Austin Transit Partnership selects AECOM as delivery partner for Austin Light Rail Phase 1

Dec. 20, 2024
Phase 1 of the project will introduce an approximately 10-mile light-rail system to Austin, Texas, and will feature 15 stations.

The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) has selected AECOM as its delivery partner for its Austin Light Rail Phase 1 project. Phase 1 of the project will introduce an approximately 10-mile light-rail system to Austin, Texas, and will feature 15 stations and consist of electric-powered trains, miles of new walk and bike paths lined with shade trees and will be an engine for thousands of jobs for Texas. 

The ATP notes the value of the initial four-year contract as approved by the board is for an amount not to exceed $98.5 million. The delivery partner serves as a project management/construction management team to have shared dedication to delivering Austin Light Rail through full integration with ATP and collaborative engagement with ATP’s other contractors, as well as share a solutions-oriented approach to the work. 

The Austin Light Rail is a key part of the city’s larger Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, which aims to enhance the accessibility, reliability and connectivity of Austin’s transportation network. The new rail system will link major destinations across the city, such as Lady Bird Lake, downtown Austin and the University of Texas at Austin. Future expansions are planned to extend north to major hubs and south to Austin’s airport. 

According to the ATP, AECOM will provide a wide range of professional services to support Austin Light Rail during final design, construction and the launch of service, including staff augmentation and technical assistance for program management and administration services, project controls, Federal Transit Administration support and advisory services, design and construction management and post-construction management services. 

“ATP will remain a lean organization throughout the completion of Austin Light Rail Phase 1, partnering closely with the private sector to attract top talent to successfully deliver one of the largest transit infrastructure projects underway in the nation today,” said ATP Executive Director Greg Canally. “ATP is excited to have AECOM join our team – providing global resources and deep expertise.” 

The ATP initiated the delivery partner solicitation in January, engaging with the industry for months before issuing a request for qualifications in June. 

According to the ATP, AECOM has performed some of the most significant light rail, commuter rail, intercity and heavy rail transit planning, design, construction management and program management projects in the world. Recent and current projects include the Crossrail system in London, the Ontario Line South in Toronto, Canada, and the Downtown Rail Extension project in San Francisco. 

“We are the global leader in transportation and we are proud of our partnership with ATP for Austin’s first light-rail transit system,” said AECOM President Lara Poloni. “Cities across the U.S. continue to make unprecedented investments in rail infrastructure and Austin is no exception. This critical project will transform how Austinites navigate their city, with the promise of stimulating economic growth, protecting the existing environment and promoting a sustainable future for generations to come.” 

As delivery partner, AECOM will also lead a robust technical team of subconsultants, including disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) firms. By collaborating with DBE firms, AECOM seeks to provide opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to engage in and benefit from the project’s development. 

“As Austin continues to grow into one of the most vibrant and dynamic metro areas in the U.S., Austin Light Rail holds immense promise for the city and its residents in transforming local transit connectivity,” said Chief Executive of AECOM’s Program Management Global Business Line Drew Jeter. “Our outcome-driven program management approach will leverage our expertise in global large-scale transit programs to meet the growing demand for reliable and accessible transportation benefiting the city of Austin and connecting communities.” 

AECOM is expected to begin work in January, the same month ATP will initiate procurement of final design and construction contracts valued at more than $4 billion. The contracts are expected to be awarded in 2026, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027. The ATP notes the contracts represent only a small part of the overall positive economic impact the construction of Austin Light Rail will have on the state and region. Using the Economic Impact Tool developed by the American Public Transportation Association, the design and construction of the light-rail system is projected to create or support thousands of jobs and deliver more than $30 billion in local and statewide economic impact. 

About the Author

Brandon Lewis | Associate Editor

Brandon Lewis is a recent graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lewis is a former freelance editorial assistant at Vehicle Service Pros.com in Endeavor Business Media’s Vehicle Repair Group. Lewis brings his knowledge of web managing, copyediting and SEO practices to Mass Transit Magazine as an associate editor.