The city of Austin will shell out $88 million to Lonestar Airport Holdings, the company running the South Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The move paves the way for the terminal’s demolition and construction of a new concourse capable of accommodating 10 to 40 gates. The South Terminal, while on airport premises, is a stand-alone […]
Transportation
Posted inTransit
Austin’s light-rail plans set to advance after narrowly dodging Texas-sized wrecking ball
Austin’s light-rail ambitions are barreling ahead after narrowly escaping the clutches of Texas lawmakers determined to rein in the multibillion-dollar transit expansion. But the voter-approved plan, known as Project Connect, must still navigate a tricky track laden with potential legal and political hazards. “For now, we are going to take a deep breath,” Mayor Kirk […]
Posted inTransit
Downtown alliance suggests Wooldridge Sq. station, sunken roadways to improve rail plan
The Downtown Austin Alliance has suggested a number of adjustments to the light rail plan unveiled to the public earlier this week, while also showing support for the route that moves through the downtown core from its endpoints to the north, east and south. The DAA has issued its own map for the route, which […]
Posted inTransit
Austin light rail gets first approval amid looming Texas legislative threat
Austin’s newest light-rail vision – a $5 billion map set to redefine 10 miles of streets – is traveling two parallel tracks this week. On one track, city decision-makers are flashing the go-ahead signal, setting the stage for the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) to morph blueprints into steel and concrete. On the parallel track, a […]
Posted inTransit
On-street light rail route selected as best option for city’s mass transit plan
Local transit leaders have selected an entirely on-street light rail line that runs through downtown and stretches mostly north and east with a spur that reaches somewhat into southern Austin as the route that will most likely be approved for construction. Austin Transit Partnership today announced that the two-train route running from 38th Street south […]
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Paxton opinion notes likely missteps, possible way forward for Project Connect
Many questions remain about the path forward for Austin’s Project Connect transit plan following an advisory opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that noted some likely legal hurdles related to the funding model created to pay for the system. Paxton issued his opinion on Saturday at the request of state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, […]
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ATP reports offer community insights ahead of selecting light rail option next week
A trio of reports from Austin Transit Partnership offer some insights into the shape of Project Connect as the local government corporation in charge of the transit initiative prepares to announce its selection next week of the preferred light rail plan that will service downtown and selected areas to the north, south or east. A […]
Posted inTransportation
Updated: Airport Advisory Commission does not approve working relationship with Environmental Commission
Though it won the votes of the majority of Airport Advisory Commissioners in attendance, due to vacancies the group did not approve a resolution establishing a working relationship with the city’s Environmental Commission with regard to the environmental impacts of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport expansion projects. At the commission’s May 10 meeting, Chair Wendy Price Todd […]
Posted inTransportation
Disability committee wants improved transportation to Austin’s major music venues
Improving transportation for the disabled to the Circuit of the Americas and the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park are two of the early goals for members of the city’s committee for the disabled who may opt to serve on an ongoing task force dedicated to improving accessibility at local music venues. Last week the Mayor’s […]
Posted inTransportation
Austin airport implementing Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
The Austin airport is working to improve the experience of passengers with disabilities that aren’t visible. The Airport Advisory Commission heard an update this week about the newly established Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The airport announced the program in April, after news of a potential lawsuit by an ABIA passenger who […]
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Housing and Planning Committee weighs in on light rail design plans, preparing for challenging decisions
With the June deadline for a final proposal fast approaching, Austin’s long-awaited light rail system is beginning to take shape. Austin Transit Partnership, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority and city staff all joined City Council’s Housing and Planning Committee last week to discuss the five designs for the first phase of the multibillion-dollar infrastructure project, each […]
Posted inTransit
Project Connect could be on the ballot again this November
Austin’s mayor is adopting a new strategy against a Texas bill that threatens to derail the city’s voter-approved transit expansion: Get the legislation passed as quickly as possible with overwhelming support in the Texas House and Senate. The approach seemed shockingly counterintuitive to some Project Connect advocates who would prefer Austin try to slay the […]