For More Information Contact:
Libba Letton, 369-6595
Web site: www.capmetro.org

Capital Metro Adds New Bus Services and Expands Successful Routes

Changes mark successful year of progress and community input

AUSTIN, Texas, August 14, 2003 -Capital Metro announces new routes and schedule changes effective August 17th. Service changes focus on meeting community needs and increasing efficiency of the bus system.

Night Owl Service
The most significant addition to Capital Metro's routes is the new "Night Owl" service. These routes were created to link downtown with portions of North, East and Southeast Austin, early Tuesday through early Sunday. The Night Owl routes will be especially useful for downtown late-shift and early-shift workers. Schedules vary, but hours of operation begin as early as midnight and run as late as three a.m.

New Evening 'Dillo Routes for Downtown
In response to a citizen task force which included downtown property owners, merchants and business people, Capital Metro is adding two new nighttime 'Dillo routes. The Starlight and Moonlight 'Dillos will make getting around downtown more convenient. This free service will run Thursday through Saturday nights from six p.m. to three a.m. The green 'Dillo trolley buses will provide customers visiting Austin's many downtown restaurants, theaters, bars, clubs or shops with a convenient way to get around. Downtown patrons will be able to park just once, and ride the 'Dillo to reach all of their subsequent destinations.

E-Bus Success Prompts Additional Route
After the success of last year's E-Bus trial routes, two "Entertainment" bus routes targeted to UT students are being offered by Capital Metro in a joint agreement with UT. The West Campus E-Bus travels between West Campus, the university and downtown. Because the route proved to be extremely popular, Capital Metro targeted another heavy student population by implementing a "Riverside E-Bus" - traveling between the Riverside area and downtown. The hours of operation have been extended to begin at 8:30 p.m. and end at three a.m.

Museum Route Launched in May
Capital Metro's "Tour the Town" service was unveiled in May and is designed to connect UT, downtown museums, hotels and entertainment and Zilker Park area venues with each other. Tour the Town operates Saturday 10:00 a.m. to six p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to six p.m.

"Capital Metro continues to provide excellent Central Texas transportation by creating new routes that will meet our customer's needs and improve efficiency," said Fred Gilliam, Capital Metro president and CEO.

Customers may receive specific information on all changes to Capital Metro routes by visiting our Web site at www.capmetro.org or calling the Go-Line at 474-1200. Updated schedule books are available at the Customer Service Office at 323 Congress Avenue or on any Capital Metro bus.

About Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides bus service on flexible, convenient schedules at more than 4,000 bus stops throughout Central Texas, providing riders with an average of nearly 130,000 one-way trips each day. Capital Metro's fixed route bus service includes 67 metro and flyer routes, seven downtown circulator 'Dillo routes, seven Express routes and 22 UT shuttle routes. Capital Metro also offers 30 AISD school routes, van and carpooling coordination, shuttles to special events and special transit services for the disabled. For more information, call (512) 474-1200 or visit the Web site at www.capmetro.org.