AUSTIN, TX — With the historic passage of Proposition A in November, Austin voters decided it is go-time for Capital Metro’s Project Connect. The vote for Project Connect is a step toward creating a more equitable and livable city, providing more and better ways for people to access jobs, education, health care, and new opportunities.

Beyond its expanded transit system, Project Connect will bring economic and environmental benefits that will transform Central Texas and support the growth it will continue to experience.

During a year of unprecedented challenges, Capital Metro delivered more than 8 million trips throughout the pandemic and recently opened the Downtown Station and a new electric bus-charging yard — both ahead of schedule and under budget.

This transformational plan was only possible through the collaborative efforts of Capital Metro’s partners in government and in the community, as well as a huge number of individuals throughout Central Texas.

“We now have an approved plan, a schedule, and the dedicated funding to move us to the next phase, and we remain committed to transparency as we begin building our expanded transit network,” said Randy Clarke, Capital Metro's President and CEO. “Project Connect will shape the future for generations to come.”

The Project Connect System Plan will bring a number of firsts to Austin, including a light rail system that travels under the densest part of the city, improving the speed, on-time performance, reliability, and safety of the entire system. Light rail will also connect North and South Austin, provide a direct route to the airport, cross the river before extending down South Congress, and serve East Austin and Colony Park. Expanded bus service and an all-electric fleet would include more MetroRapid, MetroExpress, and on-demand circulators — 24 new Park & Rides will provide more connections into the larger transit system.

The Austin Transportation Partnership (ATP) was created and board members elected during a joint meeting between Capital Metro and the City of Austin. The ATP will guide the Project Connect investment with transparency and accountability throughout the program.