Project Connect Initial Investment – It's Go Time!
Thank you, Austin
You've approved Proposition A and it's time to move forward with Project Connect. The Initial Investment is based on the Project Connect System Plan and includes an all-electric fleet, new rail system that travels under downtown and an expanded bus system with more routes.
Learn more about the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) – an independent organization that will guide Project Connect with transparency and accountability every step of the way.
About the "Initial Investment"
The Initial Investment is a portion of the Project Connect System Plan that will advance to development with dedicated local funding following the voter-approved Proposition A on November 3. Federal funding is expected to fund up to half of the total program investment.
The Initial Investment includes 27 miles of rail service and 31 stations:
ORANGE LINE: Light rail is planned to connect North and South Austin. The Initial Investment will begin at North Lamar and U.S. 183 and extend to Stassney Lane. Destinations include:
- North Lamar Transit Center
- Crestview
- UT
- Republic Square
- Auditorium Shores
- The SoCo District
BLUE LINE: Light rail is planned to offer service to the airport. Operating from North Lamar and U.S. 183 to downtown and direct to the airport. Destinations include:
- Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- Lakeshore Drive
- Convention Center
- Rainey Street
- UT
- Crestview
- North Lamar Transit Center
GREEN LINE: New commuter rail service will connect downtown to East Austin’s Colony Park. Destinations include:
- East Austin
- Springdale
- U.S. 183
- Colony Park
RED LINE: Expanded commuter rail service with new stations serving The Domain and Austin FC's stadium at McKalla Place. Destinations include:
- Leander
- The Domain
- McKalla Place
- Crestview
- ACC Highland
- MLK
- Saltillo
- Downtown
Light rail will travel underground downtown. Operating rail service beneath the streets increases the system's on-time performance and is safer than operating at street level.
Increased service, 9 new Park & Rides, 4 new MetroRapid routes, 3 new MetroExpress routes and 15 new neighborhood circulator zones. The Initial Investment includes:
MetroRapid
4 new MetroRapid routes provides frequent service with a limited number of stops. New corridors will include:
- The Gold Line - from ACC Highland to Republic Square. (The Gold Line will begin as a MetroRapid service and could be converted eventually to light rail as a part of the System Plan.)
- Expo Center - from East Austin to UT and downtown
- Pleasant Valley - from Mueller to the Goodnight Ranch Park & Ride
- Burnet - from The Domain to Menchaca and Oak Hill
MetroExpress
3 new MetroExpress commuter routes. Providing limited-stop service for commuters:
- Four Points - from FM 620 to downtown
- Oak Hill - from the Pinnacle Park & Ride to downtown
- South MoPac - from the Wildflower Center to downtown
Park & Rides
9 new Park & Rides and 1 Transit Center:
- Four Points
- Loop 360
- ACC Highland
- Delco Center
- Expo Center
- Wildflower Center
- Goodnight
- McKinney Falls
- MetroCenter
- Eastside Bus Plaza Transit Center
15 new neighborhood zones for Circulators. On-demand pickup and drop-off to locations within certain neighborhoods. Provides first-mile/last-mile service connections to transit stations and other destinations.
MetroBike
- All-electric bike fleet stationed at transit hubs
- Integrated into the CapMetro App for bike rentals and payment
The Initial Investment in Project Connect is $7.1 billion with nearly half of the costs expected to be supported by federal grants and commitments
