Stories by Samuel King
Capital Metro seeks to make transit more accessible for low-income riders
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority is launching two new initiatives that aim to expand equity and access to its app. One will test capping fares for low-income users, while the other will allow those customers and others to pay for rides…
Transit • By Samuel King • Nov 19, 2020
What's Project Connect's first stop after Austin voters handily pass Prop A?
Before any shiny new train and bus lines hit the streets of Austin, the less glamorous work of planning and administration must begin. City Council and the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board of Directors will meet next month to discuss…
Bonds & Propositions • By Samuel King • Nov 5, 2020
City wants Supreme Court to hear digital billboards case
The city of Austin plans to appeal a ruling overturning its ban on digital billboards and signs that aren’t on the site of a business. In August, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals found the city’s distinction between on-premise and…
Courts • By Samuel King • Oct 29, 2020
Here's where Austin City Council candidates stand on the transportation ballot measures
KUT and the Austin Monitor wrapped up a series of forums this week with the candidates for five City Council seats. Among the issues discussed were the candidates’ stances on two transportation-related ballot measures. Proposition A asks voters to raise…
Elections • By Samuel King • Oct 9, 2020
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New online dashboard tracks traffic crash trends in Austin
The Austin Transportation Department has unveiled a new tool for the public to track the number of traffic crashes, injuries and deaths in the city. The Vision Zero Viewer allows people to see where the most crashes are happening and how…
Transportation • By Samuel King • Aug 5, 2020
Gov. Abbott outlines plan to relax restrictions and gradually reopen Texas economy
Gov. Greg Abbott announced a plan to gradually reopen aspects of the state’s economy, with a goal of allowing Texans to return to work while containing the spread of COVID-19. A new “strike force” made up of state leaders and…
Public Health • By Samuel King • Apr 17, 2020
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'We need to act fast,' Travis County Judge Eckhardt says ahead of shelter-in-place order
Stay-at-home orders are expected to be issued in the city of Austin, Travis County and Williamson County Tuesday in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt said. The orders would require all nonessential businesses to have employees…
Public Health • By Samuel King • Mar 23, 2020
Austin proposes a new angle for cyclist and pedestrian safety at railroad crossings
The Austin Transportation Department has identified several railroad crossings in need of safety improvements for cyclists and pedestrians. The findings come after a citywide review requested by City Council in September based on recommendations from the city’s pedestrian and bicycle…
Transportation • By Samuel King • Jan 9, 2020
No cars, but bikes and scooters will be allowed on Rainey Street during weekend closure
Beginning tonight, Thursday, Rainey Street will close to vehicle traffic three nights a week as part of a pilot program to ease congestion. Initially, bikes, scooters and pedicabs were going to be banned during the closure, but staff from the…
Transportation • By Samuel King • Dec 5, 2019
Pilot program will clear cars from Rainey Street on weekend nights
On weekend nights, Rainey Street can be crowded with cars, scooters and pedestrians. Pretty soon, only one of those groups will be allowed on the street. The city of Austin is getting ready to shut down Rainey Street to vehicle…
Transportation • By Samuel King • Nov 7, 2019
It’s not just light rail. Capital Metro wants to expand rapid bus service, too.
Austin’s regional transit agency, Capital Metro, is taking feedback from the public on a plan to add up to five new rapid bus lines. It comes as ridership on the existing rapid bus lines, known as MetroRapid, has been rising.…
Transit • By Samuel King • Oct 16, 2019
Lower speed limits coming to some Austin roadways
Austin City Council approved a round of speed limit changes Thursday, the latest tangible sign of the city’s efforts to make streets safer. “We know that it’s much more likely for a severe crash to happen when speeds go up…
