Stories by Nathan Bernier, KUT
How Cap Metro's multibillion-dollar transit expansion hinges on federal racial equity standards
The largest expansion of public transit in Austin’s history is built on an expectation the federal government will pick up almost half of the $7 billion tab. To qualify for those billions, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority first must demonstrate it’s…
Transit • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Jul 6, 2021
Cyclists split on sharing bike lanes with pizza delivery robots
A small fleet of robots delivering pizza in Central Austin has set off a debate about whether the semi-autonomous machines’ use of bike lanes will squeeze cyclists off the road or launch a technological revolution to reduce motor vehicle deliveries and boost…
Austin • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Jun 24, 2021
Electric scooter and MetroBike use springs back from pandemic lows
As Austin’s streets took on a relative calm during the pandemic, the dockless electric scooters that drew love and fury when they appeared in 2018 were neglected by users. But now that people are returning to life as usual, the…
Transportation • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Jun 17, 2021
Tell TxDOT what you think about expanding I-35 in South Austin
More than 150,000 vehicles per day, on average, drive the stretch of Interstate 35 between State Highway 45 Southeast and Ben White Boulevard. The Texas Department of Transportation wants to make room for tens of thousands more. TxDOT released the…
Transportation • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Apr 28, 2021
Early work happening now to build Austin's first modern light rail lines
Austin has never had modern light rail before. It won’t for a while. The Orange and Blue lines are projected to open to the public in 2029. The rail lines are just part of a multibillion-dollar plan approved by voters…
Transit • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Apr 23, 2021
Cold weather kills bats across Texas
Large numbers of dead or dying bats are being discovered under bridges and overpasses in Texas after last week’s winter storm. One Austin resident sent KUT a video of what she saw downtown under a bridge at Henderson and Ninth Street.…
Environment • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Feb 25, 2021
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Local attorney Andy Brown will be Democratic nominee for county judge
Local attorney and activist Andy Brown will be the Democratic nominee for Travis County judge in the November election. Brown won 55.88 percent of the vote Sunday night in an election by party precinct chairs. The prior county judge, Sarah…
Elections • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Aug 17, 2020
'Statesman' reporter recounts 'mistake' that allowed lakefront properties to avoid paying taxes
Housing affordability is one of Austin’s biggest challenges during this period of economic growth. Even after someone buys a home or rents property, as the value of that property goes up, so does the annual tax bill. But some of…
Austin • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Jun 11, 2019
From 'Starbucks' lines to 'full-scale riot': How cops and clubs control crowds during SXSW
The influx of 300,000 to 400,000 people to downtown Austin during South by Southwest requires an extraordinary amount of crowd control, both for event organizers and first responders. Austin’s Police Department uses a Special Response Team to patrol downtown. “It’s…
