The Capital Metro board voted Oct. 26, to move forward with several key regional mobility initiatives that will give riders expanded options and more flexibility in their daily commutes. Projects include improvements to MetroRail, plans for a new Park & Ride facility, and an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Pflugerville to increase transportation options for the city.
“We work every day to increase connections and convenience in our region,” said Capital Metro President/CEO Linda Watson. “Today’s board vote is a demonstration of our ability and commitment to implement important mobility projects in the region to keep people moving.”
The board approved $2.2 million in federal TIGER V funds to upgrade the existing fleet of six rail cars to maintain compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations. Capital Metro is also in the process of other rail infrastructure improvements, including purchasing four additional rail cars to increase frequency and capacity on the Red Line and the construction of a new, larger downtown train station, both funded by a $50 million TxDOT grant. In addition, a TIGER grant is currently being used to add more sidings, which will help improve frequency, and make signal and bridge improvements. MetroRail ridership continues to grow, with more than 3.4 million rides given since service began in 2010.
Capital Metro also has plans to expand and add new Park & Rides, one of the most important regional tools the agency employs to foster mobility around the perimeter of the city. The board voted Monday to move forward with plans for a proposed new bus transit center and Park & Ride facility to service southwest Austin commuters. The agency is also in the process of nearly doubling the current available parking at the Lakeline Park & Ride, and will add parking spaces to the Howard Park & Ride lot. Park & Rides see heavy commuter use weekdays, and also during special events such as SXSW, Formula 1, ACL and the Pecan Street Festivals.
“I am excited about the potential new Park & Ride, which would add to transportation options in south Austin,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler. “Improving mobility in all parts of Austin is one of our top priorities.”
In addition to Capital Metro service area improvements, the board approved a resolution allowing Capital Metro staff to pursue an interlocal agreement (ILA) with Pflugerville to create a Transit Development Plan (TDP). Though Pflugerville is not currently in the Capital Metro service area, helping communities outside the service area is important to improving overall regional mobility.
