's wireless... 00:11:10 Audience: 95, Fox 26 News 5:30 PM KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM [CC] 00:00:05 In our conversation he wanted to focus on the future rather than his visits to websites like hardcore gay sex.com. Following years plagued by scandal, it appeared Metro had a leader who finally had the Metro system back on track. On July 28th yet another eruption of shoddy behavior. The man charged with reforming the beleaguered system admitted to searching porn and mail escort sites. Instead of termination Metro Board with the mayor's approval suspended him without pay for a single week. Today the embattled transit chief returned to work and our questions. I'm sure you're keenly aware that many citizens were shocked and alarmed by the names and nature of the sites you visited. Now, for the record, have you engaged in escort service or knowingly viewed porgraphic images of younger people? I have not violated the law... 00:02:33 Audience: 43, Fox 26 News 5 PM KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [CC] 00:28:00 He's the president of Metro and he's back on the job. After a controversial suspension the president of Metro is back on the job today. He was suspended without pay for a week for using the company's internet service to access pornographic websites. Today he apologized and he later sat down to talk with Fox 26's Greg Groogan who is live downtown. 00:29:57 Audience: 49, Fox 26 News 12:00 KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM [EC] 00:00:00 A week after a porn scandal at Metro the top guy gets back to work. 00:00:27 Keywords: Metro; [CC] 00:05:33 A traffic alert in downtown Houston the north main street bridge has been shut down and won't be opening for quite a while. That is because of construction on metro's light rail north line extention. North main will be shut down while crews reconfigurehe bridge from light rail trains. It's expected to last for a year to 14 months. 00:05:48 [EC] 00:05:07 Metro's CEO and president is back on the job after serving a one week suspension for looking at porn at work. He confessed he looked at pornography on his personal computer but with Metro's wireless network, 14 times since february. The time away from his job cost $ Upon returning to work he released a statement, "i made a terrible mistake by not only violating metro policy, but also by letting down everyone in the agency and the public, there was nox cuss for my behavior and I won't offer one. I broke our poll saned trust with metro employees and public, I'm trulyorry and apologize to every metro employee, every metro board member, elected oh fix, stake holders, every metro rider and to the public" stick with fox 26 as we bring you the latest on the porn scandal. Greg groogan sits down on one-on-one chat with him we'll bring you that later a 5:00. 00:05:30 Keywords: Bridge Closed; Metro; Visuals: Metro train footage; [EC] 00:05:30 K; TZ; Back to Work; Metro; George Greanias, Metro CEO and Pres; porn; V; Metro logo; George Greanias; S; 00:06:32 Keywords: TZ; Back to Work; Metro; George Greanias, Metro CEO and Pres; porn; Visuals: Metro logo; George Greanias; Audience: 23, Fox 26 Morning News KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM [EC] 00:38:11 It's been to work today for Metro's CEO and president after serving a one week suspension fo looking at porn at work. He says he looked at it on his personal computer. The time cost him, :38:29 Keywords: Metro: Porn; Visuals: George Greanias; Audience: 63,405

61 27. Eyewitness News Tonight KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 10:00 PM - 10:35 PM [CC] 00:00:39 Now at 10:00, what Metro CEO is saying about a suspension for looking at adult websites at work. 00:00:39 [CC] 00:09:23 For the first time since Metro CEO George Grinius was suspended for looking at adult websites while on the job, he is speaking publicly. He was hired to improve Metro and its image, and he spoke with Melanie Lawson about what happened and what comes next. Reporter: What does it feel like if you're the website and you're found out looking at adult websites at work. Number 1, I was shocked. Number 2, I was embarrassed ultimately with the public discussion, I was humiliated. Reporter: But George is making no excuses. The fact is, I did something wrong. I needed to admit that... 00:11:13Audience: 175,928 HOUSTON CHRONICLE Metro CEO Greanias: 'No excuse' for behavior By CAROL CHRISTIAN HOUSTON CHRONICLE Aug. 8, 2011, 8:06PM Patrick T. Fallon Houston Chronicle File Metro CEO George Greanias speaks to the media in June about an unrelated issue. Before George Greanias could get back to running the Metropolitan Transit Authority on Monday, he had to deal with the embarrassment of his suspension for surfing sexually explicit websites while using the agency's Internet network. Soon after arriving at his office at 7:30 a.m. after a weeklong suspension without pay, Greanias issued apologies to employees and to the public, offering no excuse for his behavior but stressing the importance of returning to Metro's mission. (Read his letter to employees here.). In his first public comments since the July 28 suspension, Greanias said he's passionate about the agency's importance to the community and feels confident that he and Metro can get beyond the suspension. "If we don't figure out transit once and for all in the greater Houston region, we're going to cripple our economic future," he said during an interview at Metro headquarters. "Every business leader I've talked to acknowledges that fact, every political leader, every community leader," he said. "I came back because I believe in the mission. The best thing I can do now is get back to the mission." He plunged into the task of self-rehabilitation Monday while resuming business. "I'm determined that we won't lose a step because of my misstep," he said. By 9:30 a.m. he had met with staffers for updates on what happened while he was out, issued his apology to employees and been interviewed by a reporter. His schedule later included a two-hour meeting with representatives of the Standard & Poor's rating agency, as part of getting a Metro credit rating for a planned bond sale, probably in September. Greanias, 63, was suspended after he got caught surfing adult-content websites on Metro's premises using his personal computer and the agency's wireless Internet system. His statement Monday to the public said, in part, "I made a terrible mistake by not only violating Metro policy, but also by letting down everyone in this agency and the public. There was no excuse for my behavior and I won't offer one. "I broke our policy and I broke trust with Metro employees and the public. I am truly sorry and apologize to every Metro employee, every Metro board member, elected officials, stakeholders, every Metro rider and to the public. I take full responsibility and have accepted my suspension without pay as appropriate and justified." At an annual salary of $235,000, Greanias lost about $4,500 from the suspension.

62 Although the activity violated Metro policy and has been a major embarrassment for the agency and its CEO, he said Monday he had done nothing illegal. Asked why he didn't realize these website visits would leave a record that could be traced, Greanias responded that the question was not relevant. "The relevant point is there is no justification for doing it in work hours," he said. "That was not appropriate conduct. The fact is I shouldn't be doing it in this office no matter how many hours I work." In his apology letter to employees, Greanias said he understood they might have questions and that he's prepared to answer them. Greanias said he felt blessed to work with a great group of people and, with their support, is eager to get back to work. "There's so much to do, and I do believe we're really on the right path," he said. Metro's board chairman, Gilbert Garcia, said he has confidence in Greanias to be as successful now as he was before the suspension. "We're going to get through this hurdle," Garcia said. "We're not going to change quarterbacks when we're about to enter the playoffs." HOUSTON PRESS Tales from Transit Metro's George Greanias on Escorts and the Reaction of the Board, Employees and the Mayor By Richard Connelly Tue., Aug at 6:01 AM Metro George Greanias back on the job. Metro CEO George Greanias returned to work Monday after a one-week suspension for viewing adult Web sites on his laptop in the office, which uses the agency's wi-fi system. We were allowed a brief interview, so here's ten questions with Greanias: Hair Balls: How has the reaction from employees been? George Greanias: I think the employees were clearly not happy with what I did and they have every right to not be happy with what I did. That said, I've apologized for it, I'm going to be talking to employees the rest of this week including our bus operators, and what I've heard overall is 'You shouldn't have done it, it was a mistake, but you owned up to it and apologized for it. Now get back to work.' That's what I'm doing.

63 HB: In terms of others' reaction, did you think that Mayor Parker's support was somewhat weak, as some people have claimed? GG: No, I don't actually. The mayor's not my boss, it's the [Metro] board including the chairman and the other eight members who are my boss. They're the folks who need to make a decision on my employment here. That has always been the case and always will be the case. I think the mayor said she appointed five members in whom she has confidence and trust and she looked to them to do their job as board members, which I think they've done. HB: The support of the board has been unanimous? GG: Yes. It's better than unanimous, I would take it a step further and say it's been surprisingly strong. And one reason I feel confident in my ability to perform as we have in the past year and three months is the support of the board. One of the strengths we have at Metro right now is a collaborative relationship between board and management and I think their confidence and trust in me -- I think they weren't pleased at what happened, as evidenced by the discipline they put in place, but I think they also wanted to say we've made a lot of progress over the last year and three months, we need to keep that going. HB: Were any employees actually angry when you met them? GG: I'm sure there are employees who are very upset with me, I don't see how there couldn't be. But I have gotten a lot of s of support...i was telling somebody, you really don't want to die to have people say good things about you, and you really don't want to go through this to have people say nice things about you, but I've been surprised and really a little bit humbled by what I've heard both from people inside the agency and outside. I think that was one of the unexpected things to me. HB: One of the commenters on our item pulled out a quote from you criticizing Metro employees for playing pool during work hours. You said, "The fact that some employees...seem to feel that on duty time is to be spent recreating, when in fact that's not the case, is extremely troubling." Given what happened, do you think you will have a more difficult time making that argument? GG: No I don't, because we will continue to handle discipline the way that my case was handled, the way that all their cases were handled, which is in accordance with Metro policies and processes. And as long as you do that, I feel comfortable that if discipline is called for, we will do it. I also know that we bend over backwards to give our employees every opportunity to perform and mend their ways and we will continue to do that as well. If my case had been handled any differently then I'd say yes, there's a problem. HB: Some of the sites you visited seemed to be escort services...can you say you've never broken the law in that regard? GG: Clearly what I did was a violation -- by visiting adult sites, it was clearly a violation of Metro policy and again board took appropriate action and I apologize for what I did and it was wrong. But I violated no law, broke no law, did nothing illegal. HB: Right, in terms of visiting those sites. But if you had done something as a result of visiting those sites, in non-office hours, you'd still be breaking the law. GG: That's right. And again, I did nothing illegal. HB: Okay - GG: I was thinking about going back to when I was a kid, but I don't want to go into that. HB: No, I'd like to hear -- GG: No, no, it's not interesting at all.

64 HB: How about your family's reaction: Has dealing with that been very hard? GG: Being honest with my family is one of the reasons we have such a strong family. And I could not have asked for stronger support or love from my step-kids, and I must say both my mother and my mother-in-law were incredible in their support. [Note: Greanias is a widower.] I must imagine it was very difficult for them, but the way they responded was very touching. KTRH 740 AM Houston News Tuesday, August 9, 2011 METRO Boss Back In The Saddle After a weeklong suspension for looking at porn while on the job, Metro's boss has returned to work. By JOHN JULITZ METRO C.E.O. and President George Greanias' Monday began with a letter to all METRO employees in which he apologized for letting everyone down with his behavior, while pledging to do the best job he can to serve the public. Greanias says he's been welcomed back with open arms. People, after saying you shouldn t have done that and we re absolutely not pleased to hear about it are also saying now get back to work. And the nice thing about Monday, whatever awkwardness there may be, is that people are anxious for me to get back to work and I m very anxious to get back, says Greanias. I would not have come back to the job if I didn t have complete confidence that I could continue to help METRO make the progress we ve accomplished over the last year and three months. Greanias was suspended without pay after using METRO's wireless network to access several adult websites with his personal computer between February and July. kuhf houston public radio public radio news & information twenty four hours a day from houston, tx

65 Metro President Apologizes For Viewing Porn August 8, 2011 by: Carrie Feibel Metro leader George Greanias is back in the office, following a week-long suspension for viewing pornographic websites while at work. While some call for his resignation, the president and CEO maintains he can still be a strong leader for mass transit in Houston. At least one religious group, the Houston Area Pastor Council, has called for Greanias to resign. Executive director Dave Welch says that while the pastors believe in forgiveness, Greanias should step down before seeking redemption. When somebody is using that kind of poor judgment in such a fundamental and egregious violation of basic moral principles, you ve lost the ability to lead. Chris Zaidan works for Amegy Bank downtown and often rides the light rail during his lunch break. He says Greanias got off easy with a week s suspension without pay. I think it s crazy that somebody with that high of a status in a professional field would be looking at porn at work. If he wants to go on his lunch break and has a wireless card, go to some restaurant I guess, whatever floats your boat, but at work, I don t know, that s kind of absurd. Greanias acknowledges he could have quit as a way of avoiding further public scrutiny, but not if he wanted to make an impact on Houston s transportation future. And he says he s committed to that work and will accept the painful exposure as the price he ll pay to keep working. Well, in many respects there was no choice, but to move forward. Now is it embarrassing, is it humiliating? Add any adjective you want yes. Is it worth it in terms of the transit future of the region? Yes. Greanias issued a letter of apology to Metro s 3500 workers on Monday. One of them, Raul Mendez, works as a dispatcher for METRO Lift, which provides rides for people with disabilities. Like I don t think this small event is going to affect his job or anything. So I don t think he should resign. The embarrassment will go away soon, you know. Mendez points out that when it comes to computer technology, the boundaries aren t always that clear. I don t know, it s complicated you know? It is in the workplace, but at the same time it s his own personal computer and his own time. But again it is a company internet. But Greanias says he s not going to split digital hairs in his own defense. I appreciate people s willingness to look at all angles of this thing, but the bottom line is that I did something that was wrong. I violated a Metro policy. I shouldn t have been doing that on work hours. I could certainly argue that I work far more than a 40-hour week, but that s immaterial. During work, at work, I should not have been doing it. That s why the board was appropriate in its disciplinary action. That s why I apologized for what I did, and that s why I m going to do everything I can to make up for what I think was a mistake. Greanias says that federal transportation officials have told the METRO board that this scandal is a local issue. He adds that Metro remains on track to obtain $900 million in federal funds for the north and southeast light rail lines.

66 He says he thinks those agreements could be signed by the end of this year. OFF THE KUFF Greanias return Aug 9th, 2011 by Charles Kuffner. Metro CEO George Greanias is back on the job after serving a week s suspension for viewing adult websites on his laptop while connected to Metro s WiFi network. Since the surprising announcement 10 days ago, Greanias has been publicly silent, spending time with family members out of town. The Houston Chronicle s attempts to contact him have been unsuccessful. While Metro has made much of its greater transparency under a new administration, Carol Limperos, a Houston leadership coach who has worked with executives for 25 years, said someone in Greanias position needs to be transparent emotionally as he walks in the door at 1900 Main. He s got to be transparent in terms of how he s feeling, how he s relating to people, how he sees his actions impacting his work and his workplace, said Limperos, president of the Limperos Group consulting firm. Limperos is not working with Greanias or Metro. Limperos said Greanias needs to ask employees if they can accept his apology and then he must give them some latitude, she said. He s got to acknowledge the potential need for more explanation and make a statement that says something like, I m willing to take the time to talk to you individually if you want more information, she said. Here s Greanias statement about his suspension and return, which he put out on Monday. I imagine this will be awkward for awhile. I can t say I ve ever been in the position of having to deal with a coworker who had done something like this, so I don t know how other folks might react to him. I can say that at least there hasn t been a story since the initial news broke, which is clearly good news for Greanias. There have been no new revelations, no changes to the original news, no backtracks or retractions, which is good both in terms of limiting the scope of the issue and of depriving the story of any further oxygen. It s also good for him that no one who can be described as a friend of Metro has spoken out against Greanias. I don t know if he ll survive the long term or not, but so far the short term looks okay for him.

67 KTRK ABC 13 METRO CEO discusses suspension, return to work Monday, August 08, 2011 METRO CEO talks about suspension METRO CEO discusses suspension, return to work METRO CEO suspended over adult content METRO CEO suspended for viewing adult content Reaction to METRO CEO suspension Melanie Lawson HOUSTON (KTRK) Eyewitness News got a candid one on one interview with the embattled leader of METRO, fresh off his suspension for looking at adult websites while at work. Related Content Story: METRO CEO suspended for viewing adult content George Greanias was handpicked by Houston Mayor Annise Parker to transform METRO's image in the wake of several other high-profile scandals. Now, for the first time since the bombshell surfaced about his internet surfing, he sat down with us to explain why he still feels like he's the man for the job. It's always tough to go back to work after a week off. It's even tougher if you were caught looking at adult websites while in the office and you're the boss. "Number one, I was shocked. Number two, I was embarrassed. Ultimately, with the public discussion, I was humiliated. I think those are three good adjectives," Greanias said. But he's not excusing what he did. "There was nothing right about it," he said. "And again, it was a violation and rather than try to make excuses about it, I need to just say what it was. It was wrong. But I'm proud of the fact that the agency did not try to hide it, did not try to mask it. Nobody needed to drag it out of us and, as painful as it's been, I'd much rather we handle it this way than to try and sweep it under the rug." Very little was left unsaid. The board of directors, when announcing the suspension, even released a list of the adult websites.

68 "Most of these were gay websites you were looking at. Do you feel like you were outed by this whole situation?" we asked. "No. I feel like I did something terribly stupid," Greanias answered. "Certainly, in some people's minds, it will probably raise questions. But what I've learned after some 30-odd years in public life, people talk about you all the time. I can't stop that. I'm not going to try and stop that, but I think that verges on the personal. I'm just going to leave it there." Greanias says the bottom line is why he chose not to resign, even though some critics thought he should. "In terms of effectiveness, the best thing you can do is watch the results. I think that's why the board asked me to stay," Greanias said. "It's my job to confirm their confidence in me." Below is the full text of a statement Greanias released Monday morning: "I want to address my recent suspension and the embarrassing and difficult situation I brought upon myself. Let me start by saying that I am ready to get back to work today. My mission is to deliver the best transportation system in America for our riders, taxpayers, employees and all our citizens. I made a terrible mistake by not only violating METRO policy, but also by letting down everyone in this agency and the public. There was no excuse for my behavior and I won't offer one. I broke our policy and I broke trust with METRO employees and the public. I am truly sorry and apologize to every METRO employee, every METRO board member, elected officials, stakeholders, every METRO rider and to the public. I take full responsibility and have accepted my suspension without pay as appropriate and justified. The best way I know how to redeem myself is to deliver better transportation that provides easier commutes and helps build a stronger economy. That's been my goal since I got here, and it remains my goal. The hallmark values of the New METRO are transparency and accountability. We work every day to solve problems -- and that includes acknowledging problems so that we can solve them. I am deeply saddened and embarrassed that I created a problem. My employers have acknowledged that and have been completely open and transparent with the public and the media. I strongly support that. They have imposed a punishment on me that is serious and appropriate. I also strongly support that -- because leaders should be held to a high standard. I want to be very clear that while I violated METRO's policy, and I broke trust with METRO and the public, I did not break the law. I understand that breaking trust is just as serious, and I am dedicating myself to making amends for that. The issue here is not my personal life; the issue is my public job. I have accepted my punishment from the board and now I am ready to get back to work and focus on the transportation needs for our community." (Copyright 2011 KTRK TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

69 KHOU 11 Raw video: Metro CEO embarrassed after company reveals he viewed porn at work by khou.com staff khou.com Posted on August 8, 2011 at 6:17 PM Updated yesterday at 6:20 PM Related: Metro CEO Greanias returns to work, issues apology after suspension for porn incident Metro President George Greanias issues written apology Metro CEO George Greanias says he is confident in his ability to lead the organization after returning from suspension. The suspension came after Metro said he viewed pornographic websites on company time.

70 KPRC CHANNEL 2 METRO CEO Insists He Was Doing Job While Surfing For Porn At Work By Stephen Dean POSTED: Monday, August 8, 2011 UPDATED: 6:36 pm CDT August 8, 2011 HOUSTON The chief executive officer of Houston METRO Transit said he was getting the public's work done even while surfing for porn on the agency's Wi Fi during work hours, Local 2 Investigates reported Monday. "Nobody is suggesting that I wasn't doing my job, I wasn't getting my work done," METRO CEO George Greanias said. Local 2 Investigates then asked how he could be getting work done while surfing for porn and he quickly answered, "Well, the fact of it is, I did. In fact, I don't think the board would have asked me back if I weren't performing." However, he said he wanted to be clear that, "I should not have been violating METRO policy by looking at adult sites during work hours. Absolutely wrong." Greanias sat down for one on one interviews with reporters throughout the day, and he told Local 2 Investigates it was not difficult for him to walk back into work Monday morning after his suspension. "I was anxious to get back. The tough part was being gone for a week," he said. He wrote a second apology letter to METRO's entire staff Monday, saying he made a terrible mistake but asserting that he did not break the law. He said he has gotten positive feedback from employees and members of the community. "I need to make sure that I apologize to everybody for what I did, which was wrong, which the board disciplined me for. Then, I need to get back to work," Greanias said in an on camera interview. He said he's gotten some negative input since his return, but most, he said, "I think they've run along the lines of 'That was really not a smart move. It was a mistake. You need to suffer the consequences,' which I have. 'But now please get back to work,'" he said. When asked if he may consider resigning if the backlash grows louder, he answered, "I wouldn't have come back if I thought I couldn't do the job, if I didn't have confidence in doing the job." Otherwise, he said he would have already left permanently and avoided the humiliation. When asked how he expects to move forward as Houston Mayor Annise Parker's public comments have seemed devoid of any support for him lately, Greanias said, "I believe the mayor is going to be supportive if I do my job." Greanias also defended the decision to avoid a police investigation, acknowledging that his agency's Police Department has no criminal probe under way at all surrounding the content that may have been downloaded or the taxpayer funded time soaked up with searches for porn. Greanias said no police investigation was needed because no laws were broken.

71 When Local 2 Investigates asked who got to make such a call that no laws were broken, thus keeping police out of the case, Greanias answered that the "record" of what transpired proves there were no crimes committed, and so a criminal investigation was not necessary. "I mean, it's just a simple fact. The fact is nobody is suggesting that the work I am entrusted to do, that I am privileged to do, nobody's suggesting it didn't get done," said Greanias. He said that if he falls short of delivering on rail lines, bond initiatives and tight budgets, only then should people talk about replacing him. Absent those goals being missed, he said he expects to convince people that he was correct in staying on board to move the agency forward. KRIV FOX 26 George Greanias on Sept. 16, 2010 KRIV TV METRO CEO Back at Work After Porn Allegation Releases written statement to the public Updated: Monday, 08 Aug 2011, 1:59 PM CDT Published : Monday, 08 Aug 2011, 1:59 PM CDT HOUSTON - George Greanias, the President and CEO of METRO, returned to work on Monday following a one week suspension for violating the agency s computer guidelines. It was revealed on July 28 that Greanias would be punished after it was determined he used the transportation agency s computer network to look at porn on his personal laptop. His unpaid suspension cost him more than $4,000. On Monday, Greanias released this statement to the public: I want to address my recent suspension and the embarrassing and difficult situation I brought upon myself. Let me start by saying that I am ready to get back to work today. My mission is to deliver the best transportation system in America for our riders, taxpayers, employees and all our citizens. I made a terrible mistake by not only violating METRO policy, but also by letting down everyone in this agency and the public. There was no excuse for my behavior and I wont offer one. I broke our policy and I broke trust with METRO employees and the public. I am truly sorry and apologize to every METRO employee, every METRO board member, elected officials, stakeholders, every METRO rider and to the public. I take full responsibility and have accepted my suspension without pay as appropriate and justified. The best way I know how to redeem myself is to deliver better transportation that provides easier commutes and helps build a stronger economy. Thats been my goal since I got here, and it remains my goal. The hallmark values of the New METRO are transparency and accountability. We work every day to solve problems - and that includes acknowledging problems so that we can solve them. I am deeply saddened and embarrassed that I created a problem. My employers have acknowledged that and have been completely open and transparent with the public and the media. I strongly support that. They have imposed a punishment on me that is serious and appropriate. I also strongly support that - because leaders should be held to a high standard. I want to be very clear that while I violated METROs policy, and I broke trust with METRO and the public, I did not break the law. I understand that breaking trust is just as serious, and I am dedicating myself to making amends for that. The issue here is not my personal life; the issue is my public job. I have accepted my punishment from the board and now I am ready to get back to work and focus on the transportation needs for our community.

72 KRIV FOX 26 North Main Street Bridge Closed for Light Rail Construction Updated: Monday, 08 Aug 2011, 12:35 PM CDT Published : Monday, 08 Aug 2011, 9:59 AM CDT HOUSTON - Drivers accustomed to traveling on the North Main Street bridge will need to find a new route for an extended period of time. Construction began 9 a.m. Monday on the bridge as part of a METRO light rail expansion project. Light rail service will operate as normal on the University of Houston - Downtown side of North Main Street. Northbound traffic on North Main Street will be diverted. Drivers will be forced to maneuver through several streets in order to continue onto North Main Street. "We are configuring two major bridge structures for the light-rail expansion on the new North Line. Our goal is to provide Great Transit Infrastructure and this work brings us a step closer to providing our downtown and Northside stakeholders with enhanced service. The finished project will be a major benefit for all of Houston," said David Couch, METRO Senior Vice President for Capital Programs, in a statement issued Wednesday. The closure between Naylor and Franklin streets will allow construction crews to rebuild the northern section of the Main Street bridge for light rail use. They will also build the southern part of the bridge over the Union Pacific tracks. Southbound traffic will also be diverted through several streets. Pedestrians will need to be careful and read warning signs carefully. The construction process and detour is scheduled to last between one year and 14 month. On the Web: METRORail Construction Updates --

73 8/10 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY VMS REPORT 1. Eyewitness News At 5:00 KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/10/2011, 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM [CC] 00:04:19 Metro will be laying down new tracks for light rail train this morning. This will be the first time the new track has been added since the rail line was completed 10 years ago. Crews will pour concrete to form a bed for the track in southeast Houston. It's known as the purple line. It's the beginning of a 6. 6-mile light rail track through southeast Houston, connecting to the current Main Street redline. 00:04:41 Audience: 68, Eyewitness News KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM [CC] 00:10:03 Ahead, the man at the head of Metro back on the job today after what he calls a terrible and embarrassing mistake. George Greanias sits down with Melanie Lawson about his future and suspension. 00:10:07 [CC] 00:13:48 The real question is if I am going to stay on board will I tell the truth of what happened and I couldn't function without telling the truth and I think the chairman couldn't function. The CEO of transit authority in Houston is talking candidly about the one week suspension without pay. He was suspended for looking at adult websites while on the job. Today he spoke with Melanie Lawson about his punishment and future plans. Reporter: Well, Greanias was open and relaxed as he talked about what he calls a very stupid mistake. And what he learned from a painfully public punishment. He arrived for our interview in shirtsleeves well into a busy first day back. We got right down to business. What made you think it was okay to surf por rn sites while in the office? There was nothing right about it and it was a violation. And rather than try to make excuses or explain it I need to admit it was wrong. Reporter: he was suspended after Metro's board of directors discovered he was looking at adult websites more than a dozen times a six month period... 00:15:26 Audience: 160, Eyewitness News At 4:00 KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM [EC] 00:10:21 Metro's chief executive officer is back at work today after a scandal forced him to take a week suspension without pay. George Greanias hit the floor running and met privately with employees and says he continues to apologize for surfing adult websites while in the office. Even though he was on his personal computer, it was discovered because he was using the agency's wi-fi. He feels stupid about what happened, but believes there was a plus side to the experience. The fact is I did something wrong. I need to admit that and need to be disciplineed for it and I need to apologize for it. I am proud of the fact that the agency didn't try to hide it or mask it. No one had to drag it out of us and as painful and humiliating as it's been, I would rather we handle it this way than sweep it under the rug. Well, also coming out to speak with "Eyewitness News" anchor Melanie Lawson, Melanie will have much more of her conversation with George Greanias coming up on live at five. 00:11:32 Keywords: METRO: Visuals: METRO graphic; Speakers: George Greanias, METRO; [EC] 00:51:37 Metro CEO is breaking his silence about viewing adult websites. Melanie Lawson is here with a look at the stories we are working on and certainly an interesting probably rather tense interview Melanie. Yes it was. As a matter of fact, although he was surprisingly honest about it all, fresh off a one-week suspension for the embarrassing policy violation, George Greanias tells me in a one-on-one interview... 00:52:38 Keywords: Preview: Preview for next hour; Geoge Brunias, Metro; Wall Street; Audience: 109,211

74 4. Fox 26 Morning News KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM [EC] 00:06:08 We have a traffic alert in downtown Houston. This morning the North Main Street Bridge will be closed to drivers as construction begins on Metro's light rail north lin extension. So you know, North Main will be shut down between Naylor and Franklin while crews reconfigure the bridge for light rail trains. The detour will last from a year to 14 months. 00:06:34 Keywords: TZ; Detour: Metro Light Rail North Line extension; North Main Street Bridge; [EC] 00:36:16 Metro's CEO George Greanias will be back to work today. You may recall he was handed a one week suspension after he admitted to using the transit authority's wireless network to look at pornography on 14 separate occasions. The time away from work cost Metro's chief $ :37:10 Keywords: Top Stories: Houston Police; MD Anderson Cancer Hospital; UAE President; Metro CEO George Grineas; Visuals: San Marin sign; Houston Police on scene; Grineas; Audience: 29, Great Day Houston KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/09/2011, 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM [CC] 00:50:09 It is getting harder and harder to get anything done without the internet. The good news is it's getting easier and easier to access the web on the go. There are a few surprising places around town where you can get online for free. Joining us now with the lowdown on free internet access, please welcome J.R. Cohen. Thank you. When we say wi-fi, how is that different from us sitting at home with our desk tops? You could be connected straight into the wall. Wi-fi gives you the remote access from anywhere. So you know in the city of Houston you have many, many places where you can go and access this wi-fi. When you do that, it's not your own personal service. You have to understand what is happening there. We have all heard the story of George Greanias with Metro accessing things that were embarrassing. Even though it was his laptop, it was the wi-fi system of Metro. That's how people were able to figure out what was going on. Exactly. You need to be careful when you are accessing public wi-fi. 00:51:25 Audience: 36, Chris Baker KPRC-AM (FOX) Freq. 950, Houston DMA: 10 08/09/2011, 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM 00:29:10 Well, apparently, the servers at Metro crashed. We don't have all the details. Lots of crashes at Metro. But with the CEO back, apparently he was bummed out he had to surf porn at his home on a very, very slow connection. First light rail placement in ten years on the Southeast line. Tomorrow at 9:00, the Purple Line becomes the first Metro light rail line to receive new tracks since September of '01. 00:32:21 Audience: 7, Fox 26 Morning News KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM [CC] 00:03:50 We, if you attend the University of Houston, maybe you work there, you're gettong a new option in transportation. What that's going to mean for the next year or more than that is a traffic mess for morning and afternoon commuters. We want to team up with Fox6's Randy Wallace in downtown Houston this morning. Talking about a new light rail line, Randy? Right, Natalie... 00:05:55 [EC] 00:04:16 It is back to work today for Metro's CEO and President George Greanias after serving his one week suspension for looking at pornography at work... 00:06:46 Keywords: TZ; Driving Route: University of Houston; new light rail line; North Main Bridge; Courthouse; street closures; North Line; Visuals: view of North Main Bridge; North Line map and service; [EC] 00:07:21 K; Back to Work: Metro CEO and President, George Greanias; one week suspension for porn; Metro Wireless Network; V; George Greanias; S; 00:07:45 Keywords: Back to Work: Metro CEO and President, George Greanias; one week suspension for porn; Metro Wireless Network; Visuals: George Greanias; [EC] 00:35:13 Metro's CEO and President George Greanias will be back on the job this week. He was reprimanded for allegedly looking at pornography on his

75 computer using the Metro wiress network. It cost him $4500 in salary. 00:35:35 Keywords: Back to Work: Metro CEO and President, George Greanias; week suspension for porn; Metro Wireless Network; Visuals: Metro CEO and President, George Greanias; Audience: 14, Live At Five KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [CC] 00:00:02 Ultimately he was tapped to turn things around for Metro and now after his suspension for looking at adult websites while on the job, George Greanias is speaking publicly about what happened and his future with Metro. 00:00:14 [EC] 00:05:05 Reporter: He says the bottom line is why he chose not to resign even though some critics thought he should. Do you think you can be effective head? In terms of effectiveness the best thing is, watch the results. That's why the board asked me to stay. They saw me as an effective leader and believe I can be an effective leader... 00:07:42 Keywords: TZ; interview: adult websites, gay website, Houston mayor Annise Parker, Visuals: highlights Metro board of directors, Facebook website, Speakers: George Greanias, Metro CEO, Audience: 135, KUHF News KUHF-FM (APR/NPR) Freq. 88.7, Houston DMA: 10 08/09/2011, 07:32 AM - 07:36 AM 00:02:00 The president and CEO of Metro, George Greanias, says he made a mistake when he viewed pornographic websites at work, but he says he's not going to resign and he's eager to get back to work after a week suspension without pay. "I think that everybody in town is going to have an opinion one way or the other and I respect that. But by the same token, I believe that I am the right person for the job. I believe that the last year and three months shows that. The employees are not thrilled about what I did. But the indications I've had is, okay, you made a mistake. Apologize for it and then get back to the job that we like that you were doing." Greanias says... 00:03:59 Audience: 23, Street Talk With Lance Roberts KSEV-AM (CBS) Freq. 700, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM 00:04:00 Metro President and CEO George Greanias is back on the job today after serving a suspension without pay. It was punishment imposed by the Metro board after Greanias was caught using the Metro wireless internet system to surf explicit websites. There is some speculation among local authorities that Greanias may not survive this episode and may either step down or may be fired. 00:05:59 Audience: 3, Eyewitness News At 4:30 KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/10/2011, 04:30 AM - 05:00 AM [CC] 00:04:54 Metro will begin laying new light rail track for the first time in ten years. The 80-foot steel rail sections will be added on the southeast line known as the purple line. The 6.6 mile track will connect the existing Main Street redline, east and green line and the planned University blue line. 00:05:10 Audience: 32, Sam Malone KSEV-AM (CBS) Freq. 700, Houston DMA: 10 08/09/2011, 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM 00:49:52 The CEO of our Metro system, that's our bus system, if you're new to town, that's our buses. We have this silly little choo-choo train that runs up and down from the Alliant Stadium and medical center. It's like more kids are riding the Houston Zoo train than are on the Metro train. But the boss of Metro got into a lot of trouble because, like a lot of companies, they'll do an audit of computer usage. And they found that George Greanias, the CEO was watching gay porn. 00:53:26 Audience: 6,925

76 13. Eyewitness News Tonight KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/09/2011, 10:00 PM - 10:35 PM [CC] 00:19:20 Metro began laying new light rail track for the first time in 10 years. The 80-foot steel rail sections will go on the southwest line, also known as the purple line, the beginning of a new 6. 6 mile light rail track that will go through southeast Houston. 00:19:37 Audience: 175, KUHF News KUHF-FM (APR/NPR) Freq. 88.7, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 05:30 PM - 05:35 PM 00:00:00 Metro leader George Greanias returned to the office today following a week long suspension for viewing pornographic websites while at work. While some called for his resignation, the President the CEO maintains he can still be a strong leader for mass transit in Houston. Carrie Feible has more. At least one religious group, the Houston Area Pastor Council... 00:01:59 Audience: 15, Steve Drake KSEV-AM (CBS) Freq. 700, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 00:02:00 Metro's president and CEO is back on the job today. George Greanias was suspended after he was caught viewing pornography on the Metro Internet system. Violations occurred back between February and July of this year. The suspension was connected to an internal investigation. 00:03:59 Audience: 2, Sam Malone KSEV-AM (CBS) Freq. 700, Houston DMA: 10 08/08/2011, 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM 00:02:00 Metro's president and CEO is back on the job today. George Greanias was suspended after he was caught viewing pornography on the Metro internet system. Violations occurred back between February and July of this year. The suspension was connected to an internal investigation. 00:03:59 Audience: 6,925

77 HOUSTON CHRONICLE [IMAGE ON FRONT PAGE OF WEBSITE] Metro puts down rail for first time in decade By CAROL CHRISTIAN HOUSTON CHRONICLE Aug. 10, 2011, 10:56AM James Nielsen Chronicle METRO President George Greanias watches the construction. For the first time in 10 years, workers this morning poured concrete for a new section of Metro light-rail track. The 80-foot section of steel rail will be part of the 6.6-mile Southeast Line. The line, scheduled for completion in 2014, will extend from Smith Street downtown to the Palm Center in southeast Houston at Griggs and Beekman Roads. "This is an exciting day for all of us," Metro Board Chairman Gilbert Garcia said. A freight train, with horn blasting, passed by as the wet concrete flowed out of the cement truck. This morning's event, attended by members of the Metropolitan Transit Authority board and administration as well as dignitaries including U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, took place about half a mile east of downtown just north of Rusk Street. Lee noted that Houston is set to receive $900 million in light-rail funding from the Federal Transit Administration. The grant has been delayed for almost a year because of problems with the process used by previous Metro leaders to purchase new rail cars. The money will not only improve Houston's transportation system but will help create thousands of jobs through related projects and the growth of small businesses, Jackson Lee said. "If you look at the landscape of the community, you will see housing that is coming because people know rail is coming to Houston," she said.

78 Although Metro has not yet received the $900 million grant, agency President and CEO George Greanias said the steps toward completion are moving on schedule. "We're building the funds into our budget for next year," he said. Part of the funding will go for the Southeast Line and part for the North Line, also under construction and scheduled for completion in The third line under construction, the East End line, is being built with local money. KTRK METRO begins laying down new track for light rail Wednesday, August 10, 2011 Tags: HOUSTON (KTRK) -- METRO will be laying down new track for its light rail train this morning. Related Content More: Got a story idea? Let us know! This will be the first time new track has been added since the current rail line was completed ten years ago. Crews will begin pouring concrete this morning to form a bed for an 80-foot section of track in southeast Houston, or the so-called purple line. It's the beginning of a new 6.6-mile light rail track that will go through southeast Houston. It will connect to the current Main Street red line. (Copyright 2011 KTRK TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

79 SWAMPLOT TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2011 Metro Rail Gets Back on Track Tomorrow HAS IT REALLY been 10 whole years since any new tracks have been laid for any Houston light-rail lines? Not exactly. It s been 9 years and 11 months. To celebrate the occasion, Metro is holding a small ceremony tomorrow to place the concrete base for the very first tracks on the new Southeast, or Purple line. Tomorrow s morning pour will take place at 2979 McKinney St. near Ennis in East Downtown, but the 6.6-mile Southeast Line will run all the way from a new station on Smith St. to the Palm Center, with stops at Fannin (change here for the existing Red line), Crawford (baseball, anyone?), Bastrop (soccer?), Leeland, Elgin then Scott St. (both at the western edge of UH, crossing the path of the proposed University Line), Wheeler and MLK (on the other side of campus), and MacGregor Park along the way: * * *

80 Metro expects to finish the route in the middle of 2014, and predicts 9,500 people will ride it a day by the following year.

81 HOUSTON PRESS Tales from Transit George Greanias Signed No-Porn Policy Right Before Porn Binge By Richard Connelly Tue., Aug at 3:38 PM loppy-disc porn in this picture Here's one thing we didn't notice in all the hubbub: The biggest binge of porn-viewing by Metro CEO George Greanias came just days after a new policy emphasizing against such behavior -- signed by him -- went into effect. The new policy went into effect June 15 and features Greanias's signature. Part of it says: METRO equipment must not be used to access any adult-oriented sites at any time. Adult-oriented sites include, but are not limited to, any pornographic sites. Similarly, users are prohibited from transmitting, retrieving or storing any communications which are obscene or pornographic. Five days later Greanias began the most concentrated and intense part of his porn tour, at least in terms of what Metro has released. Metro's investigation showed that from Greanias's hire in May 2010 until the day the revised policy emphasizing porn went into effect, his porn viewing was sporadic at best. The new policy goes into effect, and bam: June He visits four sites. June five sites June six sites June three sites June two sites (maybe he was getting tired) June six sites (he's back, baby!) June eight sites (his personal record) June six sites June five sites July 1 -- five sites. Of course, Greanias did not believe he was using Metro equipment -- he was on his personal laptop, apparently unaware he was using the agency's wi-fi. "The violation was unintentional," Greanias said in a letter to Metro employees. "I thought I was using my own computer, but was in fact in Metro's system -- but it was a violation all the same."

82 Did he have a death wish? Or did the new policy just give him ideas? (Be sure to check out our Q&A with him here.) HOUSTON STRATEGIES BLOG Tuesday, August 09, 2011 Great rankings, better commuting, and more Some smaller items have piled up over the last couple of weeks: Chief Executive magazine ranks Texas #1 for business seven years straight. Illinois, NY, and CA are the bottom 3 - no surprises there. And, speaking of Illinois, Businessweek has a feature profile of the new Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel and how desperate he is to attract business and jobs to Chicago. Good luck with that, Rahm. Hat tip to Jessie. A much needed op-ed on the value of converting HOV to HOT lanes, which Metro has talked about for years but seems to be moving *glacially* slow in implementing, despite the huge benefits. Why can't we just make this happen? CNT has an analysis of how gas prices affect transportation in Houston and what you can do to mitigate. Mostly common sense: live close in and ride transit, bikes, or walk when possible. I definitely think more Houstonians with long-distance commutes should run the math vs. Metro's park-and-rides. They might be surprised at the attractiveness of the economics in a world of $4 gas, not to mention the productivity benefits of being able to do during your commute... Density is not all that helpful in reducing vehicle miles traveled (HAIF conversation). Hat tip to Jessie. Houston is #1 for information technology jobs according to CIO magazine. Houston beats NYC, DC, and Chicago for lower average commute times. And yet we think commuter trains will help? Yet another hat tip to Jessie. USA Today: Texas bucks the national unemployment trend. At this point, I've upgraded my "wish tolerance" for a Texas tropical depression to a tropical storm, or maybe even a weak category 1 hurricane. And if this drought and heat goes on much longer I might even delude myself into thinking a cat 2 or higher would be ok (no big city direct hits, please)... but let's hope it doesn't come to that...

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85 Main Street closes Monday for construction, project to benefit UH-D Main Street closed for construction

86 North Main Street will close Monday, Aug. 8, between Naylor and Commerce Streets for construction of the new north light rail line and will remain closed for 12 to 18 months. The impact on the University of Houston Downtown community may not be as great as on the traffic moving through the area. Students typically park in lots north or south of the Main Street Bridge and walk or take shuttle buses to UH-D buildings, David Bradley, vice president for administration and finances at the university, said. Those parking lots will be open and accessible, and the shuttle buses will run with new stops to accommodate the detours and construction. The closure is required to rebuild the northern section of the Main Street Bridge and to construct the southern portion of a new light rail bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Once completed, the new light rail line will extend 5.3 miles to METRO s Northline Transit Center at Fulton and Crosstimbers. During construction, through traffic will detour around the UH-D campus. Traffic on campus will follow alternate routes, and pedestrian routes will change frequently. UH-D parking lots/garages and public pay lots will remain accessible, and METRO buses and UHD shuttle buses will continue to operate. A map for on-campus routes and through-traffic detours is available at A flier is available here. Pedestrians will be detoured to the sidewalk on the east side of Main. Pedestrian access will be available to UHD via the South Deck and the METRO Rail station on the Main Street Bridge. METRO will have general information at

87 UHD Construction North Main Street will close Monday, Aug. 8, between Naylor and Commerce streets for construction of the new North light rail line, and remain closed for 12 to 18 months. The closure is required to rebuild the northern section of the Main Street Bridge and to construct the southern portion of a new light rail bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Once completed the new light rail line will extend 5.3 miles to METRO s Northiline Transit Center at Fulton and Crosstimbers. During construction through traffic will detour around the UHD campus. Traffic on campus will follow alternate routes. Pedestrian routes will change frequently. UHD parking lots/garages and public pay lots will remain accessible, and METRO buses and UHD shuttle buses will continue to operate. Pedestrian walkways between parking lots and buildings will change periodically as the construction progresses. METRO and their contractors have worked to develop detours and establish safe pedestrian routes and it will be important that everyone know those routes and abide by them. A map for on-campus routes and detours is available at the link. A flier in English and Spanish with a map is available here. The through traffic detour will be: Northbound through traffic on Main will be detoured right on Franklin, then left on San Jacinto. Traffic will then be diverted right on Rothwell, left on Hardy, right on Lyons, and left on Maury. At Lorraine, traffic will take a left to connect back to North Main via Hogan. Southbound through traffic on North Main will take a left on Hogan which turns into Lorraine, then right on Maury. At Lyons, traffic will take a right and then a left onto McKee. At Providence, traffic will take right and then a left on North San Jacinto and connect back to Main via Commerce.

88 Pedestrians will be detoured to the sidewalk on the east side of North Main. Pedestrian access will be available to UHD and the METRO Rail station on the Main Street Bridge. Updates will be posted on this page. METRO will have general information at 8/11 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY

89 Link to Chron article:

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91 kuhf houston public radio public radio news & information twenty four hours a day from houston, tx Concrete Pours On Rail For First Time In Ten Years On Houston's Southeast Side\ TO LISTEN TO RADIO CLIP: On-Rail-For-First-Time-In-Ten-Years-On-Houstons-Southeast-Side.html August 10, 2011 by: Edel Howlin METRO shuts one door on the North Line and opens another in Houston s Southeast End. Houston s Southeast residents may get used to hearing the sound of this truck as new concrete pours into an 80-foot section of METRO s light rail project. This early stage is right on the corner of Paige and Rusk. The entire line will come in at 6.6 miles of track crossing Southeast Houston and connecting to the current Main St. Line. METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia was almost bouncing with enthusiasm that this day had finally arrived. "This is an exciting moment, exciting day for all of us here at METRO, for the community and I gotta tell ya, it s been more than ten years since we laid concrete for rail. And you know what we re here today and rail is coming to Houston." The line will eventually run from the new Dynamo Stadium downtown out to the University of Houston campus. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee was on hand to congratulate METRO and is also excited about the opportunities this kind of infrastructure will bring to the city of Houston. "The numbers of jobs to be created by an extended METRO mobility system are upwards of 60,000. That include the creation or the opportunities for small businesses, but as well, the enhanced mobility and the interest of people to relocate to this area because it is an improved quality of life."

92 The locations on this new line will include Downtown, McGregor Park, Texas Southern University and UH Central Campus. METRO s aim is to have the entire line up and running by mid KTRK, ABC 13 METRO begins laying down new track for light rail TO WATCH VIDEO: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 HOUSTON (KTRK) METRO's southeast rail line is moving a step closer to completion and the plan to link downtown with the University of Houston and other areas. Ten years after the last rail line was constructed, a new rail line project began, so you could say plans for the southeast rail line are now set in stone. After years of planning and community meetings, the first slabs of concrete begin to form an 80-foot section of steel rail on Houston's southeast light rail line. It's the first rail line under construction after a decade lull. Tony Collet lives a block away and is pleased with METRO's progress. "I think it's good, with the infrastructure, taking care of the roads and all the things that are going to benefit east downtown, I think it's gonna be great," Collet said. The new rail line will run 6.6 miles, connecting southeast Houston to the current Main St. line. And Collet hopes it will only spark more development in the area. "With the stadium coming in and us getting more restaurants around here and more coffee shops and things like that, it would be great. This community is growing," Collet said. And all the hard hats in the area, city leaders say, are a sign of more things to come. The new rail line projects is expected to bring jobs into downtown, including new business. "The number of job to be created by an extended METRO mobility system are upwards of 60,000," Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee said. Access is still what excites most people. When entirely complete and all proposed lines are connected, Houston will have approximately 34 miles of light rail line to traverse the city. "If I could give up my vehicle, I would," Houstonian Jeff Rice said. "Really what this is about, is about the people who will be riding this system and the opportunities they will get as a result of the connections that are being set in concrete right now," said METRO board member Christof Spieler.

93 And Collet says that his real estate purchase five years ago just seem to be getting better and better. "It was the last area of Houston that had great views of downtown so picked it for location," he said. With construction beginning on Wednesday, a completion date is set for (Copyright 2011 KTRK TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) KRIV METRO Rail Houston METRO Stepping Forward on Purple Line Updated: Wednesday, 10 Aug 2011, 8:43 PM CDT Published : Wednesday, 10 Aug 2011, 8:43 PM CDT HOUSTON - METRO s rail expansion project took another crucial step Wednesday. Concrete was poured for the next piece of the Southeast Purple Line. The 6.6-mile stretch will eventually cross southeast Houston and connect with the current Main Street Red Line. The Purple Line is expected to be in service by mid Read more:

94 VMS REPORT News At Five KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/10/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [CC] 00:19:07 Metro light rail is finally expanding its service again. Today, crews began pouring concrete for a new purple line. Ultimately, it will go from downtown to southeast Houston with stops at the UofH central campus and A 2. Local 2 Today At 6 AM KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/11/2011, 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM [CC] 00:01:28 That is our hot spot. We still have that problem, the H.O.V. Lane, things are progressing, H.O.V. Lane right there at 610. We have a Metro bus that overheated. I'll step out of your way. The bus is slowly, slowly crawling, so until it can get to the end of the H.O.V. Lane and out of the way, do expect some slows in that area. 00:02:46 [CC] 00:07:18 And here's a live look outside, courtesy of Transtar. There's that Metro bus on the north freeway at 610. Halie will have an update on that situation and anthony checks in fromhe severe weather center with your hot forecast. 00:07:47 [CC] 00:11:02 Do expect some crews blocking a lane there if you're coming in on 225. Stalled Metro bus overheated in the H.O.V. Lane at 610. Here's a look at the scene. Folks not getting through on the H.O.V. Lane. University have to take a right here. They'll be forced to take the airline exit from airline, they can go ahead and and hop on 610 and take that over to 45 to work your way around that closure. 00:11:36 [CC] 00:33:01 Good news on the north side, we want to bring you some of that this morning, the H.O.V. Lane has reopened where we had this earlier overheated Metro bus. H.O.V. Lane at 610 is now reopened for your use. It's blocking a left lane. We do still have this crash working at Parker. 00:34:06 Audience: 65, NewsFix KIAH-TV (CW) CH 39, Houston DMA: 10 08/10/2011, 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM [CC] 00:40:21 Finally, n ew track is being laid for Metro's light rail train system for the first time in ten years. Once completed, the 6. 6 mile light rail track will run through southeast Houston. 00:40:33 Audience: N/A NewsFix KIAH-TV (CW) CH 39, Houston DMA: 10 08/10/2011, 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM [CC] 00:41:20 Finally, n ew track is being laid for Metro's light rail train system for the first time in ten years. Once completed, the 6. 6 mile light rail track will run through southeast Houston. 00:41:33 Audience: N/A 5. Local 2 News At 11 AM KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/10/2011, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM [CC] 00:11:03 New at 11:00, a Metro rail line in southeast Houston is getting a makeover. Today, crews began pouring concrete to form a bed for an 80-foot section of steel rail at the purple line. The 6.6 miles of new light rail track will connect to the Main Street red line. This is the first Metro light rail line to receive new track since September of :11:26 Audience: 26,644

95 6. Fox 26 News 5 PM KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/10/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [CC] 00:15:54 Another crucial step for Metro's rail expansion project. Concrete was poured for the next piece of the southeast purple line. The 6.6-mile stretch will eventually cross southeast Houston and connect with the current Main Street red line. The purple line is expected to be in service by mid :16:13 Audience: 49, Fox 26 News 12:00 KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/10/2011, 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM [EC] 00:08:52 Major moves for the Metropolitan TransitAuthority as the rail expansion project rolls on. Concrete was poured this morning for the next part of the southeast purple line. The concrete road bed will support the steel rails on that section of the rapid transit line. 00:09:41 Keywords: Rail Expansion; Metro Transit Authority; Visuals: rail line construction footage; Speakers: Gilbert Garcia, Metro Board Member; Audience: 23, Fox 26 Morning News KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/10/2011, 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM [CC] 00:17:11 Metro is preparing to lay new track. Plus, how locals are fighting back against a controversial redistricting plan. 00:17:20 [CC] 00:22:37 In less than an hour, Metro will lay the first new light rail track in almost ten years. The new track is part of a project to extend the purple line by 6.6 miles. The new purple line runs to southeast Houston and is connected to the red line, which runs along Main Street through downtown. 00:22:57 Audience: 60, Eyewitness News KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/10/2011, 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM [CC] 00:34:54 New at 6:30, a new step when it comes to Metro's southeast rail line. It is moving a step closer to completion. Today, 10 years after the last rail line was constructed, a new rail line project began. And you could say t he plans for the southeast rail line are now set in stone. The new rail line project is expected to bring jobs into downtown, including new business. 00:37:04 Audience: 160, Eyewitness News At 4:00 KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/10/2011, 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM [EC] 00:21:27 OK, we had to wait 10 years for this, but Metro finally laying down track for new light rail lines. Workers poured concrete near McKinney and Ennis that will make up the bed for an 80-foot section of steel rail. The rail will make up part of the southeast line that runs off the Main Street light rail line. 00:21:56 Keywords: Metro : Houston; Palm Center; Visuals: Metro line; Audience: 109,211

96 OFF THE KUFF Laying track Aug 10th, 2011 by Charles Kuffner.

97 This has been a long time coming. For the first time in 10 years, workers this morning poured concrete for a new section of Metro light-rail track. The 80-foot section of steel rail will be part of the 6.6-mile Southeast Line. The line, scheduled for completion in 2014, will extend from Smith Street downtown to the Palm Center in southeast Houston at Griggs and Beekman Roads. It s taken way too long to get to this point, but at least we re here. For now, let s be happy with reaching this stage of the journey, however later than we originally thought we d reach it. Write On Metro has more. UPDATE: A later version of the story contains this: Metro officials said they are expecting approval soon of a $900 million federal grant delayed last year by the agency s violation of a federal Buy American requirement in procuring light-rail cars from a Spanish company. The agency s confidence is sufficient to include money from the grant in next year s budget, and to prepare to sell rail-construction bonds for the first time in more than two years. Metro President and CEO George Greanias said Wednesday he couldn t provide details about the timing of the federal grant, known as a Full Funding Grant Agreement under the New Starts program. [...] At Metro s July 28 board meeting, just before Greanias began a one-week suspension for visiting sexually explicit websites on his personal computer through the Metro Internet system, he and other agency officials spoke with guarded optimism about the grant. They are now in the process of being reviewed by the executive team at the Federal Transit Administration, he told the board. That is the last step before they go out the door. I m not about to predict what day of the week they ll go out, but I think it s going to be in the near future. Also at the July 28 meeting, the board approved a bond sale of up to about $463 million for rail construction. Greanias said those bonds likely will be sold in September. Talk about things that are long overdue. Keep your fingers crossed.

98 SWAMPLOT That New Track Metro Is On SEEN AT this morning s Purple Line kickoff on McKinney St. near Ennis in East Downtown, a sight not seen around Houston since before 9/11: What it looks like when Metro contractors lay track for a new light-rail line... or pour the concrete pad for it, anyway. Metro puts down rail for first time in decade [Houston Chronicle] Previously on Swamplot: Metro Rail Gets Back on Track Tomorrow Photo: Metro

99 Transportation Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County News Release Thursday, August 11, 2011 Countdown to Cancellation of Airport Direct Route 500 to Run its Last Trip August 20th High costs and low ridership are the driving forces behind METRO s decision to end its Airport Direct service. The decision was made at a public hearing last month where the community was invited to share comments on the agency s August service changes, which go in effect Aug. 21, Airport Direct, also referred to as route 500, launched in Aug. 2008, offering patrons express service to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) every 30 minutes for $15 one-way. In an effort to boost its numbers, METRO, with support from the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB), downtown hotels and the downtown district, adjusted the route to include additional stops at hotels and reduced the fare to $4.50 from $15. Ridership did spike following the fare decrease, but did not reach a level where service could be sustained. "Our concern for Airport Direct stemmed strictly from the costs of the service versus revenues we could realistically achieve, not its desirability or our personal wish that it succeed," said METRO President & CEO George Greanias. Airport Direct will run its last trip Saturday, Aug. 20. METRO does offer another option to Bush Airport that s easy on the wallet - the 102 Bush IAH. However, patrons should note the service, just $1.25 one-way, is not an express route and therefore should account for a longer trip time.

100 FORT BEND SUN Central Fort Bend Chamber announces speakers for infrastructure conference Chamber announces speakers for infrastructure conference Posted: Wednesday, August 10, :07 am Updated: 10:41 am, Wed Aug 10, Central Fort Bend Chamber announces speakers for infrastructure conference 0 comments The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance s Fort Bend recently announced the keynote speakers for its seventh annual regional infrastructure conference on Sept. 27. The conference is a comprehensive resource for updates, forecasts, technical information, project leads on area roads, highways, rail lines and ports and environmental issues. The conference, presented by HCSS Construction Software and S&B Infrastructure, is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 27 at the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center at Sugar Land Town Square. The Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance Infrastructure Conference has been instrumental in educating the public about current infrastructure needs in Fort Bend County and the greater Houston area, as well as providing information to the public which will help to shape future infrastructure policy, said Edminster, Hinshaw, Russ & Associates Justin Ring, P.E., Infrastructure Department Co-Chair. Three keynote speakers will anchor the event. Fort Bend County Judge Robert Bob Hebert will open the conference with the breakfast keynote. Houston METRO President/CEO George Greanias will provide the lunch keynote, and State Senator Tommy Williams, Dist. 4, will close the conference. Williams is the chairperson of the Senate s Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security. State Sen. Glenn Hegar, Dist. 18, will provide a legislative update. Matt Breazeale, Scott Elmer, Tom Michel and Barry Beard will comprise a panel focused on surface water issues in Fort Bend County. Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council President Jeff Wiley will address the state of the local economy. ice President of Amegy Bank Mark Magee will discuss bank lending and commercial financing as it relates to construction projects. Phillip Russell, Director of P3 Project Delivery for H. W. Lochner, Inc. will provide information on public-private partnerships. Kerry Williams, P.E., J.D., & Julia Calnek, J.D., of Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Martin, will offer a session on professional ethics. Gulf Coast Rail District Executive Director Maureen Crocker will present on rail issues.

101 Conference attendees will receive comprehensive printed conference information, breakfast, lunch, snacks and admittance to the cocktail reception immediately following the closing keynote address. Attendees who stay for the cocktail reception will be eligible for door prizes. Professional engineers who register for continuing education credits will receive two PDH units for attending the conference, plus one additional if they select the Ethics class as a break-out session option. For information on sponsorships or registration, contact the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance at , or Angie Sanders at asanders@cfbca.org. 8/11 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY VMS REPORT 1. Chris Baker KPRC-AM (FOX) Freq. 950, Houston DMA: 10 08/11/2011, 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM 00:29:13 If you just tuned in, City Councilman Jolanda Jones refuses to take her furlow. The city--mayor Parker ordered furlows because the city's broke. Now, they're still expanding the light rail program because the metrosexual CEO says we need the light rail program because, I don't know. There's good stuff going on in the light rail apparently. 00:30:17 Audience: 7, Dr. Hotze KSEV-AM (CBS) Freq. 700, Houston DMA: 10 08/10/2011, 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM 00:03:33 Well, the first concrete was poured for a new section of Metro light rail track this morning, ten years after completion of the current rail line extending from downtown, out past Reliant Stadium. Workers are now putting down the foundation for what will be a six and a half mile southeast line, scheduled for completion in :03:57 Audience: 2, Eyewitness News At 5:00 KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/11/2011, 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM [CC] 00:32:40 And fresh cement, Metro pours base for a new rail line. But where will it get the money to finish it? We will get to our top stories in a moment. First, Don has a check on problems in traffic. North loop at the north freeway. This is the HOV lane and this is the Metro bus in it in the left side. 00:33:24 [CC] 00:36:52 Metro began pouring concrete for the southeast rail line yesterday. It is the first new light rail line to be built in ten years. The 6.6 miles of track will link the Main Street line to the University of Houston. The line will run all the way to the Palm Center. 00:37:38 [CC] 00:38:34 Hey, let me show you what's going on. A little drama on the north freeway in the HOV. This is a M etro bus that we think maybe the turbo blew with that diesel. It smoked a lot. No real fire here. They got Metro moving in to swap passengers. 00:39:14 [Audience: 68,623

102 RIVER OAKS EXAMINER Metro Airport Direct ends service still costing taxpayers for property lease Airport Direct ends service still costing taxpayers for property lease The soon-to-be former lot used for Airport Direct bus service. Posted: Thursday, August 11, :40 pm Metro Airport Direct ends service still costing taxpayers for property lease By MICHAEL REED Regional News Service 0 comments Metro s ill-fated Airport Direct bus service, which will end Aug. 20 after losing money to the tune of about $1.5 million a year since its inception in 2008, will still cost taxpayers money for at least the next several months. An agreement with Hornberger Bros. Properties, Inc. shows the transit agency will continue to pay $14,000 a month on the property leased for use as the route s station behind Metro headquarters, through at least June That s $140,000, plus property taxes, also paid by Metro as a condition of the lease. The Airport Direct express route, listed as Route 500, has cost roughly $1.9 million annually to operate since its debut. The most income it ever generated was about $450,000, according to Metro records. Bus service to Bush Intercontinental Airport will continue to be provided by Route 102, as it has been since before the inception of Airport Direct. It, however, is not an express route. The transit agency will begin using the leased property to park Metro police vehicles, once that department is moved to the main headquarters at 1900 Main St., a Metro spokeswoman said. For the time being, the lot, generally, appears to remain fairly vacant. 8/15 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY HOUSTON CHRONICLE Car in pond briefly interrupts Metro rail service

103 By DALE LEZON HOUSTON CHRONICLE Aug. 15, 2011, 6:22AM Metro light rail service has been restored following a brief shut down after a motorist became stuck in the pond along the tracks in downtown early this morning. The mishap occurred in the 1000 block of Main near Lamar about 5 a.m. Monday, according to Metro officials. No injuries were reported. Officials said the driver, whose name has not been released, drove into the pond and became lodged along the tracks. Train service was temporally shut down while the car was removed from the pond. Service was restored about 5:50 a.m. Read more: Transportation Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County News Release Friday, August 12, 2011 Light Rail Blazes Forth Despite Temperatures Blistering temperatures couldn t stop a new and exciting milestone from being observed Wednesday. A crowd of hard-hatted, safetyvested notables endured withering heat to watch construction crews complete an 80-foot bed for light rail track the first Houston has seen in 10 years. The steel rail near Paige and Rusk, east of downtown, will be part of the 6.6-mile Southeast (Purple) Line. The line, starting near the new Dynamo Stadium will run to Palm Center near the University of Houston Central Campus and is expected to be open in mid Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) watched intently as a waiting cement mixer

104 truck released a slurry mix of concrete through an open chute and onto the waiting track-bed. She joined other officials in support of METRO public transit and cited light rail for improved infrastructure and many jobs it brings to the city. METRO Board Chairman Gilbert Garcia said he was delighted with the progress, "This is an exciting moment and an exciting day for the community and certainly all of us at METRO. It s been more than 10 years since we laid concrete for rail. We re happy to be here today to tell everyone - light rail is coming to Houston." Vice-chair Allen Watson and Board Members Christof Spieler, Gary Stobb and Trinidad Trini Mendenhall Sosa as well as George Greanias, president & CEO; and David Couch, senior vice president of Capital Programs shared Chairman Garcia s enthusiasm, clapping and giving a thumbs up as the HRT crew spread the lumpy gray mixture sluicing through the frame criss-crossed with rebar. About 1,200 feet of track was prepared with lime for the new concrete slab. A plastic sheet protected the rail from the newly poured concrete, which will take a few days to dry. Once cured, the sheet will be removed and the track slab completed. The last time METRO poured concrete for new light-rail track was for the Main Street Red Line in September The Southeast (Purple) Line is 6.6 miles long and will connect downtown to Palm Center. Destinations include downtown, MacGregor Park, Texas Southern University and UH Central Campus. Stations are at Smith, Fannin, Crawford, Bastrop, Leeland, Elgin, Scott/Cleburne, Wheeler/MLK, MacGregor Park and Palm Center. For more information visit ridemetro.org HOUSTON CHRONICLE Letters: Metro's CEO returns HOUSTON CHRONICLE Aug. 12, 2011, 8:42PM Here's the rub Regarding "Greanias faces difficult task" (Page B1, Monday), while I believe tolerance should be a consideration for people who make one mistake, I have no tolerance for those who are repeat offenders. If you get caught with drugs, driving under the influence or having an affair, common sense dictates that you should change your ways. Here is the rub: If you are in the public's eye, if you hold sway over the public, if you are paid by public funds, you have an obligation to think before you act. When you do things that are not acceptable, you lose the faith of your employees and the public you agreed to serve. Duncan Chapman, Houston Time to work Regarding "Behavior of Metro's CEO well over acceptable line" (Page B9, Aug. 4), I agree with Bill King that George Greanias has done a very good job at Metro. The agency has made a great turnaround under his leadership. I don't agree with King on his declaration that Greanias should be immediately terminated. Greanias has been publicly humiliated his mistakes the fodder for water-cooler conversation throughout our city. I support the Metro board's punishment and respect their leadership and appreciate their service.

105 Greanias has been given this second opportunity to earn the community's personal trust and confidence through his continued work at Metro. Sue Schechter, Houston Many positives Eighteen months into George Greanias' service as Metro's chief, we're finally on the right track, literally and figuratively. Rail is being laid; we're receiving money from Washington to help build our system; finances are in order; and there's outstanding bus, park-and-ride and HOV service. Local elected and business leadership and the community see the difference he has made. He made a mistake, but Greanias' experience and outstanding service to our city made him the right choice to lead Metro. This is about the agency, and I'm for giving George Greanias a second chance. Jack Drake, Houston Who is perfect? It's no surprise that Bill King wants George Greanias gone as the CEO of Metro. In his short tenure, Greanias has been increasingly effective in turning Metro around, to the point where even King concedes he's doing a good job. One of the things King is about is squashing Houston's light-rail expansion. Of the small but powerful group of Houstonians opposed to urbanism and the light-rail system, King has been the loudest voice in recent years. Greanias has been a terrific leader for Metro in his short tenure, and everywhere I turn I hear agreement about that. He is absolutely dedicated to the light-rail system that was described in the Metro Solutions plan for 2012, although King and others, including the previous Metro CEO, have managed to delay those lines significantly. He is taking one step at a time, and two of the lines are actually under construction right now. Greanias is a threat to the anti-rail crowd, ipso facto, they believe he must go. I don't agree. I believe George Greanias is essential to the beneficial transformation of the city that is promised by the transit course he is pursuing. We need him at the helm, and if he's just proved himself to be a little bit dumb and a little bit human, hey, who among us is perfect? David Crossley, Houston Out the door, now I agree with the Houston Area Pastors Council who call for his immediate firing. Anyone using a computer to view porn on company time should be terminated, particularly someone making $245,000 of tax money. And why on earth would the Metro board defend him unless the prevailing office culture is to do the same thing? How can Greanias improve Metro's and Houston's image now? Janice Donalson, Bellaire CHRONICLE NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS FOR FORT BEND METRO plans Missouri City Park & Ride by Chris Waller August 12, :19 pm

106 Missouri City residents will soon have another place to catch a METRO bus to downtown Houston or the Texas Medical Center. The second Park & Ride bus stop in Missouri City will start offering rush hour service on Monday, Aug. 22 in the Kroger parking lot on State Highway 6 at Knight Road. The line will run from this location to the existing Park & Ride six miles away at Fondren and Beltway 8 before making its way to the medical center. A connection to the Red Line can be made there. The cost of the ride will be $3.25 with Q Cards available for purchase inside of Kroger. The schedule for the new route will be posted on ridemetro.org before Aug. 21. Officials from METRO anticipate 200 passengers will be using the line daily by the end of the first year of service. The process of choosing a permanent location for the Missouri City Park & Ride is underway and should be completed by (picked up Chronicle article) o ENR TEXAS & LOUISIANA digital wire This story was not reported, edited or fact-checked by ENR editors.view all news wire headlines» Houston Metro Puts Down New Light Rail for First Time in Decade 08/10/2011 Houston Chronicle Text size: AA By Carol Christian, Houston Chronicle Aug. 10--For the first time in 10 years, workers this morning poured concrete for a new section of Metro light-rail track. The 80-foot section of steel rail will be part of the 6.6-mile Southeast Line. The line, scheduled for completion in 2014, will extend from Smith Street downtown to the Palm Center in southeast Houston at Griggs and Beekman Roads. "This is an exciting day for all of us," Metro Board Chairman Gilbert Garcia said. A freight train, with horn blasting, passed by as the wet concrete flowed out of the cement truck. This morning's event, attended by members of the Metropolitan Transit Authority board and administration as well as dignitaries including U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston, took place about half a mile east of downtown just north of Rusk Street. Lee noted that Houston is set to receive $900 million in light-rail funding from the Federal Transit Administration. The grant has been delayed for almost a year because of problems with the process used by previous Metro leaders to purchase new rail cars.

107 The money will not only improve Houston's transportation system but will help create thousands of jobs through related projects and the growth of small businesses, Jackson Lee said. "If you look at the landscape of the community, you will see housing that is coming because people know rail is coming to Houston," she said. Although Metro has not yet received the $900 million grant, agency President and CEO George Greanias said the steps toward completion are moving on schedule. "We're building the funds into our budget for next year," he said. Part of the funding will go for the Southeast Line and part for the North Line, also under construction and scheduled for completion in The third line under construction, the East End line, is being built with local money. EXAMINER.COM (BLOG) METRO worker caught on hidden camera in XXX stores arrested for felony Stephen Dean, Houston Page One Examiner August 13, Like this? Subscribe to get instant updates. (Houston) -- Of all the METRO Transit workers caught on hidden camera dodging their duty to help stranded motorists, this guy took the cake. David Richards, 51, was supposed to be helping drivers when they needed it the most. As a member of METRO's Motorist Assistance Program (MAP), he was supposed to be patrolling Houston freeways in search of drivers who had broken down. The MAP trucks then provide potentially life-saving help by displaying flashing lights and keeping traffic from slamming into people as they wait for fuel or towtrucks, both of which can be dispatched by the MAP workers. As hidden camera teams from KPRC Local 2 Investigates were tailing various members of this roadside unit, Richards' behavior was the most amazing. Here are his highlights, as the station reported last year: Sleeping under shade trees in restaurant parking lots Watching as a motorist broke down just 80-yards away from his napping spot, providing no help Heading from one X-rated video store to another while on duty Spending nearly one-hour in his second XXX video store one afternoon Emerging with a shopping bag from one XXX store along the freeway he was supposed to be patrolling When the Local 2 Investigates team ordered his daily work records, the goal was to check and see what he was claiming to be doing while he was actually caught on hidden camera dodging his duty.

108 On some days, Richards didn't know he was being followed so he filled out reports to reflect whatever he wanted his bosses to think he was doing. On the day that he was confronted by a TV camera crew and reporter outside his second XXX video store of the day, one might expect his daily work record to be a little thin. After all, he knew he was being followed that way. So, perhaps one might expect his records to mention he was on a long lunch break or unable to find any stranded motorists during the time he was actually answering questions as the camera was rolling. Instead, his official daily work record reflected that he was helping several stranded drivers on the opposite side of town, at the exact moment that TV cameras were trailing him and confronting him. Those false entries are what landed him in jail, now months after the reports first aired. In court documents, METRO police write that Richards committed the felony crime of Tampering with a Government Document by listing those false entries. The probable cause affidavit accuses him of trying to defraud the public by collecting tax dollars for work he never performed. When he was confronted outside the XXX video store, he offered no excuses. He told the reporter he understood the concerns about him leaving motorists stranded while he was viewing porn. He insisted he did not have a problem or addiction to porn. One behind the scenes tidbit: was patronizing. He was thrown under the bus by the manager of one of the porno stores he When the news crew quietly followed him to a shop off Pinemont in northwest Houston, they switched from undercover mode so that they could confront him with the TV camera. Instead of the hidden cameras that were used in the news vehicles that were trailing him, the full-blown TV camera was brought out and the reporter waited on Richards to exit the business for nearly an hour. The manager of the porno store emerged and told the news crew they were killing his business. Several nervous looking men started to pull into parking spaces to view their porn in one of the private viewing booths inside, or perhaps even meet the ladies that are known to hang out in those private viewing booths. They quickly drove off when they saw the TV camera staking the place out, as if they had accidentally pulled into the parking lot with no knowledge that the business was even there to begin with. When the manager came out a second time, he asked the news crew who they were waiting on. He then motioned to the fully marked METRO vehicle, which looks a lot like a police car, that was sitting in his parking lot. He then said he'd be kicking the guy out of his business so that the news crew would go away and his business could resume as it had been. Sure enough, moments later, he confronted Richards and told him to leave the store. Richards removed his METRO MAP uniform shirt and carried it in his hands, perhaps thinking the news crew wouldn't realize it was him.

109 Trouble is, the news crew had been following him for weeks and knew exactly what he looked like. When the camera jumped in front of him and the microphone was thrust at him for his comment, instead of his METRO uniform, he wore an undershirt that displayed the word, "Hustler." He resigned his job that he had held for more than 18-years when his managers learned of what the news crew had discovered. Police started investigating his official daily work reports before the story was broadcast and ended up with criminal charges after consulting with the Harris County District Attorney's office. Continue reading on Examiner.com METRO worker caught on hidden camera in XXX stores arrested for felony - Houston Page One Examiner.com LOU MINATTI BLOG Wednesday, August 10, 2011 Houston Metro Rail: Billions of dollars down the drain Houston Metro is celebrating the construction of a new light rail (read: streetcar) line. Yay! I am old enough to remember how Metro was sold to Houston/Harris County voters. We'd have commuter rail (like Atlanta or DC) and it would unclog our freeways. 20 years later (after the promise of commuter rail morphed into a, get this, monorail) we got a light rail line from the Astrodome to downtown, used almost exclusively by Texas Medical Center employees traveling from a remote parking garage. It runs right down Main Street, literally a street car. Meanwhile, as Metro works on its new trophy project, service to the working poor who rely on bus service has been cut back. Bus ridership numbers also dropped dramatically, according to Metro documents, from about 80 million in 2005 to just a little more than 17 million during the last year. So after 30 years and many billions of dollars, we have a streetcar line for Medical Center employees that would be better served by some shuttle buses and another streetcar line in the works. But nothing that reduces congestion on our freeways for commuters out in the 'burbs who still pay the 1% Metro sales tax, and reduced service for the folks who truly need a cheap, reliable way to get to work. As a snarky aside, congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's video touting the latest Metro grant has received all of 16 views since it debuted 2 weeks ago. I bet my tiny little blog will double her viewers!

110 RECONNECTING AMERICA WEBSITE The Other Side of the Tracks Home Houston: Metro Lays Track for Southeast Line August 11, 2011 Houston Chronicle More News & Resources: Houston, Light Rail, Texas, tracks, Transit The Metropolitan Transit Authority laid track for its southeast light rail line Wednesday, but questions remain about where the agency will get the money to finish this line, two others under construction and two more in the planning stages... Read On 8/16 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY VMS REPORT News At Five KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/15/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [CC] 00:04:11 With all those excited football fans at Reliant Park, traffic could be a nightmare. Not to worry though. No major issues here getting to Reliant Stadium so far. N o major issues getting there right now. You'll find more information on parking, tailgating andalso, Metro rail on The Beat, the traffic blog at khou.com. 00:05:20 Audience: 2. Chris Baker KPRC-AM (FOX) Freq. 950, Houston DMA: 10 08/15/2011, 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM 00:32:00 The city of Houston will spend money on junkets, pedestrian underpasses so the metrosexual CEO has a place to go. Light rail extensions to parts of town that aren't even using it. And yet, they don't have a customer service office for the Water Department? 00:32:50 Audience: 7, Fox 26 News At Nine KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/15/2011, 09:00 PM - 12:00 AM [CC] 00:14:31 A Houston family is desperately trying to find a loved one missing for days, and wants to know why a hospital simply let her go without telling anyone. The woman was at a local psychiatric hospital undergoing a two week mental health evaulation. Family says she was released home e arly and never returned. Denney says his sister was supposed to be at West Oaks for a 14-day evaluation but was released after just 10 days. He had no idea about her early discharge until a nurse called the house. She called and asked me had she made it home yet. Said they released her today at 2:30. I said, 'How?' Either put her on a bus or in a cab. And if anybody is in a psychiatric hospital, you certainly wouldn't put them on a Metro bus when they have no idea where they are or what's going on. West Oaks CEO said once patients are deemed confident and stable, they are free to leave any way they choose. 00:17:58 Audience: 95,968

111 HOUSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL: Metro chairman speaks out on Greanias suspension Houston Business Journal by Christine Hall Date: Monday, August 15, 2011, 2:57pm CDT Last Modified: Monday, August 15, 2011, 3:01pm CDT Enlarge Image Photo courtesy of Houston Metro He spoke to me about the company s four-page computer policy. Houston Metro CEO George Greanias returned to work Aug. 8 following a one-week suspension. While researching my Aug. 12 print article in Houston Business Journal on inappropriate website use in an office, I was able to get a few minutes on the phone with with Gilbert Garcia, chairman of Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County/Houston. I was curious about Metro s four-page computer use policy and asked Gilbert if the fact that Metro President and CEO George Greanias viewed more than a dozen adult oriented websites on his personal computer using Metro s WiFi Internet system meant Greanias had misunderstood the policy. I wondered if that was the case, would Metro change the policy or implement an education program to make sure employees understood it. You may recall that Greanias was suspended for a week earlier this month, then returned to work on Aug. 8. Garcia said he didn t foresee making any changes, but we will look at it again. He also said that Greanias did understand the policy. In addition, when the situation came to his attention, he performed his own due diligence to see if there had been a precedent set or any other instances of CEOs being punished. It was just a coincidence that there was a board meeting scheduled about 10 days after I found out, and we discussed it, Garcia said. Meanwhile, HBJ received 1,390 votes on its poll asking readers what the appropriate punishment is for viewing inappropriate content using corporate Internet access.

112 Given the options of termination, suspension, verbal warning and not sure, 41 percent voted for termination. Twenty-nine percent thought a good punishment was a verbal warning, while 23 percent agreed with the suspension. Of the 15 comments left by readers, some thought Greanias behavior should be dismissed because of the good work he has done for Metro. Others thought as CEO, he should set an example for other employees. Most said it was important for companies to have a clear policy in place. 8/17 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY Missouri City News 8/16/2011 Convenient METRO Park & Ride Commute to Start for Missouri City and Area Residents Next Week On Monday, Aug. 22, a convenient METRO commuter option will roll out for area residents who work in the Texas Medical Center or downtown Houston. The new service will extend the transit company s existing route 170 and will operate from the Kroger parking lot on Highway 6 at Knight Road. Buses will pick up passengers at the new stop starting at 5:06 a.m., then travel to the Park & Ride site at Beltway 8 and Fondren Road and afterward proceed directly to the medical center where riders can connect to the Red Line downtown. Bus service will be available weekdays during peak rush hours. Service northbound will be from 5:06 a.m. to 7:48 a.m.; service southbound will be from 3:15 p.m. to 7:09 p.m. Click here for maps, fares and the schedule. One-way fares are $3.25 and roundtrip rides are $6.50. Students, seniors, individuals on Medicare and the disabled can qualify for half fare. Click here for discount fare details. METRO has partnered with Kroger to provide passengers a convenient location to obtain a METRO Q Fare Card; a minimum $5 fare load is required. The new bus service is going to be a tremendous benefit for our City; it will save on gas, help protect the environment and ease traffic congestion, said resident Mary Guillory. I ll definitely be a rider! To kick off the new Park & Ride site, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Friday, Aug. 19 at 8 a.m. in the Kroger parking lot. Missouri City Council and METRO Board members are scheduled to attend the event. The Kroger site is a temporary operating location, and a permanent location is expected to be selected by City Council has long supported commuting alternatives for residents and at recent METRO workshops, Mayor Allen Owen has explained that about 27,174 commuters currently drive to and from the Medical Center along the US90A/Southwest Rail Corridor every day; the daily trips are projected to increase to 31,855 by In addition to Missouri City and Stafford residents, thousands of Medical Center employees live in a cone extending from Katy to Pearland.

113 This is an important development for our residents, Mayor Owen said. Missouri City has a strong partnership with METRO and is looking forward to the new Park & Ride being an asset for citizens and the transit company. For updates on the new service and the future permanent operating site, please watch and Missouri City Television (Channel 16 on Comcast and Channel 99 on AT&T U-verse.) FORT BEND SUN METRO Park & Ride commute begins next week Posted: Tuesday, August 16, :24 pm Updated: 12:56 pm, Tue Aug 16, METRO Park & Ride commute begins next week By The Sun Staff 0 comments On Monday, Aug. 22, a convenient METRO commuter option will roll out for area residents who work in the Texas Medical Center or downtown Houston. The new service will extend the transit company s existing route 170 and will operate from the Kroger parking lot on Highway 6 at Knight Road. Buses will pick up passengers at the new stop starting at 5:06 a.m., then travel to the Park & Ride site at Beltway 8 and Fondren Road and afterward proceed directly to the medical center where riders can connect to the Red Line downtown. Bus service will be available weekdays during peak rush hours. Service northbound will be from 5:06 a.m. to 7:48 a.m.; service southbound will be from 3:15 p.m. to 7:09 p.m. The schedule is available at: One-way fares are $3.25 and roundtrip rides are $6.50. Students, seniors, individuals on Medicare and the disabled can qualify for half fare. Fare details are available at: METRO has partnered with Kroger to provide passengers a convenient location to obtain a METRO Q Fare Card; a minimum $5 fare load is required. The new bus service is going to be a tremendous benefit for our City; it will save on gas, help protect the environment and ease traffic congestion, said resident Mary Guillory. I ll definitely be a rider. To kick off the new Park & Ride site, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Friday, Aug. 19 at 8 a.m. in the Kroger parking lot. Missouri City Council and METRO Board members are scheduled to attend the event. The Kroger site is a temporary operating location, and a permanent location is expected to be selected by The Missouri City City Council has long supported commuting alternatives for residents and at recent METRO workshops, Mayor Allen Owen has explained that about 27,174 commuters currently drive to and from the Medical Center along the US90A/Southwest Rail Corridor every day; the daily trips are projected to increase to 31,855 by In addition to Missouri City and Stafford residents, thousands of Medical Center employees live in a cone extending from Katy to Pearland. This is an important development for our residents, Owen said. Missouri City has a strong partnership with METRO and is looking forward to the new Park & Ride being an asset for citizens and the transit company. For updates on the new service and the future permanent operating site, please watch and Missouri City Television (Channel 16 on Comcast and Channel 99 on AT&T U-verse.)

114 PROGRESSIVE RAILROADING Houston METRO lays track for light-rail line Last week, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO) began construction on the first Houston light-rail line to receive new track since September The agency began pouring concrete on the southeast Purple line to form a bed for an 80-foot section of steel rail, which will be part of the guide way for 6.6 miles of new light rail crossing southeast Houston and connecting to the current Main Street Red line, the East End Green line and the planned University Blue line, agency officials said in a prepared statement. The line is expected to open in mid August 16, :48 PM in Houston, Texas D REPORTS BLOG VIDEOS ABOUT AWARDS CONTACT US Metro CEO George Greanias in a class all his own when it comes t orn and escort sites 011, 02:33PM CST 0 comments Add comment l surfing porn and escort sites using taxpayer resources, it looks like Metro CEO George Greanias is in a class all his own.

115 as disciplined just two employees in the last three years for violating the transit agency s policy on the use of and other electro according to a Texas Watchdog review of Metro records. anias -- who was disciplined recently for accessing sexually explicit websites using the company s Internet network -- the transit age e resigned in lieu of termination in June over a conflict of interest and electronic communications policy breach. employee used Metro s time and resources for personal gain and used Metro s electronic media for an outside and personal com, a letter from the agency says. turned to work last week following a one-week unpaid suspension, has said in prepared statements that he made a terrible mistake ent and is ready to get back to work and focus on the transportation needs for our community. ued in response to a request from Texas Watchdog under the state Public Information Act, which gives any member of the public th nt records. Texas Watchdog requested records related to all employees disciplined or terminated since Aug. 1, 2008, for a violation es/policy on the use of electronic communications, and any record describing the violation, as well as the agency s policies on the the like, over that time period. n to the policy was signed off on by Greanias in June of this year. O Neal at or leeann@texaswatchdog.org. he latest news from Texas Watchdog. Fan our page on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Scribd, and fan us onyoutube. Join our d put our RSS feeds in your newsreader. We're also on MySpace, Digg, FriendFeed, and tumblr. he Train' by flickr user Shay Haas, used via a Creative Commons license. Metro records: Greanias was sole employee caught surfing porn in last 3 years Metro records: Greanias was sole employee caught surfing porn in last 3 years

116 Posted: Tuesday, August 16, :14 pm Metro records: Greanias was sole employee caught surfing porn in last 3 years By LEE ANN O NEAL Texas Watchdog 0 comments When it comes to surfing porn and escort sites using taxpayer resources, it looks like Metro CEO George Greanias is in a class all his own. Houston Metro has disciplined just two employees in the last three years for violating the transit agency s policy on the use of and other electronic communications, according to a Texas Watchdog review of Metro records. In addition to Greanias who was disciplined recently for accessing sexually explicit websites using the company s Internet network the transit agency says another employee resigned in lieu of termination in June over a conflict of interest and electronic communications policy breach. Metro alleged the employee used Metro s time and resources for personal gain and used Metro s electronic media for an outside and personal commercial business purpose, a letter from the transit agency said. Greanias, who returned to work last week following a one-week unpaid suspension, has said in prepared statements that he made a terrible mistake, has accepted punishment and is ready to get back to work and focus on the transportation needs for our community. The letter was issued in response to a request from Texas Watchdog under the state Public Information Act, which gives any member of the public the right to access government records. Texas Watchdog requested records related to all employees disciplined or terminated since Aug. 1, 2008, for a violation of company guidelines/policy on the use of electronic communications, and any record describing the violation, as well as the agency s policies on the use of , phones, and the like, over that time period. The latest revision to the policy was signed off on by Greanias in June of this year. Contact Lee Ann O Neal at or leeann@texaswatchdog.org. HOUSTON CHRONICLE: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Mirror, mirror Regarding "Metro's CEO returns" (Page B6, Saturday), for those eager to criticize or pass judgment on George Greanias, I suggest that first you look in the mirror. Have you ever called a person a bad name, lied, made a bad decision, misrepresented an issue, taken anything that wasn't yours, even a pen or pencil from work? No? Well, you must be perfect. I don't think I would be comfortable in your presence. Could you do better? I suggest that there are few who could. I think we should cut Greanias some slack. He has been open and admitted an error in judgment. You complain about his lapse in judgment during working hours. But perhaps you forget that his is not an 8-to-5 job. As CEO of Metro, when is he not at work? His track record is outstanding in all the positions he has held. He has made a positive difference everywhere. And, this is evident in a significant way in the short time he has headed Metro. The error in judgment that he has admitted to was not illegal. So, let's cut this human being some slack while he guides Metro in the directions we have been hoping for. Bob Schwartz, Houston

117 8/18 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY Transportation Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County News Release Thursday, August 18, 2011 METRO TO OPEN NEW PARK & RIDE IN MISSOURI CITY SERVICE TO SUPPLEMENT EXISTING PARK & RIDE Starting Monday, August 22, Missouri City residents will have another option to get to the Texas Medical Center, or downtown Houston, onboard a METRO Park & Ride bus. The new service an extension of the existing route will operate from a temporary site located at the Kroger parking lot on State Highway 6 at Knight Road. WHAT: Ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate launch of Park & Ride WHERE: State Highway 6 at Knight Road WHEN: 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, 2011 WHO: METRO President & CEO George Greanias; METRO Board Members Burt Ballanfant and Allen Watson; Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen, Jay Spears, Principal at NewQuest Properties; Randall Carle, Kroger Store Manager This is especially good news to the hundreds of TMC employees who live in Missouri City and are looking for a stress-free commute that is also easy on the wallet, said METRO President & CEO George Greanias. Our partners in this Missouri City, Fort Bend County, the TMC, NewQuest and Kroger champion our mission of providing better service to the community, and the new lot is an example of how we re taking steps to improve mobility. Route 170 now has three stops on its schedule, with the first bus rolling out at 5:06 a.m. from the new location on State Highway 6 at Knight Road, on to the existing Park & Ride lot at Fondren and Beltway 8, and the final destination, the Texas Medical Center, with an easy connection to the Red Line. Not having to drive or deal with traffic is a plus. This service gives riders the opportunity to use the commute time to relax, catch a few more Z s, read a book or newspaper, said Kimberly Slaughter, METRO s VP of Service Design and Development, who adds that her team is currently evaluating locations for a permanent spot for the service.

118 Patrons out-of-pocket expense for the new Park & Ride will be the Zone 2 fare of $3.25 per ride. Don t have a Q Card? No worries, as of August 19, patrons will be able to conveniently step inside the Kroger now a METRO Q Card retailer - to pick up their METRO Q Fare Card. Service will run weekdays during peak a.m. and p.m. rush hours. The schedule for the new Park & Ride service is available online, ULTIMATE PEARLAND (Chronicle Neighborhood news) Progress made on Park & Ride for Pearland area by GREG MAY, HOUSTON CHRONICLE August 17, :20 pm A key step has been made in the long, frustrating effort to establish a Park & Ride facility along the Texas 288 corridor in northern Brazoria County. I know that after reading that sentence, many frazzled commuters will respond with, "Yeah, right." Indeed, the journey to establish a shuttle facility in the Pearland area has been about as smooth a ride as you get from an RV purchased at a yard sale. This time, however, the process has progressed further than previous efforts. After looking over the proposed 17-acre facility site off Texas 288 north of JC Penney, the Federal Transit Administration recently granted a "categorical exclusion," which amounts to notification that the Metropolitan Transit Authority can start negotiating to buy the property from owner Alan Parker. The FTA's blessing is crucial since it is providing funds to help cover the facility's operating costs. "We've crossed the first hurdle," said Jon Branson, an assistant city manager for Pearland and the city's representative in a stakeholders group of local entities pushing to develop a local Park & Ride. "Obviously, I would have liked to have seen it happen a year ago." You may remember the drama surrounding the site previously proposed for the facility, which would be a base for commuter shuttle buses between Pearland and the Texas Medical Center and other points in Houston. The owner of a 12-acre tract off Texas 288 at County Road 59 offered to sell to Metro. FTA hearings were required since the property was adjacent to a subdivision, and those July 2010 meetings brought out throngs of Southfork residents outraged that a Park & Ride might operate near the entrance of their neighborhood. Death came to the plan more quickly than a guillotine blade, and Metro had to start over in seeking a site. Another effort fell through in 2007 when Pearland City Council shelved a plan to lease parking spaces for a Park & Ride at Cinemark Cinema on Texas 288, saying it wouldn't be cost-effective. All the while, the many northern Brazoria County commuters have expressed frustration about needing shuttles on congested Texas 288. This time, since the property is not adjacent to a subdivision, the FTA didn't require public hearings. Instead, notices were sent to adjacent property owners, and their comments were sent to the FTA.

119 the agency issued environmental clearance after mulling potential impacts from factors such as noise, vibrations and wetlands disruption, said Edmund Petry, Metro's manager of environmental and capital planning. Petry estimated that the deal for the sale might close early next year, followed by construction and a late 2013 opening of the facility. The undeveloped tract, which is between the Texas 288 feeder road and Smith Ranch Road, was the stakeholders group's top choice out of 31 prospective sites. Better traffic light synchronization coming Later this year, traffic signals along FM 518 from FM 1128 to Texas 288 may be able to communicate with each other to allow better traffic flow on that heavily traveled route. "We're hoping to have field implementation by the end of August and have it in place before the holiday season begins," said Mike Hodge, who is Pearland's other assistant city manager. "If it is successful, it's our hopes we can implement it in other corridors." The idea is that signal control panels will relay information from traffic cameras, with one signal letter letting ones down the road know when heavy traffic is coming. "In case studies we've looked at, we've seen at least a 15 (percent) to 20 percent reduction in travel time, and in some instances, they were talking about reductions as much as 50 percent," Hodge said. A federal energy grant is covering $420,000 of the $460,000 project, with the city picking up the rest of the cost, Hodge said. Greg May writes about road and transportation issues in the Pearland/Friendswood/Alvin area. FORT BEND INDEPENDENT New Metro Park & Ride opens in Missouri City Starting Monday, August 22, Missouri City residents living further south of Main Street (U.S. 90A) will have the opportunity to get to the Texas Medical Center, or downtown Houston, onboard a METRO Park & Ride bus. The new service an extension of the existing route will operate from a temporary site located at the Kroger parking lot on State Highway 6 at Knight Road. This is especially good news to the hundreds of TMC employees who live in Missouri City and are looking for a stress-free commute that is also easy on the wallet, said METRO President & CEO George Greanias. Our partners in this Missouri City, Fort Bend County, the TMC, NewQuest and Kroger champion our mission of providing better service to the community, and the new lot is an example of how we re taking steps to improve mobility. Route 170 now has three stops on its schedule, with the first bus rolling out at 5:06 a.m. from the new location on State Highway 6 at Knight Road, on to the existing Park & Ride lot at Fondren and Beltway 8, and the final destination, the Texas Medical Center, with an easy connection to the Red Line. Not having to drive or deal with traffic is a plus. This service gives riders the opportunity to use the commute time to relax, catch a few more Z s, read a book or newspaper, said Kimberly Slaughter, METRO s VP of Service Design and Development, who adds that her team is currently evaluating locations for a permanent spot for the service.

120 Patrons out-of-pocket expense for the new Park & Ride will be the Zone 2 fare of $3.25 per ride. Don t have a Q Card? No worries, as of August 19, patrons will be able to conveniently step inside the Kroger now a METRO Q Card retailer - to pick up their METRO Q Fare Card. Service will run weekdays during peak a.m. and p.m. rush hours. The schedule for the new Park & Ride service will be posted on by August 21, the start of service changes. BROOKINGS INSTITUTION Transit Access and Zero-Vehicle Households Opportunity and Well-being, Transportation, Infrastructure, Jobs and the Economy, Cities Adie Tomer, Senior Research Analyst, Metropolitan Policy Program Robert Puentes, Senior Fellow, Metropolitan Policy Program The Brookings Institution August 18, 2011 Millions of zero-vehicle households live in areas well served by transit. Yet hundreds of thousands of zero-vehicle households live out of transit s reach, particularly in the South and in the suburbs. And those with transit access still cannot reach a majority of jobs in metro areas within 90 minutes. Based on these trends, leaders must recognize these households unique mobility needs and aim to improve job accessibility through sound policy. Find statistics on zero-vehicle households in your metropolitan area» Read the analysis on metropolitan transit accessibility to jobs» An analysis of data from the American Community Survey and 371 transit providers in the nation s 100 largest metropolitan areas reveals that: In the nation s largest metropolitan areas, 7.5 million households do not have access to a private automobile. A majority of these zero-vehicle households live in cities and earn lower incomes. Conversely, households with vehicles tend to live in suburbs and earn middle or higher incomes. The unique locational and income characteristics of zero-vehicle households reinforce their need for strong transit service. Over 90 percent of zero-vehicle households in large metropolitan areas live in neighborhoods with access to transit service of some kind. This greatly exceeds the 68 percent coverage rate for households with a vehicle, suggesting transit service aligns with households who rely on it most. However, some 700,000 zero-vehicle households in the 100 largest metro areas lack access to transit. The typical metropolitan household without a vehicle can reach over 40 percent of metro-wide jobs via transit within 90 minutes, exceeding the 29 percent transit access share for households with a vehicle. The tendency of zero-vehicle households to live in cities contributes to their above-average access to jobs via transit. Unfortunately, limited job access via transit in most metropolitan areas leaves many jobs out of reach for zerovehicle households

121 ofiles/26420.pdf 8/19 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY CHRONICLE WEBSITE FRONT PAGE:

122 CHRONICLE NEWSWATCH BLOG Study: Houston low on list of cities with accessible public transit By CAROL CHRISTIAN / Copyright 2011 Houston Chronicle Houston ranks third from the bottom among the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas in the number of households with no cars and no access to public transit, according to a new report from the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. Released today, the report Transit Access and Zero-Vehicle Households found that about 32,630 households in the Houston- Sugar Land-Baytown area have no vehicles and aren t served by public transit. (The study s technical definition of served can be roughly translated as living within ¾ mile of at least one transit stop.) Those households represent about 5 percent of 700,000 nationwide who struggle without a car and have no access to fixedroute transit systems. Today s report is the first in a series of three studies that are follow-ups to Brookings report in May, Missed Opportunity: Transit and jobs in Metropolitan America, which looked at how well transit services connect workers to existing jobs. Houston also fared poorly in that study, ranking 72nd among 100 metropolitan areas, chiefly due to its low transit access just 44 percent of working-age residents live near a transit stop, compared with a national average of 69 percent. kuhf houston public radio public radio news & information twenty four hours a day from houston, tx Houston Lacking In Transit For No Car Households August 19, 2011 by: Edel Howlin

123 While local transit authorities focus on making Houston more commuter friendly. A recent survey shows they're not doing enough. And how Houston looked, unfortunately it was really not so good. Adie Tomer is a senior research analyst with the Brookings Institution, a public policy organization based in Washington D.C. Brookings found Houston came third in a survey on access to transit for nocar households. Atlanta was top of the worst pile and Dallas came second. Tomer says their figures show a whole load of households are lacking. "It s over 120,000 households don t have a car there and the coverage rate for them is 73%. By that we mean, the amount of households that live within three quarters of a mile of a transit stop." For Tomer the concern wasn t necessarily the numbers though. He says the deeper question was how these people get around without any kind of transit. "What do these people do? How do they get to work? More so than just even work how do they go about shopping? If they need to go to the hospital how do they get there?" The survey covered Houston, Sugar Land and Baytown. While Houston city has about a 98% transit success rate for no-car households Tomer says it s the suburbs that really flag where we re lacking. Someone who knows all about this is Patrick Walshe. He s the Assistant Director of Community Development for Sugar Land. "The zip code that has the greatest number of commuters to downtown is 77479, right here in the Sugar Land area. So we think Sugar Land is ready for some improved transit connections directly to downtown." Sugar Land just recently completed a mobility plan for transit. Not surprisingly it was this lack of connection to downtown that came up. While Walshe says they re a long way from filling that gap, he hopes that adding something like a trolley to local hotspots will give people more options. He believes using a service like this could encourage transit growth and eventually lead to a better score in Brookings next survey. To view a map by the Brookings Institution, go to Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, TX Metro Area Transportation Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County

124 News Release Thursday, August 18, 2011 METRORAIL SCHEDULED SERVICE INTERRUPTION WHEN: 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 21. WHERE: Between Preston and UH-Downtown stations WHY: Reconfiguration of overhead contact wire in area due to North Line extension work During this time, there will be no bus shuttle service between the Preston and UH-Downtown stations. However, METRO recommends patrons use bus routes 1, 5, 9, 15, 24, 60 and 78, which are accessible on San Jacinto (northbound) and Fannin (southbound), to navigate the area. Rail service between Fannin South and Preston stations will not be impacted and will run as scheduled. METRO personnel will be available at the northbound Preston platform to provide assistance during the temporary shutdown. Regular service from Preston to UH-Downtown is projected to resume at 3 p.m. COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPERS

125 KHOU Metrorail service between Preston, UH Downtown to be interrupted Sunday by khou.com staff

126 khou.com Posted on August 18, 2011 at 2:33 PM HOUSTON There will be no Metrorail bus shuttle service between the Preston and UH-Downtown stations from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday while crews continue working on the North Line extension. During the brief interruption, METRO recommends patrons use bus routes 1, 5, 9, 15, 24, 60 and 78, which are accessible on San Jacinto (northbound) and Fannin (southbound), to navigate the area. Rail service between Fannin South and Preston stations will not be impacted and will run as scheduled. METRO personnel will be available at the northbound Preston platform to provide assistance during the temporary shutdown. Regular service from Preston to UH-Downtown is projected to resume at 3 p.m. 8/22 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY HOUSTON CHRONICLE Metro counts on federal cash despite D.C.'s red ink $900 million for rail lines could come over 5 years, if cuts are dodged By CAROL CHRISTIAN, HOUSTON CHRONICLE / Updated 06:29 a.m., Monday, August 22, 2011 As Metro ramps up construction of the North and Southeast light-rail lines scheduled for completion in 2014, the agency has made much of two pending federal grants that total $900 million. But even if the grants come through - and in today's Washington climate, nothing with a dollar sign seems definite - they won't arrive in one big check. Known as Full Funding Grant Agreements, the grants would come in chunks over at least five years, said Metro President and CEO George Greanias. The anticipated funding is part of the Federal Transit Administration's New Starts program. Greanias and Board Chairman Gilbert Garcia said they're counting on the money even though it will be subject to annual appropriations by Congress that are shrouded in uncertainty pending the work of the newly appointed Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. "Congress might stretch it a year or so, but that's how the FTA and Metro have been talking about it," Greanias said last week. Of the expected $900 million, Washington has set aside more than one-third - $334.5 million - and has sent checks for about $84.5 million, Greanias said.

127 The latter sum represents about 5 percent of the federal money Metro has said it needs to build the North, Southeast and University rail lines. It plans to use local funds for the East End and Uptown lines. The money paid or appropriated so far, along with other positive indicators from the FTA, has led Metro officials to say they're confident the two grant agreements will be approved by the end of the year. The process was delayed last year when the FTA found Metro's process for procuring rail cars was improper and ordered the agency to cancel its contract with a supplier and start over. Metro dramatically slowed down its construction schedule after the FTA announcement in September, but it recently laid its first track and is picking up the pace of work on the two lines. In Washington, meanwhile, the 12-member deficit reduction committee has until Thanksgiving to propose at least $1.2 trillion in deficit cuts over the next 10 years. While nobody can predict what Congress will do, Greanias said it's reasonable to assume Metro's two grants will survive the committee's work, having made it this far. "The federal government has already committed a substantial amount of money, both actual dollars received and dollars committed in prior appropriations - $334 million already, and the president proposed another $200 million in the fiscal 2012 budget," he said. Metro's optimism has been confirmed, Greanias said, in close conversations with the FTA, Metro's Washington lobbyists and members of the Texas congressional delegation. Justin Harclerode, a spokesman for the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which oversees the FTA, said it's unclear at what level the New Starts program will be funded in the pending reauthorization of the transportation bill that expired in Deficit panel's impact Also uncertain is what impact the deficit committee's work will have on New Starts, he said. Last year, Congress appropriated about $1.6 billion for New Starts, down from about $2 billion the previous year, Harclerode said. The $334.5 million set aside for Metro's North and Southeast lines includes $150 million appropriated in Fiscal Year 2011, $150 million earmarked in Fiscal Year 2010 and $34.5 million earmarked prior to 2010 during early design work, Greanias said. The next step will be FTA's notice to Metro that it has sent the agreements to Congress for a 60-day "informational" period that does not include a vote, Greanias said. In the past, grants that made it that far have always been signed, he said. Both Garcia and Greanias, however, said they are worried about the prospects for future funding, given the state of the economy. Metro plans to ask the federal government for $700 million toward the projected $1.4 billion cost of the University line, spokesman Jerome Gray said. This line would be the longest in Metro's system and would play a key role in connecting riders to important destinations.

128 Arthur Guzzettic, policy vice president for the American Public Transportation Association in Washington, said the congressional appropriation process is complex and can seem inefficient, but he thinks the outlook for public transit is positive because funding transportation is a way to create jobs. "The last two times revenues have been raised for transportation have been in the context of deficit, under the first Bush administration and at the beginning of the Clinton administration," he said. "The overarching trends are all positive. The public is calling for more transit." He noted that in recent months, the FTA has approved grants for projects in Denver, Minneapolis and Orlando, Fla. Awaiting renewal Denver's Regional Transportation District is scheduled to receive its $1.03 billion grant agreement Aug. 31 for a project that includes commuter rail lines from Denver Union Station to Denver International Airport, spokesman Scott Reed said. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., House Transportation Committee chairman, has proposed a six-year reauthorization of the expired federal transportation bill known by its acronym SAFETEA-LU, but his proposal has not been introduced as a bill.

129 Read story:

130 kuhf houston public radio public radio news & information twenty four hours a day from houston, tx Missouri City Finally Gets Second Park and Ride August 19, 2011 by: Edel Howlin Today Missouri City finally gets its second park and ride facility. The service doesn't officially start until Monday but it's a welcome addition to the area. Back in April METRO was still searching for a location for Missouri City s new park and ride. Now they ve settled on the Kroger parking lot on highway 6 at Knight Road. This is a temporary location and a more permanent one will be decided by The second park and ride pick-up is at Beltway 8 and Fondren Road. The service will then proceed directly to connect with the light-rail downtown line. Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen says this is an important development for the area. "It s a nice thing for us to have and I know that our citizens are gonna benefit greatly." Over 27,000 of these citizens commute to the Texas Medical Center. This number is expected to increase to nearly 32,000 by Service times, fares and updates for the new park and ride are at Ride METRO.

131 KTRK New U.S. 290 diamond lane opens Monday Sunday, August 21, 2011 HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Beginning 5am Monday, motorists will have access to newly constructed U.S. 290 eastbound diamond lane. Related Content More: Check real-time traffic information The lane runs from Skinner Rd. to the HOV entrance at Eldridge Parkway. This joint effort between the Texas Department of Transportation and METRO will bring relief to eastbound U.S. 290 commuters by providing improved access for multi-passenger vehicles entering the barrier-separated HOV lane. The diamond lane will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be open to motorists carrying two or more passengers. Officials said the lane will facilitate the flow of traffic to the U.S. 290 HOV lane during the peak travel period. KTRK New way into town available for Missouri City commuters Updated at 05:56 AM today MISSOURI CITY, TX (KTRK) -- Residents in Missouri City who work in downtown Houston or the Medical Center can now use METRO's newest transit line. Passengers can board the new line at the Kroger parking lot on Highway 6 and Knight Road. The route will make stops at the park and ride on Beltway 8 and Fondren, then connect to the Medical Center. The route will run weekdays northbound from 5am to 7:48am and southbound from 3:15pm to 7:09pm. One-way fares are $3.25 and round-trip tickets are $6.50. Discounts are available for students and senior citizens. (Copyright 2011 KTRK TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

132 HOUSTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Some light-rail off line Sunday until 3 p.m. Portion of Metro light-rail off line Sunday until 3 p.m. Posted: Friday, August 19, :33 pm Some light-rail off line Sunday until 3 p.m. Regional News Bureau 0 comments There will be no light-rail service from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday between the Preston and UH-Downtown stations. The interruption in service will be caused by adjustments to overhead contact wires, required by ongoing North Line extension work, the Metropolitan Transit Authority said. During that time, shuttle buses will not be available between the two stations. Metro recommended passengers use bus Routes 1, 5, 9, 15, 24, 60 and 78, which are accessible on San Jacinto Street, northbound, and Fannin Street, southbound, as an alternative. Light-rail service between the Fannin and Preston stations will not be affected. FORT BEND STAR METRO to open a 2nd Park & Ride in Missouri City Starting Monday, August 22, Missouri City residents living further south of Main Street (U.S. 90A) will have the opportunity to get to the Texas Medical Center, or downtown Houston, onboard a METRO Park & Ride bus. The new service an extension of the existing route 170 will operate from a temporary site located at the Kroger parking lot on State Highway 6 at Knight Road. This is especially good news to the hundreds of TMC employees who live in Missouri City and are looking for a stress-free commute that is also easy on the wallet, said METRO President & CEO George Greanias. Our partners in this Missouri City, Fort Bend County, the TMC, NewQuest and Kroger

133 champion our mission of providing better service to the community, and the new lot is an example of how we re taking steps to improve mobility. Route 170 now has three stops on its schedule, with the first bus rolling out at 5:06 a.m. from the new location on State Highway 6 at Knight Road, on to the existing Park & Ride lot at Fondren and Beltway 8, and the final destination, the Texas Medical Center, with an easy connection to the Red Line. Not having to drive or deal with traffic is a plus. This service gives riders the opportunity to use the commute time to relax, catch a few more Z s, read a book or newspaper, said Kimberly Slaughter, METRO s VP of Service Design and Development, who adds that her team is currently evaluating locations for a permanent spot for the service. Patrons out-of-pocket expense for the new Park & Ride will be the Zone 2 fare of $3.25 per ride. Don t have a Q Card? No worries, as of August 19, patrons will be able to conveniently step inside the Kroger now a METRO Q Card retailer to pick up their METRO Q Fare Card. Service will run weekdays during peak a.m. and p.m. rush hours. The schedule for the new Park & Ride service will be posted on by August 21, the start of service changes. 8/23 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY VMS REPORT 1. Great Day Houston KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/22/2011, 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM [CC] 00:52: degree weather. That is right. We can't all bike to work. Look at billy go. But you know we can ride the bus if we are on a transit route. We can van pool we can car pool. A lot of employers let us have flexible work hours. Anything we can do to reduce congestion because we are a growing community and we have a lot of traffic on the road and that also helps us lower their air quality emissions so we have better air quality. With a city as large as Houston traffic yes with have it. They have an entire department devoted to encouraging it. Sherry heads the work life department at MD Emerson. This is a way of practicing what you preach. Exactly. We know air emissions and air quality is critical to the health of not only the institution but your patients. We offer a lot of flexible options. From the work schedules people work. Depending on the job position you have and telecommunicating. We have 600 telecommuters. Meaning they can be online and work from home. Absolutely. There is no traffic on the road at that point. And we also offer a lot of we promote commuting alternatives. Like star pooling. Metro bus. Metro rail and new ride, which is a car pool reward program that we offer. It just makes sense. The hard part is getting people out of their cars and getting them to share. The more we learn about the benefits to our community the easier it can come in time. During this month we get emphasis my solution is. Get people to try it once or twice. Most of the time when people try it once or twice this is something I can do. It will start in January. 00:54:30 Audience: 36, News At Ten KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/20/2011, 10:00 PM - 10:35 PM [CC] 00:06:48 Starting tomorrow there will be one less way to get to Bush Intercontinental Airport. Today was the last day for Metro's recent service, also known as Route 500. The express line was launched in 2008 to move people between downtown and the airport. Now tro officials say ridership was too low to justify the cost of the service. 00:07:06 Audience: 140, News Saturday Morning KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/20/2011, 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM [CC] 00:03:22 Also new this morning, an old commercial building in downtown Houston will likely have to be torn down after a massive fire. Take a look at the blaze that starred before 11:00 in a vacant building on main street at

134 cleburne. The flam were so intense firefighters had to pull a second alarm and eventually go into defensive mood. It took more than 85 firefighters to get the fire under control. Because of the heat, a Metro bus was brought in so the firefighters could take turns cooling off. No one was hurt and no word on what may have caused the fire. 00:03:46 [CC] 00:34:29 Head's up if you use Metro's airport direct service. The service known as route 500 will run its last trips today. Airport direct offered travelers staying in downtown Houston a one way direct trip to bush intercontinental airport. There are others routes you can take to the airport but they are not direct and will take longer. As kids get ready to head back to school Monday, we are learning that tens of thousands of children in HISD are struggling read. 00:36:23 Audience: 58, News This Morning At 6 KHOU-TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/19/2011, 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM [EC] 00:19:02 When school gets started traffic will pick up, earlier in the morning. Right now a live look at 59 southwest freeway at williams trace. Houston trans star shows traffic is moving in freely from the sugar land area. You have a nice easy shot in. Let's take you to the maps, a heads up about a closure in the downtown area this affects Metro rail, a closure on Sunday from 5:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Your alternate is use the bus routes available on fa fannin. 290 Eastbound and westbound, from highway 6, alternate lanes are closed from 9:00 P.M. Until 5:00 A.M. Through Tuesday. Coming up in a few minutes, we will update your travel times and bring you more information on scheduled closure for the weekend. 6:20 Is the time ax magical and enchanted weekend in Houston believe it or not. 00:21:10 Keywords: Weather and Traffic : Visuals: Tropics Check; Metro Rail Closure info Audience: 64, Local 2 News Sunday KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/21/2011, 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM [CC] 00:08:42 Now an alert for anyone who uses the Metro rail. Here's one for you. There will be no rail service today until 3:00 this afternoon between the preston and U-of-H downtown stations. Metro recommends you use bus routes accessible on san jacinto northbound and also Fannin southbound. 00:08:57 Audience: 30, Local 2 News Saturday KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/20/2011, 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM [CC] 00:06:53 Now, an alert for anyone who uses the Metro rail. There will be no Metro rail service tomorrow from 5:00 in the morning to 3:0 in the afternoon. Between the preston and u of h downtown station. Metro recommends you use bus routes accesible on San Jacnto northbound and also fannin southbound. Several people are mising and presumed dead in a flash flooding in Pittsburgh. 00:08:08 Audience: 50, Local 2 News Saturday KPRC-TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/20/2011, 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM [CC] 00:01:45 New this morning, a building in midtown will have to be torn down after a huge fire. Hasti taghi joing us live with a look at what happened here. Good morning. Good morning. We stand right now towards the front of that building, courtney, but I went to the other side. That's where most of the damage is, even though you se a litle bit of fire damage and smoke rising. On thether side are buldozers taking apart parts of the building. From what we can see, the sign says simpson galeries. Appears to be an old business building but the windows have been boarded up with boards. It apears that it was no longer being used. The call came in just before 11:00 last night when firefighters arrived. 90% Of the building was involved. There were huge flames and the second alarm was puled. About 85 firefighters were used to get this fire under control. Because of the heat and the fire, the fire department had rehab and Metro bus for firefighters to cool off and rest between fighting the flames. The fire was a difficult one to get under control. We had a heavy amount of fire on location. Even though the amount of water we were putting on --We had to get it under control. Now, just behind me here on main street is one of the main Metro lines. Now, Metro tells me one of these lines actually may have been affected. Somebody with Metro tels me that of course, the main attorney is whether those wil be up and running for the Texas pre-season game today. Reporting live from midtown, hasti taghi, kprc local 2. By the way, they are still looking into exactly what caused this fire. 00:06:18 Audience: 30,558

135 8. Fox 26 News At Nine KRIV-TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/19/2011, 09:00 PM - 12:00 AM [CC] 01:45:09 We have Metro rail news. A scheduled service interruption will start at 5:00 Sunday morning and will continue for most of the day Sunday until 3:00 in the afternoon. It affects the preston, university of Houston, downtow rail lines. There won't be any bus shuttle service, but they will have representatives on hand to help you get around there and figure out which alternate to take. Give yourself some extra time. Also on I-10 the Baytown East Freeway, for one hour on Sunday, between 6:00 and 7:00, all of the main lanes in both directions as well as the frontage road lanes between federal and john ralston will be closed. It's for an hour and early in the morning. Watch for it if you travel around the city at that hour. H.P.D. Will be on scene directing traffic. You can find information on all of these online. Head over to our web site, MyFoxHouston.com. 01:46:33 Audience: 95, Eyewitness News At 5:00 KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/22/2011, 05:00 AM - 06:00 AM [CC] 00:34:22 Time now is about 5:34. Turning to other news this morning: the Harris County Sports Authority has hired another consulting firm. For a second study on what to do with the Astrodome. The stadium has been empty for years now, the county pays nearly $4 million a year in maintenance and insurance costs. It'll be paid for by taxpayers and should be published by the end of this year. It's expected to detail future plans for things such as reliant stadium, arena and Reliant Center. The logo will get a new design. Reliant Stadium is getting a facelift. The redesigned look was created by Reliant Energy's parent company. Construction on the new logo will begin today. People in Missouri City who worked in downtown Houston over the medical center can use Metro's newest transit line this morning. Passengers can board the line on highway 6 and knight roe. The rout will make stops at the park and ride. The route will run from 5:00 a.m. to 7:48 a.m. And southbound from 3:15 in the afternoon to 7:09 p.m. Discounts are available for students and senior citizens. 00:35:42 Audience: 68, Eyewitness News Sunday 9 AM KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/21/2011, 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM [CC] 00:03:45 We have a track alert affecting light rail passengers today. Service between the Prieston and U of H stations will be diverted at 3:00. Metro 's bus service between both stations will also be shut down. Metro personnel will redirect drivers and provide information on alternative routes to passengers. 00:04:02 Audience: 117, Eyewitness News Sunday 6 AM KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/21/2011, 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM [CC] 00:34:15 A traffic report. Metro rail service is between two downtown stations is not running today. Trains stop between the preston and u of h downtown stations at 35bg this morning. They'll be running until 3:00 this afternoon during a shut-down. There is is a no bus service between those stations. Construction work line crews are reconfiguring an overhead contact wire that will be used in the still under extension. 00:34:27 Audience: 51, Eyewitness News Saturday At 8 AM KTRK-TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/20/2011, 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM [CC] 00:04:34 They are trying to figure out what started a fire at an abandoned building at the building near main. The fire was so intense they called for extra help with more than 80 firefighters on the scene they took extra precautions to make sure everybody stayed hydrated. We have a Metro bus for firefighters to rehabilitation on location. The building was destroyed in the fire but nobody was injured. Another business went up in flames last night. The they --There were some minor explosions from settling tanks but the fire department got the fire under control quickly. Arson is not the case but they are investigating the cause of the fire. Right now they want to make sure people are going along with it and they will start issuing citations they will not get any water and if they could come in and give us a big dousing they can give us widespread rain. We have a couple of waves out there in the atlantic. 00:38:26 Audience: 92,942

136 13. Noticias 45 KXLN-TV (UNI) CH 45, Houston DMA: 10 08/20/2011, 05:00 PM - 05:30 PM [CC] 00:11:19 Si usted utiliza el Metro, ma}ana no habr* servicio en el centro de Houston, las autoridades piden que use las estacines en san jacinto y fanning al regresar, el transporte escolar al regreso de clasews. 00:11:26 Audience: 75,077 HOUSTON CHRONICLE Metro contractor dies in accident on 59 By DALE LEZON, HOUSTON CHRONICLE Published 07:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 23, 2011 A Metro contractor was killed, and two Metro workers in a maintenance truck were injured in a head-on collision when the contractor drove his private car the wrong way on U.S. 59 near downtown last night. The two-vehicle crash happened at 1400 Eastex Freeway near Quitman about 9:50 p.m. Monday, according to Metro officials. A man who worked for First Transit, a contractor that operates some Metro buses, died in the wreck. His name has not been released. Two Metro workers in the maintenance truck were rushed to Memorial Hermann hospital. Officials did not release their conditions but said they had non life-threatening injuries. Their names have not been released. Officials said the contract worker was driving southbound in the northbound lanes of the freeway in his own car when he collided with a Metro tire truck that was traveling northbound on the freeway. Investigators are trying to determine when and where the contractor entered the freeway traveling in the wrong direction. KTRK video report: Head-on crash with METRO truck kills one, injures two Updated at 08:38 AM today

137 One person was killed and another two were injured in a wrong-way crash on Highway 59 near Interstate 10 on Monday night HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There was a deadly accident involving a METRO utility truck and a Cadillac going the wrong way on the freeway last night. It happened on the Eastex Freeway near the East Freeway around 9:30pm Monday. Police say the METRO truck and Cadillac collided head-on. The driver of the Cadillac, who was an off-duty METRO employee, was killed. The two men in the METRO truck suffered only minor injuries. Authorities are not sure where the driver of the Cadillac entered the highway. (Copyright 2011 KTRK TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) KHOU 3 Metro employees involved in fatal wrong-way crash on Eastex Freeway Posted on August 23, 2011 at 8:00 AM HOUSTON Metro police are investigating a fatal crash involving three Metro employees on the Eastex Freeway Monday evening. Metro police said a Cadillac was traveling the wrong way in the northbound lanes of Highway 59 near I- 10 around 9:30 p.m. The Cadillac driver was in the left emergency lane and may have been trying to turn around when he slammed head-on into a Metro Transit Authority utility truck. The two Metro employees inside the utility truck were transported to Ben Taub Hospital with minor injuries. The Cadillac driver was killed upon impact. He was a Metro employee as well. Metro police said he was wearing his uniform at the time of the crash KPRC Wrong-Way Wreck Kills METRO Contract Worker

138 POSTED: Tuesday, August 23, 2011 UPDATED: 10:40 am CDT August 23, 2011 HOUSTON A wreck involving vehicles driven by a METRO employee and a METRO contract worker left one man dead Tuesday. Investigators said the driver of a METRO transit authority truck was heading northbound on the Highway 59 ramp to Interstate 10 at 9:30 p.m. when he spotted headlights from a Cadillac coming toward him. The METRO truck driver said the Cadillac was traveling the wrong way and the two vehicles crashed head on. The driver of the Cadillac died at the scene. Officials said he was a METRO contract worker who worked for First Transit and had just finished his Monday night shift when the crash occurred. His name has not been released. Two METRO employees in the truck were taken to Ben Taub Hospital with minor injuries. The wreck shut down all lanes in the area for several hours. It reopened early Tuesday. METRO police are investigating why the Cadillac driver was traveling in the wrong direction and if he was under the influence of any substances. KRIV METRO Worker Killed in Wrong Way Crash Updated: Tuesday, 23 Aug 2011, 8:20 AM CDT Published : Tuesday, 23 Aug 2011, 8:20 AM CDT ALEXANDER SUPGUL Web Producer HOUSTON - An accident involving a Cadillac traveling the wrong way and a METRO utility truck ended with the death of the Cadillac driver, who also happened to be METRO employee in uniform. The accident took place around 9:30 p.m. Monday on an Eastex Freeway southbound emergency lane near the East Freeway. METRO police say the Cadillac was traveling in the wrong direction northbound on the Eastex Freeway when it was struck head-on by the METRO truck. The two people inside the METRO truck were taken to Ben Taub General Hospital in stable condition with minor injuries.

139 METRO officers learned the driver of the Cadillac who was killed in the accident was a METRO employee because he was wearing his uniform. 8/24 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY Metropolitan Transit Authority 08/22/ /24/ News At Noon KHOU TV (CBS) CH 11, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 12:00 PM 12:30 PM [EC] 00:15:31 For more than 20 years hpd investigators thought a body found in the woods belonged to a little girl. That is until DNA from the remains led them to a man who's very much alive. For the last 22 years, Edith Montenegro has been waiting for her son to come home. In August of 1989 her boy, 13-yearold Paul Segura, left their southeast Houston apartment to take a Metro bus across town. B ut Paul never made it back. Until last week we never knew what happened to him. Now they tell me they found him and he's gone. 00:18:52 Keywords: TZ; Cold Case: DNA; Harris County Cemetery; Autopsy; National DNA Database; Visuals: Paul Segara; Metro Bus; Jane Long Middle School; Harris County Examiner's Office; Christopher Segara; Speakers: Edith Montenegro, Victim's Mother; Sgt. Mike Peters, Houston Police Department; Audience: 127, Local 2 News At 11 AM KPRC TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 11:00 AM 12:00 PM [EC] 00:07:58 Your high temperature, 3:00, 100 degrees. A crash with a fellow employee. It happened on the Eastex Freeway northbound near I-10 last night. Metro police department says the contract employee was driving the wrong direction in an emergency lane. The car drifted into traffic and then was hit head-on by a Metro transit authority truck. Police say the employee in the car died. Two people in the truck had minor injuries. 00:08:23 Keywords: Metro Employee Killed: Metro Police Department; Metro Transit Authority truck Visuals: Metro Transit Authority truck at deadly accident scene; Metro Police vehicle; Audience: 26,644

140 3. 39 NewsFix KIAH TV (CW) CH 39, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 09:00 PM 10:00 PM [CC] 00:05:02 Three Metro workers, two cars and one big crash. Metro police say a Cadillac driven by a Metro employee was going the wrong way on 59 north near I-10 Monday night. The driver was trying to turn around or was drifting into another lane when a Metro utility truck slammed into him. The driver of the cadillac died on the scene. The two people in the truck were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. 00:05:35 Audience: N/A 4. Local 2 News Update KPRC TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 07:55 AM 08:00 AM [CC] 00:02:04 And it's just about 8:00. I'm Ohio. A Metro employee was killed overnight, two others were hurt, in a head-on crash. It happened on the Eastex Freeway near I-10. Police say... was driving the wrong way in the breakdown lane and drifted into traffic when he was killed. We'll take a quick break and Jennifer has an update on... 00:02:50 Audience: 58, Local 2 Today At 6 AM KPRC TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 06:00 AM 07:00 AM [CC] 00:05:17 This morning we're learning a Metro employee was hit and killed by a fellow employee. It happened on the eastex freeway northbound near I-10 about 9:30 last night. Metro P.D. is saying a man in a white Cadillac was in the left emergency lane driving in the wrong direction. He drifted into traffic. A Metro transit authority truck hit that car head-on. The man in the car was killed at the scene. He still had his promo uniform on. Two people in the truck suffered minor injuries. 00:06:23 [CC] 00:27:24 Clerk just finished his shift when investigators say he was approached by a robber. Coming up a live report. The clerk was shot three times but did survive. Coming up, new at 6:30, the valuable clue that the robber accidentally left behind. Plus, what led to a deadly crash between two Metro employees overnight. 00:27:39 [CC] 00:36:10 Overnight, a Metro employee was killed in a crash with a fellow employee. It happened on the Eastex Freeway. Metro P.D. says an employee in a white Cadillac was driving the wrong way in an emergency lane, drifted into traffic and was hit on by a Metro Transit Authority truck. Police told us the employee in the Cadillac was killed. Two people in the truck suffered minor injuries. 00:36:28 [CC] 00:53:32 Also, overnight a Metro employee was hit and killed by a fellow Metro employee. It happened on the Eastex Freeway northbound at I-10. The man in the war cas killed Metro P.D. says a

141 man in a Cadillac was driving the wrong way in the breakdown lane, drifted into traffic and a Metro transit authority hit him head-on. --In the car was... the scene. 00:53:50 Audience: 65, NewsFix KIAH TV (CW) CH 39, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 05:00 PM 06:00 PM [CC] 00:05:34 Three Metro workers, two cars and one big crash. Metro police say a Cadillac driven by a Metro employee was going the wrong way on 59 north near I-10 Monday night. The driver was trying to turn around or was drifting into another lane when a Metro utility truck slammed into him. The driver of the cadillac died on the scene. The two people in the truck were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. 00:06:07 Audience: N/A 7. Eyewitness News KTRK TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 06:00 PM 07:00 PM [CC] 00:06:56 We now know the name of a man killed in a wrong-way crash on the Eastex Freeway. Harris was a Metro contractor. Bobby Harris died when his Cadillac collided with a Metro-owned pickup truck on the 59 near the Eastex Freeway. Two Metro employees in the truck ended up in the... Eyewitnesses Cadillac was driving the wrong way and bumping the left barrier before the collision. 00:07:25 Audience: 160, Local 2 Today At 5 AM KPRC TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 05:00 AM 06:00 AM [CC] 00:02:40 5:02 Is the time. Overnight, part of the Eastex Freeway had to be shut down after a deadly head-on crash involving a Metro utility truck and a Cadillac. Police say the driver of that Cadillac was also a Metro workernd was killed there at the scene. "Local 2's" Courtney Gilmore is joing us live near downtown with the latest information. Courtney? Good morning to you, Owen. Two Metro employees are in the hospital and a third is dead. The accident happened on this ramp behind me, according to Metro police, it all took place because of a wrong-way driver. 00:03:10 [EC] 00:02:48 Broken glass and car parts were left scattered across the 59 ramp to I-10. Emergency crews shut down all lanes while investigators collected evidence. Around 9:30 last night, the driver of the Metro transit authority truck was heading north on the 59 ramp to I-10 when he saw headlights from a Cadillac coming toward him. According to Metro police driving the wrong way. The truck and the car crashed head-on, killing the driver of the Cadillac. Now back out here live, the Metro employees inside the truck were rushed to the hoital with minor injuries. Courtney Gilmore, KPRC Local 2. Anything else

142 you can tell us about the driver of that Cadillac? The driver of the Cadillac was a Metro employee. When emergency crews arrived, they found him still essed in his uniform. Right now his I.D. has not been released. Thank you for that live update near downtown. Just about 5:04 right now. 00:04:28 Keywords: Deadly Crash: Ben Taub Hospital Visuals: Cadillac at accident scene; Metro Transit Authority vehicle [CC] 00:31:19 A Metro worker is dead after a collision with another Metro employee. It happened on the Eastex Freeway north at I-10 last night. Courtney Gilmore has the latest from that scene. Two Metro employees are in the hospital d a third is dead. The accident took place on this ramp behind me. Metro police say it happened because of a wrong-way driver. Broken glass and car parts were left scattered across the 59 ramp to I-10. Emergency crews shut down all lanes while investigators collected evidence. Around 9:30 last night, the driver of this Metro transit authority truck was heading north on the 59 ramp to I-10 when he saw somethg strange, headlights from his Cadillac coming toward him. According to Metro police, driving the wrong way. The truck and the car crashed head-on, killing the driver of the Cadillac. Those two Metro employees were rushed to ben taub hospital. They're now in stable condition. Metro police say it's still unclear how the driver of the Cadillac entered onto the freeway the wrong way in the first place. Reporting live downtown, Courtney Gilmore, KPRC Local 2. Metro police are still working to figure out how the driver of the Cadillac ended up going in the wrong direction. 5:33. 00:34:26 Audience: 30, Eye Opener KIAH TV (CW) CH 39, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 07:00 AM 08:00 AM [CC] 00:48:21 A Metro employee was killed in a wrong way collision near downtown Houston. It happened last night on Highway 59 near I-10. Metro police say a Cadillac driven by a Metro employee was going the wrong way on 59 North. A Metro utility truck slammed into the Cadillac. The driver of the Cadillac died on the scene. 00:48:47 Audience: N/A 10. Eyewitness News At 4:00 KTRK TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 04:00 PM 05:00 PM [EC] 00:10:50 Metro officials said that the two employeea, Raphael Tran and Tao fong were returning from a service call when a Cadillac going the wrong way slammed into them. The local superintendent was on the scene. He went with them to the hospital and he spent time with them until they were released to go home. So they are doing fine and we are happy for that. However, the driver of the Cadillac, 43- year-old Bobby Harris died on impact. Metro says that Harris worked for First Transit which contracts with Metro. Investigators have no idea why he was driving the wrong way on the freeway. 00:11:45 Keywords: Crash : Cadillac; Bobbie Harris, killed; First Transit;

143 Speakers: Andy Skabowsky, Metro Transit; Audience: 109, Local 2 News At 4:30 AM KPRC TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 04:30 AM 05:00 AM [CC] 00:02:00 This morning we're learning a Metro employee was hit and killed by a fellow employee. This accident happened on the Eastex Freeway northbound near I-10 around 9:30 last night. A crazy scene. Metro P.D. says a man in a white Cadillac was in the left emergency lane driving in the wrong direction and drifted into traffic. That's when a Metro transit authority truck hit that car head on. Police say the man in the car was killed at the scene. He still had his Metro uniform on. The two people in the truck suffered minor injuries. 00:02:27 [CC] 00:27:21 Latest on a developing story, a Metro employee was killed by a co-worker. The latest fromthis devastating accident scene. 00:27:24 [CC] 00:29:34 New this morning, a head-on collision between Metro workers. One was killed. A device to help you with your posture. Turns out posture plays a big role in our health. How kate winslet saved a 90-year-old woman's life. Thank goodness kate was standing there. Good morning. 00:29:57 Audience: 9, Eyewitness News At 11:00 KTRK TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 11:00 AM 12:00 PM [CC] 00:02:00 Bumping the shoulder over and over and over before it struck Metro's utility truck. The Cadillac was on the left side in the shoulder lane banging against the guardrail between the lanes of traffic and the shoulder. Our vehicle was heading in the left lane, and the vehicle came straight at it. The driver of the Cadillac did not know either of the other two Metro employees. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. 13 Eyewitness News. 00:02:34 Audience: 75, Fox 26 Morning News KRIV TV (FOX) CH 26, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 05:00 AM 06:00 AM [CC] 00:02:41 Speaking of traffic for your morning commute, all lanes of the Eastex Freeway are once again open this morning. That was not the case a few hours ago thanks to a deadly wreck involving Metro employees. Around 9:30 last night Metro police say a Cadillac was driving the wrong way and slammed head on into a Metro utility truck. Two people in the truck suffered minor injuries. 00:03:52

144 [CC] 00:19:21 You can access it at skinner. It's again open for two or more passengers in the car. U of H downtown, if you go to school there or work there or work near there, the light rail expansion is still ongoing. Just a reminder. It will be there until October of 2012, so at least another year. It's got north main closed between Naylor and Franklin. Follow the signage near the area for your detour. Off to a great start. No major accidents to tell you about anywhere around town. We'll update it all again in a few minutes. 00:19:53 Audience: 14, Local 2 News At 4 KPRC TV (NBC) CH 2, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 04:00 PM 04:30 PM [CC] 00:14:40 And a Metro contract worker was killed in a collision with a Metro Transit Authority truck. Coming up next, a look at what police say happened. 00:14:50 [CC] 00:16:59 Right now, investigators are trying to figure out what caused this terrible accident that killed a Metro contract worker and sent two Metro workers to the hospital. Police say a Cadillac driven by the Metro contract worker was going the wrong way on the Highway 59 ramp to I-10 last night. Investigators say the Cadillac collided head on with a Metro Transit Authority truck. 00:17:32 Audience: 54, Noticias 45 Primera Edicion KXLN TV (UNI) CH 45, Houston DMA: 10 08/24/2011, 05:00 AM 06:00 AM [CC] 00:08:44 todo esto pagado de su bolsillo, y Metro le pago un poco m*s de 38mil dlares 00:08:44 [CC] 00:09:49 Metro no quiere que esto sea inconveniente pero la batalla no es solo con la empresa sino tambi\n or sobrevir 00:09:49 Audience: N/A 16. Eyewitness News At 6:00 KTRK TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 06:00 AM 07:00 AM [CC] 00:01:43 Now to our top story. There is a lot more behind the story of a deadly wrong way wreck that we broke at 10:00 last night. Turns out the wrong way drive was a Metro employee who collided with a Metro vehicle. The investigation last for several hours at the highway 59 and Interstate 10 interchange. Eyewitness News reporter Sonia Az is live at Ben Taub Hospital where the two surviving Metro workers were taken. And good morning. Any idea how those Metro workers are doing so far? Yeah. Absolutely. We do have at last check that they were in stable condition. I can tell you that there were three people involved in this accident. Two of them are recovering here at ben taub hospital. Witnesses told police that they saw an older model white Cadillac heading the wrong way on 59 near

145 lions. That Cadillac ended up crashing head on with a maroon suv which we learned was Metro transit authority utility truck. Now the impact of this crash was so intense it sparked a fire. The driver of the Cadillac died instantly. His identy has not been released. Ironically he was a Metro employee as well still in s uniform. The crash happened in the left emergency lane. Police are still investigating at this point they don't know whether the Cadillac driver where he got on the freeway. It appears he was trying to turn around or he drifted into the left lane right before the accident. Again, the two people recovering here at last check are in stable condition. 00:03:15 [CC] 00:30:00 On the run without his gun and without his shoes. A robber made a quick getaway after he shot a north harris county store clerk. Deadly wrong way wreck. Two Metro workers are in the hospital hit by a another Metro work who is driving his personal vehicle going the wrong direction on a downtown freeway. Plus, Irene baring down. People on the east coast are stocking up for what could be the first U.S. hit from a major hurricane this season. 00:30:27 [CC] 00:33:00 There is a bizarre story behind a deadly wrong way wreck we broke last night at 10. The wrong-way driver was a Metro worker. And the other vehicle two other Metro workers. Eyewitness news reporter Sonia Azad is live at Ben Taub Hospital where those surviving Metro workers were taken. Good morning, sonia. Good morning. That's right. This accident involved three people all three as you said worked for Metro. A witnesses told police that they saw an older model white Cadillac heading the wrong way on 59 near Lions. The Cadillac ended up crashing head on with a maroon suv which was a Metro transit authority utility truck. Now the impact of the crash was so intense, it sparked a fire. The Cadillac was left crumbled and its driver dyed instantly. His identity has not been released. Ironically he was a Metro transit authority employee still in his uniform. Crash happened in the left emergency lane. Investigating at this point they don't know where the Cadillac driver got on the freeway. They say it appears he was either trying to turn around or he drifted into the left lane just before the accident. Now the two people in the truck are recovering here at Ben TauB Hospital. At last check we were told they were in stable condition. We will certainly keep you posted. We are live from the medical center, Sonia Azad, 13 Eyewitness News. 00:34:27 Audience: 111, Eyewitness News At 5:00 KTRK TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 05:00 AM 06:00 AM [CC] 00:00:36 Metro employee hits Metro employee. A Metro worker going the wrong way on the freeway ends up dead when he crashes into a truck of Metro workers. Clerk shot a gas station clerk clings to life this morning after a robber guns him down. The reports of Gadhafi's demise in Libya may be exaggerated. 00:01:42 [CC] 00:02:46 A story we brought you as breaking news at 10:00 last night. A Metro employee has died after going the wrong way and crashing his vehicle. It happened on the eastex freeway before you get to I-10 before the lion's exit. Witnesses told police they saw an older model white Cadillac heading the wrong way on 5. The driver ended up crashing into a Metro transit authority utility truck. The driver of the Cadillac, a Metro employee himself still in uniform died instantly. The two people in the truck are recovering at the hospital. 00:04:30

146 [CC] 00:57:21 Here is what's next on the news at 6:00. Take you live to ben taub hospital. Two Metro workers are in the hospital after a bizarre crash a Metro worker going the wrong way on the freeway crashes into two more Metro workers. Plus on the run without his gun or his shoes, a robber makes a quick getaway after deputies say he shot a store clerk. Back to school smiles. 00:57:54 [CC] 00:59:30 Metro hits Metro. A transit authority worker going the wrong way on the freeway is killed when he crashes into a Metro truck. 00:59:36 Audience: 68, Eyewitness News At 4:30 KTRK TV (ABC) CH 13, Houston DMA: 10 08/23/2011, 04:30 AM 05:00 AM [CC] 00:02:48 New this morning, a deadly accident involving Metro utility truck and Cadillac going the wrong way on the freeway. It happened on the Eastex Freeway near the east freeway around 5:30 last night. The Metro truck and Cadillac collided head on. The driver of the Cadillac who was an off duty Metro employee was killed. Two men in the Metro truck suffered minor injuries. Authorities are not sure where the driver of the Cadillac entered the highway. 00:03:06 Audience: 32,831 Metro contractor dies in accident on 59 Houston Chronicle By DALE LEZON, HOUSTON CHRONICLE A Metro contractor was killed, and two Metro workers in a maintenance truck were injured in a head-on collision when the contractor drove his private car the wrong way on US 59 near downtown last night.... See all stories on this topic» 8/25 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY VMS REPORT NewsFix KIAH-TV (CW) CH 39, Houston DMA: 10 08/24/2011, 09:00 PM - 10:00 PM [CC] 00:12:18 Houston By Numbers transportation. Houston, being the 4th largest city in the United States, it could be a little tricky to get around. But Houston By Numbers is making it easier for you. Metro Airport Direct is a service that offers convenience and reliability to travelers. The Metro bus system offers a variety of bus services in the greater Houston area. 00:13:23 Audience: N/A NewsFix KIAH-TV (CW) CH 39, Houston DMA: 10 08/24/2011, 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM [CC] 00:12:24 Houston By Numbers transportation. Houston, being the 4th largest city in the United States, it could be a little tricky to get around. But Houston By Numbers is making it easier for you. Metro Airport Direct is a service that offers convenience and reliability to travelers. The Metro bus system offers a variety of bus services in the greater Houston area. 00:13:29 Audience: N/A HOUSTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

147 Metro abandoning bid to payoff general mobility carry-over in fiscal 2012 General mobility chart Posted: Wednesday, August 24, :12 pm Updated: 6:58 pm, Wed Aug 24, Metro abandoning bid to payoff general mobility carry-over in fiscal 2012 By MICHAEL REED Regional News Bureau 0 comments Metro has abandoned plans to complete its carry-over generalmobility payments to the city of Houston and Harris County by A chart outlining cutbacks for 2012 budget to begin in October, shows the transit agency will begin setting aside only $3.25 million a month in general mobility payments, down from the current $5 million a month. This will delay payments of about $18 million until the 2013 budget year. "We do not expect any changes in our arrangement with Metro," said Janice Evans, spokeswoman for Mayor Annise Parker. "We will continue to receive one-quarter of all sales tax Metro collects within the city, and Metro will fund all past and present requirements per our contracts." The funds are for capital projects, not general-fund operating revenues. The chart also points out that the multicities, a group of 14 smaller entities within the Metro service area, owe the transit agency $29 million in fiscal 2012, paying the amount down to $23 million during fiscal The board is expected to vote on the proposed change to the general-mobility payment schedule in September.

148 HOUSTON CHRONICLE EDITORIAL

149 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

150 COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWS Eastbound Hwy. 290 diamond lanes open to the public By Molly Ryan Tuesday, 23 August 2011 NORTHWEST HOUSTON The Texas Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County opened the new eastbound diamond lane on Hwy. 290 the morning of Aug. 22. The new lane, which stretches from Skinner Road to Eldridge Parkway, is expected to save commuters up to 20 minutes of travel time during peak morning traffic hours, said Carolina Mendoza, media relations representative for METRO. A diamond lane is similar to an HOV lane. Vehicles with more than two passengers are allowed to use diamond lanes, however, unlike HOV lanes, diamond lanes do not have raised barriers, and they are open 24 hours a day. The diamond lane on Hwy. 290 connects to the HOV lane, so it is easily accessible for both METRO buses and vehicles with multiple passengers. This six-mile improvement will help ease the congestion on 290, and bring much needed relief for commuters, Mendoza said. They'll be able to shave some time off their daily commute by being able to access the HOV lane directly from the diamond lane. TxDOT and METRO are still in the process of constructing diamond lanes on the westbound side of Hwy. 290 from Skinner Road to Eldridge Parkway. Mendoza said that project is expected to be complete by the end of September. Visit to learn more about diamond and HOV lanes in Harris County.

151 HOUSTON TOMORROW 700,000 carless Americans do not have access to transit 32,630 in the Houston region Jay Blazek Crossley, Aug 24, ,000 Americans do not have access to a car or public transit near their home, according to a new study from Brookings, and profiled in Streetsblog DC. Over 7 million Americans live in zero-vehicle households, but most of those live in cities with transit access. The report highlights the Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta regions as having more than their fair share of such households. 122,517 households in the Houston region - 6% of the region - are zero-vehicle households and 32,630 of these do not have access to transit near their home. In the City of Houston, all of which is in the Metro service area, 98% of those without personal vehicles live near a transit stop, whereas in the rest of the Houston region, only 27% of those without personal vehicles do, according to the profile of the Houston region (pdf). Lack of access to a personal vehicle or transit leaves families with poor access to jobs, according to Brookings: In the nation s largest metropolitan areas, 7.5 million households do not have access to a private automobile. A majority of these zero-vehicle households live in cities and earn lower incomes. Conversely, households with vehicles tend to live in suburbs and earn middle or higher incomes. The unique locational and income characteristics of zero-vehicle households reinforce their need for strong transit service. Over 90 percent of zero-vehicle households in large metropolitan areas live in neighborhoods with access to transit service of some kind. This greatly exceeds the 68 percent coverage rate for households with a vehicle, suggesting transit service aligns with households who rely on it most. However, some 700,000 zero-vehicle households in the 100 largest metro areas lack access to transit. The typical metropolitan household without a vehicle can reach over 40 percent of metro-wide jobs via transit within 90 minutes, exceeding the 29 percent transit access share for households with a vehicle. The tendency of zero-vehicle households to live in cities contributes to their above-average access to jobs via transit. Unfortunately, limited job access via transit in most metropolitan areas leaves many jobs out of reach for zero-vehicle households.

152 Harris County Texas Department of Public Safety News Release Sunday, August 21, 2011 US 290 EASTBOUND DIAMOND LANES TO OPEN HOUSTON - Beginning 5:00 a.m., Monday morning, motorists will be able to access the newly constructed US 290 eastbound diamond lane from Skinner Road to the high occupancy vehicle lane (HOV) entrance at Eldridge Parkway. This joint effort between the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) will bring relief to eastbound US 290 commuters by providing improved access for multi-passenger vehicles entering the barrier separated HOV lane. The diamond lane will operate 24 hours a day/7 days a week and will be open to motorists carrying two or more passengers and will facilitate the flow of traffic to the US 290 HOV lane during the peak travel period. For more information, contact Karen Othon, TxDOT's US 290 Public Information Officer, at (713) or Carolina Mendoza, with METRO's Press Office at (713)

153 Fort Bend County Missouri City News Release Friday, August 19, 2011 Missouri City and METRO Celebrate New Park & Ride Partnership Against a backdrop symbolizing Missouri City s strong growth and development over the past decade, residents joined officials and dignitaries on Friday to celebrate the new METRO Highway 6 Park & Ride partnership. Gathered in the Fort Bend Town Center, which is anchored by Kroger and home to other local businesses, a ribbon-cutting ceremony hailed the start of service on Monday, Aug. 22. The convenient 38-minute bus ride to the Texas Medical Center, with transfers available to downtown Houston, will operate from the Kroger parking lot on Highway 6 at Knight Road, near the Fort Bend Parkway Toll Road. Comfortable buses equipped with reclining seats, reading lights, and spacious storage areas will pick up passengers at the site starting at 5:06 a.m., then travel to the Park & Ride site at Beltway 8 and Fondren Road and afterward proceed directly to the medical center where riders can connect to the Red Line downtown. Bus service will be available weekdays during peak rush hours. Service northbound will be from 5:06 a.m. to 7:48 a.m.; service southbound will be from 3:15 p.m. to 7:09 p.m. Click here for maps, fares and the schedule. I look forward to this hassle-free new service being a great commuter option for the City, said resident Christopher Breaux, Partner with Null-Lairson, P.C., and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. The convenient bus rides will provide them with reliable, comfortable transportation into town and back. One-way fares are $3.25 and roundtrip rides are $6.50. Students, seniors and the disabled can qualify for half fare. Click here for discount fare details. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County has partnered with Kroger to provide passengers a convenient location to obtain a METRO Q Fare Card; a minimum $5 fare load is required. The Kroger site is a temporary operating location, and a permanent location is expected to be selected by Dozens of supporters and dignitaries were on-hand to celebrate the collaboration and guest speakers for the event included George Greanias, CEO of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris

154 County, Allen Owen, Mayor of Missouri City, and Jay Sears, co-founder and Principal of NewQuest Properties, which developed and owns the Town Center. Greanias, Sears and Owen championed the new Park & Ride stop as a great development for residents, METRO and commercial businesses. This is a great day for us in Missouri City, said Mayor Owen, who is also Chairman of the METRO Multi-City Coalition. At a time when gas is more than $3.50 per gallon and morning traffic commutes are congested, people will be able to easily be in the Texas Medical Center in thirty-eight minutes or less. Owen went on to explain that about 27,174 commuters currently drive to and from the Medical Center along the US90A/Southwest Rail Corridor every day and that along with Missouri City and Stafford residents, thousands of Medical Center employees live in a cone extending from Katy to Pearland. Greanias told the groundbreaking audience of about 40 that the opening of the Highway 6 location illustrates three major METRO priorities: Providing first-class transit service, great transit infrastructure and building a trusted community partnership. After the groundbreaking ceremony, some Missouri City and METRO officials, residents and dignitaries boarded a METRO Park & Ride bus to travel a portion of the commuter route to the Beltway 8 and Fondren Road site. They all learned firsthand what a comfortable trip commuters soon will enjoy on the new transit service. 8/26 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY ?ref=feeds%2Flatest

155 8/29 30 NEWS/BLOGS SUMMARY

156 HOUSTON CHRONICLE Article online: Metro board hears little negative comment on Greanias

157 KTRK, ABC 13 METRO CEO returns to work after suspension Monday, August 29, 2011 WATCH VIDEO, CLICK HERE: HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The leader of the new METRO was defending himself again on Monday as the public weighed in on his recent suspension for watching adult content while at work. Several houston pastors attended Monday's METRO board meeting and expressed their opinions on how to move forward after the shocking revelation by METRO CEO george Greanias. Greanias tried to make it as business as usual, but that wasn't the case. There are definitely still critics who want to see METRO CEO lose his job. But there are also people who are willing to give him another chance. Living in a neighborhood on the front lines of METRO light rail expansion, the last thing Gwyn Guidy wanted was the METRO CEO under fire. "I was very disappointed that he would have done such a thing," Guidy said. Guidy was among the many who were shocked last month when the METRO board suspended its Greanias for accessing adulted-oriented websites over a METRO Wi-Fi network. But after a week's suspension, Greanias was back on the job. Monday was the first board meeting since the controversy, where he had to listen as Dave Welch, of the conservative Houston's Pastor's Council, called for his firing. "We cannot accept the board's light slap on the wrist of one week suspension without pay for Mr. Greanias," Welch said. But Minister Robert Muhammed supported the board's decision to keep Greanias. "I want to make sure that it's clear in METRO that every employee, regardless of their position, is treated the same," Muhammed said. The METRO CEO says he's ready to turn the page. "I apologized for what was a very bad mistake. The board's asked me to stay on. I met with all the employees and apologized to them directly, and now I'm back to work," Greanias said. And for neighborhood activists like Guidy, they're ready to forgive. "He's made a very foolish mistake. I don't think he'll make it again. He's brought enough to the table that I'm confident that he can still help us," Guidy said.

158 A lot of people are hoping Greanias can help keep the agency moving forward, especially through its current expansion projects. kuhf houston public radio public radio news & information twenty four hours a day from houston, tx Rail Not Moving At Light Speeds For Some August 29, 2011 by: Edel Howlin METRO has stepped up the pace on its North and East End light rail lines these last few months. As today's board meeting showed for many business owners in these areas it's not fast enough. Find out what METRO is doing to please disgruntled locals. As light rail construction moves forward across the city METRO has set up a business assistance program to compensate local business owners on both the North and East End lines for any lost trade or inconvenience. This amount is to the tune of 25,000 dollars. Even with this in place METRO CEO and President George Greanias says there have been some obvious teething problems. "We are looking at the program. It s very well intentioned. It was crafted with a lot of thought, but now that we ve had some experience with it. We need to go back and look at it and see what change we can make to make it more effective and address some of the concerns we heard today." So far under this program local businesses have been given 1.5 million dollars. METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia says ultimately their goal is to make it a more efficient process for business owners to get their hands on this cash. "We want to make sure that it s not overly burdensome to participate in the program, number one and number two we want to make sure that the time delay between when someone applies versus when they get a check is minimized as much as possible." How efficient and effective this program is will be looked at at next month s budget meeting. Greanias believes that getting out of both areas as fast as they can will go a long way in solving these problems. In the meantime METRO are hoping they re dealing with local s concerns and that it won t be a full house of complaints at next month s board meeting.

159 HOUSTON CHRONICLE SW Houston apartment fire leaves $2 million in damages Updated 12:47 a.m., Sunday, August 28, 2011 Houston and Texas A four-alarm fire at a southwest Houston apartment complex on Friday night damaged more than two dozen units and caused more than $2 million in damages, authorities announced on Saturday. About 170 firefighters responded to the blaze at the complex in the 8100 block of Richmond around 9:30 p.m. and found heavy fire flowing up the outside of a two-story flat roof, wood frame, garden-style apartment, authorities said. Due to the high heat and humidity, one firefighter suffered from possible heat exhaustion and two others suffered from chest pains. All three firefighters where transported to the hospital, authorities said. No other injuries were reported in the fire, which was extinguished about three hours later. Fire officials suspect the blaze may have begun in a patio of a first-story unit and spread to the siding and up the side of the building into the attic. The American Red Cross and a Metro bus responded to assist the displaced residents with aid and shelter. Four apartments were heavily damaged by fire, and the remaining 24 units in the building were damaged by smoke, water or fire. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation. No further information was immediately available.

160 OFF THE KUFF Access to transit in Houston Aug 27th, 2011 by Charles Kuffner. From the Chron s Newswatch blog: Houston ranks third from the bottom among the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas in the number of households with no cars and no access to public transit, according to a new report from the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC. Released today, the report Transit Access and Zero-Vehicle Households found that about 32,630 households in the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown area have no vehicles and aren t served by public transit. [...] Today s report is the first in a series of three studies that are follow-ups to Brookings report in May, Missed Opportunity: Transit and jobs in Metropolitan America, which looked at how well transit services connect workers to existing jobs. Houston also fared poorly in that study, ranking 72nd among 100 metropolitan areas, chiefly due to its low transit access just 44 percent of working-age residents live near a transit stop, compared with a national average of 69 percent. You can see the current study here. My first reaction on seeing this was to presume that the distribution of these households that are not near transit is not uniform. The Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown MSA is considerably larger than Metro s service area, and while there are non-metro transit options out there, I think it s fair to say that they are fewer and farther between. If you look at this chart from the study, you will see that my presumption was correct. I don t know how exactly they defined city, metro, and suburb for this graphic, but ninety-eight percent of zero-car households in the city are near a transit stop, compared to 73% for metro and 27% for suburb. Ninety percent of other households in the city are similarly located, compared to 44% for metro and 15% for suburb. The issue isn t with Houston proper, in other words. I doubt that tells you anything you didn t already suspect, but there you have the numbers anyway.

161 HOUSTON CHRONICLE Stifling heat wave may soon be coming to an end By PURVA PATEL, HOUSTON CHRONICLE Updated 10:30 p.m., Sunday, August 28, 2011 Jill Gardener, of Victoria, British Columbia, now has photographic proof of our heat wave for her friends back home. Photo: Staff, Johnny Hanson / 2011 Houston Chronicle Depending on who you talk to, Houston's triple digit heat has been a curse from below or a blessing from above. Air conditioning repairmen across the city have been working longer days as units conk out. Every unit in the city seems to be running around-the-clock, leading to broken compressors, busted capacitors and leaky coils, said Adon Garcia, sales manager for One Call Services, a repair shop in Montrose. "It's been good for business but hard on our employees's backs," said Garcia, who himself has been working 14-hour days and hasn't had a weekend off in two months because of soaring demand. Plumbers have also been clocking OT, fixing leaking and cracked pipes, while garden stores, on the other hand, are feeling the wrath of the drought as homeowners struggle to keep their greenery alive in the unrelenting heat and amid watering restrictions. "Business is definitely down," said Mike Lowery, owner of Another Place in Time, a garden shop in the Heights. "It's been down since June, which was already like our August with the high temps. We're finding that people aren't buying in quantity. They might come in and get one or two things, as opposed to a whole flat, and I can't blame them." 90 degrees by the weekend? With lawn watering allowed just once a week now, many homeowners are cutting back their mowing services to biweekly or monthly visits. "I expect to see a great drop off in the coming weeks," said Jan Taylor, owner Fresh Lawn Mowing Service in the Heights. "I look at my lawn and it's brown. The grass just won't grow without water."