CapMetro officials say they wanted to start providing connectivity even though buses won’t run as frequently as planned.
After a two-year delay, Austin’s CapMetro launched limited service on two new Rapid bus routes last weekend, with buses running every 20 to 30 minutes.
As Nathan Bernier explains in Austin Monitor, “CapMetro views this ‘introductory service’ as a way to offer increased connectivity in areas historically deprived of transit while working to get the full service up and running.”
The service will start and end at temporary stations until the adjacent park-and-ride lots are ready. CapMetro says full service, which will see buses running every 10 minutes, should begin in 12 to 18 months.
While the agency originally planned to use electric buses, a lack of charging infrastructure held back that part of the project, which now operates with diesel buses. “CapMetro’s planned switch to a Tap-to-Pay fare system, originally scheduled for March, is also facing delays. The agency says getting certification to conduct those transactions wirelessly is taking longer than expected, and could push back the rollout by one to two months or more.”
FULL STORY: Austin’s new CapMetro Rapid lines debut with buses every 20 minutes
Austin’s Project Connect Funding Safe for 2025
The light rail project is moving ahead with plans to finalize its environmental impact review by late 2025.
Can Better Transit Get Austinites Out of Cars?
The city's ambitious transit plan will bring light rail and bus connections to more areas of the city.
Coming Soon to Austin: More Electric Buses, Two New High-Frequency Lines
Austin's transit agency is accelerating its move toward an all-electric fleet with the addition of 200 new electric buses.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service