Capital MetroRail Rolls Out Service in Austin, Texas

Written by jrood

On March 22, Capital Metro marked a momentous milestone as the transit agency welcomed its first passengers on Capital MetroRail, the first modern passenger rail system in Central Texas.

Capital MetroRail’s
Red Line provides commuters another option to avoid heavily-congested highways
with a smooth, reliable ride along 32-miles from Leander to Downtown Austin. Commuters
can choose from one of nine trips in the morning (six southbound and three
northbound trips) and 10 trips in the afternoon (six northbound and four
southbound trips).

During this first
week of service, March 22-26, MetroRail service is free. No tickets or passes
are required to ride MetroRail or rail connector bus routes. Valid fares will
be required beginning March 29.

MetroRail is part of
the All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan that includes expanded local and
express bus service, MetroRapid bus service, and new and improved park and ride
lots. The central Texas community helped create the transit plan and approved a
referendum in 2004 to allow Capital Metro to operate passenger rail.

On Saturday, March
27, Capital Metro will celebrate the start of passenger rail service with an
emphasis on safety. Students who have been involved in Capital Metro’s rail
safety education efforts will take a MetroRail Safety Train demonstration ride
from Leander to Downtown Station for a dedication. Student work and activities
will be recognized.

Capital Metro, the
Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and community officials along with Safety
Train students commemorated the opening of MetroRail with a ribbon-cutting
ceremony at the Downtown Station, 401 E. 4th Street.

"Austin is a
world-class city, but traffic congestion threatens our quality of life: it has
negative environmental, health and economic consequences. MetroRail is part of
our regions solution to protect our quality of life. It’s been at least five
years in the making, and it’s a great day in Austin to see MetroRail trains
carrying passengers to work and school," said Mike Martinez, Austin Mayor
Pro Tem and Capital Metro Board Chairman. "This is a historic day for
Capital Metro that will forever change the face of transportation in our
region. The addition of MetroRail brings us another step closer to providing a
premier multi-modal transit system in which our community so deserves."

Tags: