Railroad Right-of-Way

Prior to any contractor entering CapMetro's Railroad Right-of-Way (ROW), CapMetro staff must approve all access, activities and the performance of any work. Anyone who needs access to the ROW must submit an application and secure an approved license agreement and/or permit before starting any work. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Anyone working within the ROW must follow all CapMetro safety requirements, complete the CapMetro Roadway Worker Certification and maintain a valid certification card in their possession while working. External and internal contractors need to abide by CapMetro's RAIL SAFETY STANDARD NOTES on projects within CapMetro ROW. All proposed engineering construction plan sheets submitted for a License Agreement Application or Permit Application must include the Safety Standard Notes.

A qualified "Roadway Worker-In-Charge” (RWIC) must be present during any work that has the potential of entering the “foul zone” (25 feet from the center of the nearest track). RWICs are coordinated by CapMetro's Rail Operations Department.

All RWICs require payment in advance with an option of 8- or 10-hour increments. Cancelation of an RWIC appointment requires 24-hours notice for reimbursement.

Completed applications and the appropriate fees should be mailed to the address indicated on the form. Please make checks payable to Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Note: All plan reviews beyond CapMetro's technical expertise will be considered a “special review” and outsourced to an approved consultant. The applicant will be responsible for all costs associated with the special review and payment is due before services are rendered.

CapMetro application process

Please allow 21 business days for CapMetro to review your application:

APPLICATION PORTAL: CapMetro offers an online application system for right-of-way licenses, permits and RWIC applications. The system makes it easy and fast for you to apply for any ROW applications. Apply now for ROW licenses, Permits and RWIC.

License Agreement (for installations within CapMetro's right-of-way)

  • Step 1: Applicant must submit a complete Request for Right-of-Way License Agreement (through our online application system) and a $750 nonrefundable application fee payable to CapMetro.
  • Step 2: Upon approval, the applicant will be sent a "License to Use Right-of-Way" for signatures. The signed license agreement will then need to be returned along with first year's annual fee and a certificate of insurance. A copy of fully executed license agreement will be returned to the applicant.
  • Step 3: The company or contractor actually performing the installation must submit an Application for Permit to be on Railroad Right-of-Way, a $750 nonrefundable application fee, a certificate of insurance, a $2,500 permit fee and an RWIC request form.
  • Step 4: Upon approval of the application, a copy of fully executed permit will be returned to the company or contractor. The company or contractor must coordinate and complete "Roadway Worker Protection Certification Training" administered by CapMetro and secure an RWIC for any work within the 25' foul zone.

  • Step 1: The applicant must submit a Permit to be on Railroad Right-of-Way and a $750 nonrefundable application fee payable to CapMetro.
  • Step 2: Upon approval of the application, the applicant will return their signed "Permit to be on Railroad Right-of-Way," a $2,500 permit fee, a certificate of insurance and an RWIC Request form. A copy of the fully executed permit will be returned to the applicant. For additional information, please refer to the RWIC request process.
  • Step 3: The contractor must coordinate and complete the "Roadway Worker Protection Certification Training" administered by CapMetro. Additionally, the contractor or company must coordinate with CapMetro's' Rail Operations staff to secure an RWIC during the installation of licensed facilities.

  • Step 1: The applicant must submit a Film, Video & Photography Application and a $300 nonrefundable application fee ($30 for qualified students*), payable to CapMetro. For additional information, please see Film, Video & Photography Policy & Fees.
  • Step 2: Upon approval, the applicant will return their signed "Temporary Use Agreement for Film, Video and Photography," payment of any fees and a certificate of insurance at least 10 business days prior to the first day of film, video or photography shoot.
  • Step 3: A fully executed copy of the license agreement will be returned to the applicant. The applicant is required to receive an on-site briefing from CapMetro staff before accessing the CapMetro ROW and beginning to shoot the film, video or photography.

*Note: College students must present a school ID and a letter from their professor. High school students must present letters from their parents and from their teacher.

  • Step 1: The applicant must submit a Road Crossing Application, a $750 nonrefundable fee payable to CapMetro.
  • Step 2: After approval, the applicant will return their signed "Road Crossing License Agreement," the signed memorandum, the first year's annual fee and a certificate of insurance. A copy of the fully executed agreements will be returned to the applicant.

Trail Project within CapMetro Rail Right-of-Way

The CapMetro contacts listed below can assist you with any questions.

Rail ROW and Real Estate:

Vincent Sandoval, Director, Real Estate and Right-of-Way
Tel: 512-369-6049

Shannon Gray, Manager, Real Estate and Right-of-Way
Tel: 512-369-7735

Barbara Cote, Project Manager, Controls and Records
Tel: 512-369-6281

Barbara Price, Project Manager, Right-of-Way
Tel: 512-389-7438

Ginney Worley, Real Estate Specialist
Tel: 512-389-7554

Accounts Receivable:

Charlie Natal, Accountant II
Tel: 512-369-6261

Planning:

Nadia Barrera-Ramirez, Manager, Cross-Agency Programs for Transit and Mobility
Tel: 512-517-2244

Lockbox Address:

Remittance Address:
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
P.O. Box 736492
Dallas, TX 75373-6492

To pay by credit card, please visit:  capmetro.egovpayments.com