Service Changes

Routine, and at times unexpected changes occur to roads, businesses and communities,  these sometimes affect the transit system. And every year, how our riders use our buses and trains shifts in small ways. We respond by regularly reviewing these changes and then making adjustments as needed.

In an effort to improve service and respond to any changes in the city, CapMetro adjusts service every January, June and August.

Service changes allow us to modify existing route alignments, schedules, bus stops and facilities in order to improve overall service. CapMetro is efficient with its resources, and allocates them accordingly based on ridership trends and route productivity.

Service changes occur tri-annually to coincide with local school calendars. Typically, major changes are implemented in August and minor changes are implemented in January and June.

The service change process spans 6 to 8 months and includes the following steps:

  • Proposal development
  • Community involvement
  • Board approval
  • Schedule development
  • Infrastructure
  • Customer information
  • Implementation

The Service Guidelines and Standards provides an impartial and objective set of criteria by which services can be assessed and informed decisions made regarding transit resource allocation. This document is a policy tool that reflects the mission and goals of CapMetro. It is is a living document, and will be reviewed at least every other year with the CapMetro board of directors.

The first section of the Service Guidelines and Standards contains guidelines for the general design of the overall transit system. This section also lays out guidelines for service characteristics, including the service span and frequency. Guidelines are to be used with some flexibility but reflect the intent of CapMetro in service design and delivery.

The second section describes the standards for service evaluation. This section lays out the methodology by which existing fixed route services are evaluated and how poorly performing routes are identified. This methodology is to be applied rigorously and consistently in determining the performance of individual routes.

Download the Service Guidelines and Standards and Transit Design Guide: Standards and Best Practices.