Metro responds to anti-rail legal action

Metro has issued a response to the legal action taken by rail opponent Daphne Scarborough, and it's a pretty strong-willed statement. They call this measure a "fishing expedition" because Scarborough did not file a lawsuit, she filed a "section 202 motion," hoping that a judge will grant the authority to start "fishing" for evidence against Metro, with the intent to file a lawsuit later on. Here is an excerpt from Metro's response, but the full text is online here:

The petition is a fishing expedition filed by one individual opposed to light rail on Richmond.

The fact is, METRO is in complete compliance with the letter of the law and the spirit of the 2003 Referendum.

By including other mobility improvements in the petition in search of "possible" compliance issues, it becomes clear that this is but the latest instance of a vocal few opposing public transit and blocking progress toward improved mobility and quality of life in Houston.

METRO is confident it will prevail in any judicial proceedings.

METRO will not be distracted from fulfilling the wishes of the voters and building METRO Solutions.

Richmond Rail called Scarborough's measure "another desperate attempt by a small group that has neither public opinion nor the law on their side," and it sounds like Metro agrees. Richmond Rail also reiterated in their press release that Metro is conducting a thorough, public process in choosing a University Line alignment, in compliance with federal law, and that rail on Richmond is overwhelming supported by residents.