New Rapid Bus Lines Begin “Introductory Service” in Austin

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.”