Capital Metro will roll out service changes in May which will include a total rerouting of the downtown ‘Dillo bus system

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Ted Burton, Public Relations Manager, 389-7550

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 31, 2000

*CAPITAL METRO PLEDGES 91 MILLION DOLLARS TO SOLVE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS

Agency is First to Respond to Mayor’s Call to Action

Today Capital Metro’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to put $91 million over the next ten to twelve years into regional money pool that will pay for area traffic improvements like car pool (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes and incident management programs to quickly clear accidents.

The board’s action is consistent with Capital Metro’s core transportation mission, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (CAMPO) 25 year plan, and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson’s transportation initiative.

Mayor Watson is calling on governmental entities in the Central Texas area to pool resources to find regional solutions to traffic congestion and worsening air quality. Capital Metro is the first partner to step up and make a financial commitment. “We know what we can spend because we have done our homework,” said Board Member Fred Harless.

Capital Metro’s long range plan includes money for growth in core bus services and light rail (if the referendum passes in November). The $91 million will pay for things like HOV lanes, hike and bikeways, and incident management.

“Three years ago we weren’t seen as a leader in this area,” said Lee Walker, Board Chairman at Capital Metro. “I hope one of the consequences of tonight’s action is Capital Metro will be seen as a leader that is really doing something about regional mobility.”

In its resolution, the board voted to hold off building the northern McNeil segment of the proposed initial phase of the light rail project (approximately two miles). This would save $24 million dollars, allowing Capital Metro to pump more money into the regional transportation plan. By deferring construction of that portion of the proposed line until a later date, the Capital Metro board pointed out it could free up money sooner to build HOV lanes. Some of those lanes would benefit people living in Williamson County and Northwest Travis County.

Capital Metro’s commitment doesn’t come without stipulations. The board is asking the partners in the regional plan to come up with money of their own and decide how and when the regional fund would be spent.