Austin Light Rail Project Begins Work, Could Open in 2033

The Austin Transit Partnership awarded a contract for pre-construction activities for a 10-mile light rail line.

1 minute read

February 25, 2026, 6:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Rendering of light rail station with people walking around and white train pulling in with UT Austin clock tower visible in background.

Austin Transit Partnership / Light Rail

The Austin Transit Partnership awarded a contract for a light rail project that will kick off pre-construction activities on a 10-mile rail line. 

As Dan Zukowski explains in Smart Cities Dive, the project will connect the University of Texas at Austin with downtown, then cross a new bridge across Lady Bird Lake. Construction will begin in 2027 and is expected to be completed in 2033.

According to Zukowski, “The Austin Transit Partnership is negotiating with a prospective vendor for the light rail’s operations and maintenance facility. It has also opened a request for proposals to procure the light-rail vehicles.”

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 in Smart Cities Dive

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