Capital MetroRapid Picks up Momentum
MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION::
| Adam Shaivitz | Misty Whited | Erica McKewen |
| (512) 369-6027 | (512) 389-7572 | (512) 369-6085 |
| (512) 844-5153 cell | (512) 844-5090 cell | (512) 401-7665 cell |
Capital MetroRapid Picks up Momentum
Project Crosses First Major Hurdle towards Federal Funding March 11, 2009NEWS FACTS
- Capital MetroRapid is moving forward in the federal grant process and could receive up to $37 million in funding.
- The rapid bus project recently achieved the first two critical milestones in acquiring funding through the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) Very Small Starts Program - a program created a couple of years ago to fund worthy low-risk projects through a simplified evaluation and rating process.
- Capital Metro accomplished these milestones much more quickly than normal, helping to speed a normally lengthy and highly competitive process.
- As Capital Metro waits for a grant agreement from the FTA, the transit authority will proceed to review and fine-tune the project cost estimate and schedule.
- Capital MetroRapid is a type of limited-stop bus service that will use high-tech vehicles with special signal priority technology to keep traffic signals green as the buses approach major intersections.
- Initial service will include two routes: North Lamar/South Congress and Burnet/South Lamar.
- MetroRapid will conveniently connect to MetroBus and MetroRail service in each corridor and reduce travel times up to 20 percent.
- MetroRapid is part of the All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan that includes expanded local and express bus service, new and improved park and ride facilities and MetroRail service. For more information visit capmetro.org.
MULTIMEDIA ELEMENTS
QUOTES
- "As the central Texas population continues to grow, we must find ways to meet the demand for effective transportation in our area. The addition of MetroRapid will provide more options for our community and help build upon an already growing multi-modal system."
-- 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. With the highest per capita ridership in Texas, Capital Metro serves more than 3,000 bus stops with metro, flyer and express routes, downtown 'Dillo circulator routes and UT Shuttle service. Capital Metro also provides MetroAccess service for passengers with disabilities, van and carpool coordination, and freight rail service.
Capital MetroRail is a new passenger rail system expected to open March 30, 2009 between the City of Leander and the Convention Center in Downtown Austin. 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.
SAFETY TIP OF THE DAY Buses are not allowed to perform boarding/alighting activities outside of bus stops. Do not attempt to board or alight from buses at intersections or pedestrian crossings.
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200