CapMetro's Role in Project Connect

Working with Austin Transit Partnership and the City of Austin, CapMetro helped develop the vision for Project Connect, a plan to expand and improve our public transportation network in Central Texas. CapMetro is responsible for the implementation, daily operations, and rider communications of select components of Project Connect, such as new Pickup zones, commuter rail and Rapid lines.

Since its passage in 2020, CapMetro has completed the following projects:

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Pickup

New neighborhood zones for public rideshare shuttles. On-demand pickup and drop-off to locations within certain neighborhoods, especially those adjacent to our fixed routes service area.

Since the launch of Project Connect, CapMetro launched these five new Pickup Zones: 

  • Dessau (June 2021)
  • South Menchanca (July 2021)
  • North Oak Hill (August 2021)
  • Dove Springs (January 2024)
  • Decker (January 2025)

 

CapMetro Rail

We have made the following improvements to the Red Line, CapMetro’s commuter rail service:

McKalla Station
Construction Timeline: July 2022-February 2024

A brand new station for the North Burnet neighborhood, located at the steps of Q2 Stadium. It also included 1.25 miles of double tracking, drainage improvements, and quiet zones.

Double tracking from Leander to Lakeline
Construction Timeline: October 2021-January 2023

This project included 3,350 feet of double tracking to improve reliability along the northern end of the line. Eventually, it will aid in the increased frequency along the Red Line, once the entire line is double tracked.

More improvements will be made to the Red Line, as the Project Connect vision includes double tracking of the entire line. Currently several projects supportive of the Project Connect vision are under construction and in development for the Rail service.

CapMetro Rapid

Rapid provides frequent service with a limited number of stops and faster travel times. Here are the Rapid improvements we've made so far:

Introduced Rapid 800 and 837
Construction Timeline: Started in Winter 2021/2022 and introduced service in February 2025. Full frequency expected in Summer 2026

CapMetro introduced two new Rapid lines to enhance connectivity in East Austin. CapMetro was awarded the Federal Transit Administration’s Small Starts Grant Agreement to help fund these lines, totaling $65.6 million. These grants, along with local funding from Project Connect, helped construct, build, and implement these new lines. These routes, which will increase to 10-minute frequencies during peak hours in Summer 2026, include:

  • 79 new stations with a lower roof to maximize shade, perforated panels to protect against weather elements, a Kebony wood bench to maintain ambient temperature, and enhanced security features. 41 of these stations also include solar panels, with 10 of them tying back to the Austin Energy grid to give any excess power.
  • Two new Park and Rides (Goodnight Ranch and the Expo Center) equipped with End of Line charging for our battery electric buses.

Looking Ahead

As the vision continues to be implemented, CapMetro has more work to do. In the future, we will continue to expand, including:

  • Two future Rapid lines, 803 Extensions and the Gold Line.
  • The Green Line, a commuter rail service that will run along existing freight from Downtown Austin to Colony, with future extensions to Manor and Elgin.

The timeline of these elements will be worked into Transit Plan 2035,a comprehensive blueprint for the future of public transportation in Central Texas over the next 10 years and beyond.

As the future operators of the Austin Light Rail, CapMetro will continue working with the Austin Transit Partnership and the City of Austin to build the new service. To learn more about the Austin Light Rail, visit atptx.org

Additional Initiatives

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Express

Express serves suburban Austin and neighboring communities with new routes between Park & Ride locations and major employment hubs such as the Capitol Complex, downtown and the 38th Street Medical District. In addition to the areas currently served by Express, Project Connect includes new Express service to other parts of the region, including Del Valle and Oak Hill.

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Park & Rides

The plan includes 24 new Park & Rides that allow for residents of outlying parts of Austin and nearby cities to connect into downtown without adding traffic. They will be welcoming, well-designed facilities that provide a starting point or destination for customers and connection to transportation options. The Delco Center Park & Ride opened in 2025 and the Park & Rides at Expo Center and Goodnight Ranch will open in 2026.

Transit-Oriented Development

Project Connect is working in partnership with CapMetro & the City of Austin to ensure future development near transit corridors supports the overall quality of life as well as equitable outcomes for area residents of all incomes and backgrounds.

 

 

Questions? Email us at engage@capmetro.org