Houston METRO is removing high-visibility blue and red stripes on light rail trains. Here’s why

HOUSTON – Downtown residents will no longer see the high-visibility blue and red stripes on METRO light trains, but instead gray trains.

But why?

The key factors in Houston METRO’s decision to remove its safety stripes and full wraps from its buses and trains were safety, cleanliness and maintenance.

Houston METRO’s safety department’s data analysis did not indicate that the stripes were an effective safety measure, but the authority is continually exploring initiatives to reduce accidents. The trains will remain gray for now as maintenance is underway.

The Metro Police Department will also increase its presence and improve lighting along the transit system. This should allow Metro Police officers to better monitor what is happening inside the cars.

“Customer and community safety is a top priority at METRO. We are working to increase our police presence along the transit system, provide better lighting, and remove packaging from our buses and trains. This will allow our officers to better monitor what is happening inside the vehicles. It is our duty to provide our customers with safer, cleaner, and more accessible transit options, and we take that responsibility very seriously,” said Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, Chair of the METRO Board of Directors.