Speakers playing classical music at Pierce Elevated aims to improve safety and deter homeless, METRO says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- From the revving of passing cars and METRO rails, to the ear-catching sound of an orchestral composition, this particular mix of sound under the Pierce Elevated underpass at Main and Fannin leaves many asking, why is it there?

"That music, why are they playing that music?" Thomas, a man experiencing homelessness under Pierce Elevated, said.

METRO said they mounted these speakers in November 2023, taking inspiration from other state transit departments. METRO said they wanted to deter homeless people from loitering and camping in the underpasses and wanted to improve employee safety at nearby parking lots.

"It got a lot of people up from under here cause it used to be piled up under here," David, a man experiencing homelessness under Pierce Elevated, said.

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