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All Systems -Still- Go!

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All Systems -Still- Go!

Capital Metro Makes Significant Headway on Communitywide Long-Range Transit Plan

August 8, 2008

NEWS FACTS

Capital Metro and the Austin community have come a long way working together over the past four years to implement the All Systems Go! long-range transit plan to cut through traffic congestion and meet the needs of our rapidly-growing region. Now in the final phase of planning before opening Capital MetroRail, the region's first passenger rail system, Capital Metro is proud to update the community on its progress towards realizing some of the long-range transit goals of All Systems Go!.

Significant Accomplishments

Capital MetroRail

  • Capital Metro is looking forward to the debut of Capital MetroRail, the region's first passenger rail line, which will travel along 32 miles of existing track with nine stations from Leander to downtown Austin.
  • Leander, Lakeline, and Plaza Saltillo stations are nearly complete; Crestview and Highland stations will be complete by October. Construction began this month on the Downtown Station, which will be complete by November. Capital Metro has also started upgrading tracks at Kramer Station and plans to begin platform construction soon. We are accelerating construction so that the MLK Station can be ready by the start of service. Construction will begin next month on Howard Station, but the station may not be open initially when the Red Line begins.
  • Capital Metro is working with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding which agency will have federal oversight of our system. The regulations are different for each. Once we know who will provide oversight, we will be in a better position to determine a start date.
  • The MetroRail stations have been a catalyst for high density, mixed-use development, known as Transit Oriented Development (TOD). TOD plans are underway surrounding most MetroRail stations, including an office, retail and residential project by Trammell Crow at Crestview Station and future plans for a mixed-use project by St. Croix adjacent to Kramer Station. Capital Metro is also working with developers planning TOD adjacent to the Leander Station.

Capital MetroRapid

  • Capital Metro has prepared a proposal for potential federal funding to bring another transportation option to Austin: Capital MetroRapid. MetroRapid's technologically-advanced buses will have signal prioritization to keep buses moving on time through the busiest traffic. The initial routes would serve the North Lamar/South Congress and Burnet/South Lamar corridors, as early as 2010.
  • Capital Metro could receive up to $25 million in federal funding for the program, more than half of the total cost to implement the first two routes.

Expanded Bus Service, More Facilities, Better Bus Stops

  • Capital Metro has been steadfast in its commitment to operate a fantastic core bus service to meet the needs of our community.
  • As part of All Systems Go!, Capital Metro opened two new Park & Ride facilities at Leander and Tech Ridge, and has expanded Pavilion Park & Ride to accommodate additional parking. Leander and Tech Ridge currently facilitate the busiest Express routes, and Express route ridership has experienced the largest percentage increases of the entire system.
  • The beautiful new South Congress Transit Center, located just west of Congress at Ben White Blvd, opens August 24, and will be a hub for routes 1L, 1M, 9, 101, 328, and new route 202, with plans to add more routes in the future.
  • Capital Metro has also made a significant investment to improve bus stops throughout the system with amenities such as benches and shelters. Over the past four years, approximately 700 bus stops have been improved. Individuals and neighborhood groups have adopted 42 bus stops through the Adopt-a-Stop program, a program that fosters community involvement and pride in Capital Metro services within a neighborhood.

About All Systems Go!

In 2004, Capital Metro embarked on a long-range transit plan known as All Systems Go! to provide transportation options for citizens to help address the pressures of a rapidly-growing region.

Nearly 8,000 concerned citizens helped shape All Systems Go!, and the result was a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to transportation planning within our community. The plan includes Capital MetroRail, expanded local and express bus service, new MetroRapid bus service as well as space for hike and bike trails along portions of rights-of-way adjacent to the railroad tracks. The plan also includes the possibility of expanded MetroRail services east to Manor and Elgin, and north along the abandoned MoKan corridor as well as supporting the development of a regional rail system from Georgetown to San Antonio, easing traffic congestion along IH-35.

Stay updated on our progress by subscribing to the All Systems Go! monthly enewsletter. Visit http://www.enewsbuilder.net/capmet/ to read the current issue and sign up to receive future issues.

MULTIMEDIA ELEMENTS
South Congress Transit Center features a central clock tower
The South Congress Transit Center features a central clock tower reminiscent of Austin's historic Moon Towers.

MetroRail vehicle travels on the Union Pacific Overpass
A MetroRail vehicle travels on the Union Pacific Overpass during testing, June 2008.

QUOTES

  • "All Systems Go! is, a proactive, comprehensive plan for long-term transportation options for Central Texas. The level of community input that went into this plan demonstrates Capital Metro's commitment to being a community partner and a steward of the public's trust. Working together, we can address our region¿s most pressing transportation challenges, while helping the environment and saving you money."

    -- 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 year, 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.


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