Transit in Houston remains a work in progress. Just ask Carrin Patman, who after one month as Metro’s first chairwoman is still reacquainting herself with the agency.

Some things have changed since more than two years ago when Patman left the Metro board for a Harvard fellowship, such as the bus system underwent a historic overhaul in August. Others, like the constant delays in building a light rail overpass, are familiar from her previous board stint.

The Harrisburg overpass remains a challenge, but one she said is nearing an end. The same goes for an ongoing technical problem that has slowed some light rail trains, related to axle counters on the track.

But there’s always a need to put some thought toward the future, she said. In an hourlong discussion last week, Patman outlined the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s role in a changing Houston region, one where many predict transit will play an increasingly important role. Here’s some of the details Patman specified.

The new bus network is working, but needs improvement.

Revised in August, the bus network has received praise from transit wonks around the country and high marks from some riders. Patman, however, is focused on the others who see it differently.

“For people who feel their service is inadequate, it is a big problem for Metro and we are going to fix it,” she said.

Always intended as a five-year process to streamline bus service, Patman said she expects agency staff to fix people’s problems without abandoning core tenets of the bus system change.

“I am somebody who believes in getting it done,” Patman said. “And they can do that. It is not a matter of going back to the old network, we would never do that.”

Politicians need a plan.

A regional transportation plan is critical, Patman said, because it allows everyone to establish what transit and transportation officials should be doing. Everyone, including counties and cities not part of Metro today, needs to be part of the dialogue and outline needs from new roads to new transit offerings, she said.

“You have to have their input into the transportation plan,” Patman said of the suburban communities. “That’s the only way you are going to develop something broader.”

Complete the 2003 referendum.

Part of having that regional conversation is to chart a course for improving transit and possibly adding to it. Though construction is a long way off, Patman said the 2003 referendum approved by voters remains the playbook.

And yes, that includes a Westpark corridor, whatever that may entail. The University Line light rail project is the biggest sticking point between transit skeptics, notably U.S. Rep. John Culberson who represents western Houston and supporters of light rail expansion.

“We definitely need a link between downtown and the Galleria,” Patman said. “We will look at any means we can get that connectivity and any route we can get there.”

The Uptown dedicated bus lanes, which Patman also supports, could be a catalyst for making that connection, and show off an alternative to light rail that could be considered with frequent, dedicated buses.

Whatever Metro builds, it will require more money.

“We are going to look at all sources of funding,” Patman said, noting her personal interest in possibly expanding public-private partnerships. “But my best prediction is, yes, we will have to go back to the voters and ask for more bonding authority.”

When that happens might depend on the outcome of a regional transit plan, she said.

The city will need transit.

Even as the suburbs grow, the city is increasing in density and jobs and economic activity are returning to corners of the city long neglected. That’s come with challenges, including not only freeway congestion, but crowded city streets.

Patman’s Harvard fellowship in Boston focused partly on innovations in transportation and public policy. Returning to Houston, she recognized some of the patterns she studied, as streets and solo drivers in cars became less effective at meeting travel demands.

“The way of the future, I think, is transit with the exploding population,” Patman said. “You have to provide everyone that option. Everyone in Houston who needs it should have good transit. Sophisticated urban environments like Houston flourish with good transit systems."