SW Houston News

Mayor John Whitmire has appointed Angel Ponce to the METRO Board of Directors, a decision that received unanimous approval from the City Council. Ponce, who is currently the director of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, brings over 15 years of experience advocating for individuals with disabilities and underrepresented groups.

Ponce's personal journey began in 2004 when he became a wheelchair user following a spinal cord injury. This experience has informed his work as an advocate for disabled citizens in Houston. "As mayor, one of the most rewarding things I get to do is appoint dedicated and talented individuals who truly understand the needs of our community," said Mayor Whitmire. He expressed confidence in Ponce's ability to represent the disabled community on Houston's transit system.

In his role as MOPD Director, Ponce has been instrumental in initiatives like the pedestrian access and review program, which aims to improve sidewalk accessibility for people with limited mobility. He serves as a liaison between various city departments and public entities, working to ensure comprehensive access for all citizens.

METRO Chairman Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock praised Ponce as "a staunch community advocate for accessibility" whose insights will enhance the board's efforts to increase ridership while emphasizing accessibility in customer experiences.

Ponce is involved in several special projects, including disability awareness workshops and emergency preparedness initiatives. He also played a key role in connecting people with disabilities to resources after natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey.

Reflecting on his own experiences with METROLift services, Ponce said, "When I became disabled in 2004... METROLift was there to help me regain my independence." He expressed his commitment to improving public transportation access for all Houstonians through his new position on the METRO Board.

Ponce co-founded the National Coalition for Latinxs with Disabilities (CNLD) and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston. His appointment takes effect immediately, replacing Chad McMillan who resigned due to health reasons.