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Transit

CapMetro's secret fight to fix a broken fare system

For months, Capital Metro passengers knew something wasn’t right. The QR code scanners they used to pay fares with phones were unreliable, sometimes not working at all. Riders would often board without paying, flagged on by the driver to keep…

Transit • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Feb 28, 2025

Austin Transit Partnership presents pedestrian features, changes to stops in revised Project Connect plan

The Mobility Committee of City Council heard an update on plans for the Austin light-rail project that included a proposal for three new pedestrian features along the prospective system, as well as changes to stops, during a meeting on Feb.…

Transit • By Miles Wall • Feb 26, 2025

Austin's new CapMetro Rapid lines debut with buses every 20 minutes

Capital Metro rolled out its long-awaited Rapid lines this weekend, but “rapid” for now will mean a 20- to 30-minute wait for the next bus. Originally slated for 2023 with ambitious plans for an all-electric fleet, 10-minute frequency and end-of-line park and rides,…

Transit • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Feb 24, 2025

Environmental Commission weighs Project Connect’s environmental impact and federal funding

In light of Donald Trump’s recent effort to freeze federal spending authorized by Congress – swiftly blocked by two federal judges – the question on every local policymaker’s mind is: What’s going to happen to all the local projects that…

Transit • By Lina Fisher • Feb 7, 2025

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Objections arise over Project Connect’s plan to use parkland

Now that the Austin Transit Partnership has released its huge draft environmental impact statement for Project Connect, parks advocates are raising concerns about the proposed expropriation of city parkland by the rail system without the permission of Austin voters. Larry…

Transit • By Jo Clifton • Jan 22, 2025

Austin unveils how light-rail could change the city in new report with detailed maps

The curtain is finally lifting on Austin’s long-planned light-rail system, as a newly released report from the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) reveals a more detailed vision for the 9.8-mile route. For the first time, Austinites can view block-by-block maps, see specific station…

Transit • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Jan 13, 2025

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CapMetro bringing tap-to-pay to Austin’s buses and trains by March

Hopping on a Capital Metro bus or train should soon be as easy as tapping a credit or debit card. In March, the regional transit agency will part ways with its unreliable QR code-based fare system and switch to tap-to-pay technology.…

Transit • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Jan 10, 2025

Cap Metro to shelve 46 new electric buses for a year after manufacturer bankruptcy

Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority will put 46 brand-new electric buses in storage for at least a year, the latest fallout from an electrification goal the transit agency now admits was overly ambitious. The main problem, Capital Metro’s leadership says, has…

Transit • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Nov 19, 2024

Cap Metro to build second set of train tracks in East Austin

Capital Metro is planning to build a second set of train tracks along the Red Line in East Austin along with new sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and another platform at Plaza Saltillo Station. A second set of tracks – known as…

Transit • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Oct 30, 2024

Project Connect trial to resume after Paxton appeal rejected

Editor’s note: The original version of this story contained an error conflating two of AG Ken Paxton’s opinions. The story has now been corrected. A little over a year ago, a group of prominent Austin citizens filed suit against the…

Transit • By Lina Fisher • Oct 16, 2024

Delayed CapMetro Rapid routes to launch next year with slower service and diesel buses

Capital Metro’s newest high-frequency bus routes have been delayed, and now the transit agency says the Expo Center and Pleasant Valley routes will launch next year with reduced frequency and diesel-powered buses instead of the promised electric ones. The delays are pushing back…

Transit • By Nathan Bernier, KUT • Sep 27, 2024

San Antonio, Travis County and Mexico officials urge Legislature to fund passenger rail next session

Monday morning saw a bevy of local – and international – officials come together on one issue that unites all who must traverse Texas: its nightmarish traffic. Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and San Antonio City Council Member Melissa Cabello…

Transit • By Lina Fisher • Sep 24, 2024

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