CapMetro Board of Directors Approves Transit Plan 2035
AUSTIN, TX—The CapMetro Board of Directors approved Transit Plan 2035 today, a blueprint that will guide how the agency’s system grows, adapts and serves Central Texas over the next decade and beyond.
Developed through 18 months of rigorous analysis and community collaboration, this plan offers a data-informed, fiscally responsible, and fair roadmap to improve transit access and reliability across the rapidly growing region. It uses the available resources to respond to current travel patterns, while preparing us for the future—from new Project Connect services to the expected regional growth.
More than 10,000 community members participated in the process through surveys, open houses, pop-up events, and digital engagement tools. Feedback from riders, operators, and regional partners also shaped key service decisions, ensuring the final plan reflects regional priorities and lived experience.
“Transit Plan 2035 is truly a community-built plan as nearly 40% of it changed based on the thoughtful feedback from Central Texans during the second round of engagement alone,” said Dottie Watkins, CapMetro President & CEO. “Our regional community is the reason we exist, and through Transit Plan 2035, we are committed to using the resources we have to expand a service that’s more connected, consistent, and efficient for everyone.”
This plan aligns CapMetro service with current and projected travel patterns in the region, plans for the integration of Austin Light Rail, and includes concepts for further regional expansion, so we can grow with the region. It will be implemented through service changes, which happen three times a year, for the next five to ten years, and result in real outcomes for the communities we serve.
Key Highlights of Transit Plan 2035’s Phased Implementation
- 0–5 years: Targeted bus routes improvements, deliver full implementation on Rapid 800 and 837 to fulfill the Project Connect investment, and rail enhancements, including the new North Burnet/Uptown Station and extended hours of operation.
- 5+ years: Integration with Austin Light Rail, additional bus route improvements, two new Pickup Zones and modifications to five existing zones, and expanded regional connectivity.
- 10+ years: Further integration of Project Connect investments, and strategic partnerships to support a connected regional express network.
“The approval of Transit Plan 2035 is a major step forward for CapMetro and a significant milestone for our community,” said Sharmila Mukherjee, CapMetro EVP, Chief Strategic Planning and Development Officer. “It’s more than just a plan; it’s a roadmap for making public transportation a bigger part of everyday life for our community.”
Implementation of the plan will begin in 2026, with near-term improvements rolled out in phases to start making impacts quickly. Additionally, CapMetro updates its Transit Plan every five years, so the long-term recommendations (5+ years and beyond) will be reviewed and refined around 2030.
To explore the full plan, including interactive maps, route comparisons, and FAQs, visit capmetro.org/transit-plan-2035.
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ABOUT CAPMETRO
CapMetro connects people, jobs, and communities by providing Central Texans with safe, high-quality, and sustainable transportation alternatives. The agency provides over 83,000 daily trips on its buses, trains, paratransit, and vanpool vehicles and serves a population of more than 1.2 million in its 543-square-mile service area. The region’s transportation leader, CapMetro has invested in transit services like its High-Frequency Network, which moves more people, more reliably. CapMetro is committed to increasing regional mobility and, through Project Connect, will transform how people travel throughout Central Texas. Visit capmetro.org for more information.