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Capital MetroRail Update from Fred Gilliam

The following update from Capital Metro President/CEO Fred Gilliam is published in the All System’s Go E-Newsletter. Click here to subscribe to the monthly publication.

As you may already know, Capital Metro decided to delay the start up of MetroRail service. After learning of our rail contractor Veolia Transportation’s alleged violations from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Capital Metro felt it was important that we take a little more time to allow us to provide the safest and best possible rail system at the launch of service.

Veolia is investigating the matter thoroughly and working with the FRA and TxDOT to address the issues. Even though these incidents occurred during testing, we take them seriously, as safety is always the most important factor for Capital Metro.

Delaying the start of service allows Veolia more time to train its engineers and dispatchers and perform additional testing throughout the system. We will work with Veolia to finalize a new action plan towards beginning service.

Capital Metro also decided to bring in rail experts from Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to assist with startup operations and safety implementation. These experts work directly for the MBTA and have experience working with Veolia, which is a contractor for one of MBTA’s many rail lines. The MBTA representatives donated their time as a peer agency and spent three days with us last week. Their objective and constructive feedback will help us determine our next steps in preparing to launch MetroRail service.

In the meantime, Capital MetroRail staff continues to test the signal system and will make any remaining adjustments as needed.

Now that all of the rail station construction is completed, including Howard and Kramer Stations, we can focus on a plan to launch service. We plan to report back to the community with the status of the project and an action plan by May 15.

Capital Metro is disappointed over this delay, but we know the community understands that safety must take priority. We look forward to operating a safe and reliable rail system of which central Texans can be proud.

Thank you for your interest and patience as we work towards opening Capital MetroRail. I always appreciate your feedback.

Sincerely,
Fred Gilliam
President/CEO
Capital Metro


line seperatorCapital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200