Federal Funding Recommended for Capital MetroRapid
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 |
Federal Funding Recommended for Capital MetroRapid
$17.39 million for Capital Metro included in President's budget May 14, 2009NEWS FACTS
- Capital Metro has been recommended to receive $17.39 million in federal funding in FY2010 for Capital MetroRapid.
- The recommended funding is included in President Barack Obama's budget submitted to Congress last week.
- The budget includes recommendations from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to invest $604.3 million in 10 new or expanding transit projects. FTA's Annual Report on Funding Recommendations for FY2010 can be found here.
- The announcement of the federal funding recommendation came sooner than anticipated after Capital Metro submitted the MetroRapid project just nine months ago through the Very Small Starts Program.
- Capital Metro is seeking a grant agreement from the FTA for a total of up to $37 million in funding for the project.
- MetroRapid is a limited-stop bus service that will operate on city streets as a rapid transit system. MetroRapid vehicles will be equipped with signal priority technology to keep traffic lights green as buses approach major intersections.
- Initial service will operate on two of the busiest corridors: North Lamar/South Congress and Burnet/South Lamar. The first two routes will serve South Austin, Downtown, the Capitol area, the University of Texas and North Austin.
- MetroRapid will conveniently connect to MetroBus and MetroRail service 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 allsystemsgo.capmetro.org.
MULTIMEDIA ELEMENTS
QUOTES
- "The possibility of Capital MetroRapid receiving funding as early as FY2010 demonstrates the importance of expanding mass transit in our nation and especially in central Texas. We would like to thank our entire congressional delegation--Senators Hutchison and Cornyn, and Representatives Carter, Doggett, McCaul and Smith--for their support of Austin's first rapid bus project."
-- Fred Gilliam, Capital Metro President/CEO
- "The Region VI office is excited about our partnership with Capital Metro and the possible advancement of the BRT project towards funding which will enhance the mobility of the citizens of Austin and surrounding communities."
-- Robert Patrick, FTA Regional Administrator for Region 6
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 begin soon 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
While on the bus, stand behind the yellow line so the operator has a clear view of the doorway and mirrors.
# # #
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
2910 East 5th Street | Austin, Texas 78702 | (512) 389-7400
Specific Route Information | (512) 474-1200