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 on the app even if they don’t have access to credit or debit cards. Capping […]
Samuel King
Posted inBonds & Propositions
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 appointments to a new local government corporation that will oversee the transit expansion, known as […]
Posted inCourts
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 off-premise signs violated the First Amendment. “The city cannot ‘plac(e) strict limits on’ off-premises signs, […]
Posted inElections
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 property taxes to help pay for Project Connect, the transit expansion plan. Proposition B would […]
Posted inTransportation
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 the numbers this year compare to years past. “This is a continuation of our efforts […]
Posted inPublic Health
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 health officials will advise the governor on next steps, he said at a news conference […]
Posted inPublic Health
‘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 work from home and further restrict other gatherings. Businesses with essential functions, like grocery stores, […]
Posted inTransportation
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 advisory councils. The advocates had recommended examining seven priority crossings. Laura Dierenfield, division manager for […]
Posted inTransportation
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 Austin Transportation Department decided to reverse course. “After receiving feedback from (the City Council) Mobility […]
Posted inTransportation
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 traffic on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights as part of a pilot program that will […]
Posted inTransit
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. In September, Capital Metro saw a 10.1 percent increase in passengers over the same month […]
Posted inRoads
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 even just five miles per hour,” said Lewis Leff, transportation safety officer for the city […]