New Regulations Limit Capital Metro Event Shuttles
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New Regulations Limit Capital Metro Event Shuttles
Transit Authority Encourages Use of Existing Routes July 17, 2008NEWS FACTS
- While new federal regulations limit how Capital Metro provides service to special events, it provides the Authority with an opportunity to showcase existing services that are easy to use, affordable and friendly to the environment.
- Under the new policy by the Federal Transit Administration that took effect April 30, public agencies cannot operate charter bus service if private charter companies are interested and available to provide the service.
- There are approximately 120 charter companies registered to provide service in the Austin area.
- If no registered charter companies express interest in providing service for an event, Capital Metro may consider offering service for highly-attended events with limited access to existing routes.
- Capital Metro understands the importance of mass transit to community events and continues to work with event organizers to encourage the use of existing routes to their destinations.
- Soon Capital Metro will be updating its Web site with more information about connecting to popular destinations and events.
- In FY 2007, Capital Metro provided 262,516 trips to some of Austin's largest events.
- Since the new ruling, many other transit systems throughout the nation have terminated all special shuttles for festivals and sporting events.
- Capital Metro could risk losing federal funding if the regulations are violated.
- Click here for a list of the registered charters in Austin.
QUOTES
- "The new federal regulations affect Capital Metro's ability to provide special service to many of Austin's most cherished events. However, we will continue to partner with the community and event organizers to highlight our regular bus routes that serve many event destinations."
-- Fred Gilliam, Capital Metro President/CEO
ABOUT CAPITAL METRO Capital Metro's mission is to provide quality public transportation choices for our community that meet the needs of our growing region. Capital Metro provides bus service on flexible, convenient schedules at more than 3,000 bus stops throughout Central Texas, providing an average of up to 140,000 one way trips per day. The fixed route bus system includes metro, flyer and express routes, downtown `Dillo circulator routes, and UT Shuttle service. Capital Metro also provides special transit services for passengers with disabilities, van and carpool coordination, and freight rail service.
Capital MetroRail is a new passenger rail system that will extend 32 miles between the City of Leander and the Convention Center in Downtown Austin. Beginning this fall Capital MetroRail will serve nine stations providing convenient service every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours. MetroRail is part of the All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan that includes expanded local and express bus service, MetroRapid bus service, and new and improved park and ride lots. For more information, including an online trip planner and a commute cost calculator, visit www.capmetro.org or call (512) 474-1200.
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200