CapMetro Seeks Public Input on Proposed Fare Increase

Agency will collect community feedback in July and August on proposed fare increases and updates to reduced fares

AUSTIN, Texas — CapMetro is inviting customers and community members to share feedback on proposed fare increases that would represent the agency's first fare increase since 2015. The proposed change will help CapMetro ensure service reliability and maintain investments in new transit vehicles and infrastructure made over the last 11 years.

Since 2015, CapMetro’s costs have grown to operate a regional transit system, and economic inflation has continued to climb. The agency has launched new Rapid service in east Austin, increased frequency on key routes, established a Transit Police Department, installed Pickup zones across the region, and modernized its fare payment system. The support CapMetro receives from local sales tax revenues often allows the agency to mitigate the effects of inflation and the rising costs of operating an expanding transit system.  The proposed fare increase will create a more fiscally sustainable source of revenue.

Reduced Fare Program

CapMetro is also evaluating improvements to certain reduced fare structures and rates to minimize the impact of fare increases on low-income customers and to simplify use of its reduced fare categories. Customers currently enrolled in CapMetro's reduced fare programs will continue to receive benefits under the proposed changes. 

The proposed fare improvements are being shared and discussed as part of the public engagement process, and no final decision has been made. If approved, even with the proposed changes, fares would remain among the lowest transit agencies nationwide.

Public feedback gathered during the engagement process will help inform recommendations presented to the CapMetro Board of Directors later this year.

Proposed Fares – Phased Approach

CapMetro is considering a phased approach, with potential fare adjustments on January 10, 2027, and again in in January 2029. Under this option, fares for a single ride would increase as follows:

  • Local Service: $1.25 (Current) → $1.50 (January 2027) → $2.00 (January 2029)
  • Pickup Service: $1.25 (Current) → $1.50 (January 2027) → $2.00 (January 2029)
  • Commuter Service: $3.50 (Current) → $4.00 (January 2027) → $5.00 (January 2029)
  • CapMetro Access Service: $1.75 (Current) → $2.25 (January 2027) → $3.25(January 2029)

 

Community members will have several opportunities to provide feedback.

In-Person Public Meetings

  • Thursday, July 30 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Location: Goodwill Career & Technical Academy/Henna Education Center  Served by Routes 10, 325 and 339
  • Thursday, August 6 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Location: ACC Northridge  Served by Routes 325, 466 and Pickup Walnut Creek
  • Tuesday, August 18 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Location: ACC Riverside  Served by Routes 310, 311 and 350
  • Wednesday, August 19 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Location: ACC South Austin  Served by Routes 3 and 311 

Additional Ways to Provide Input

Community members may also review the fare proposal and submit comments now through August 31, 2026, on CapMetro’s website. The agency’s Board of Directors is expected to decide on the fare proposal in their board meeting on September 28, 2026.

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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.