The regional transit authority’s flagship initiative has changed from “METRONext” to “METRONow.” According to observers, it’s mostly a rebrand of existing priorities.

METRO Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock addressed the transportation agency’s shift in strategy during the news conference. “We are calling this set of initiatives METRONow because before we develop anything else, we are going to take care of some crucial issues, fundamental issues, now,” Brock said.

Houston officials formally announced a new initiative Monday aimed at improving safety, cleanliness, and ridership for the city's public transportation system. The initiative, called MetroNow, comes as officials say public confidence in Houston’s public transportation is low.

The mayor and METRO transit leaders spoke about the plan to increase users, safety and more. They hope to improve Houston's public transit.