The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Capital Metro) in Austin, TX, opened its 15th park-and-ride facility, the Manor Park & Ride, with a commemorative grand event and ribbon-cutting ceremony Feb. 15.

“Capital Metro recognizes the explosive population growth occurring east of IH35, and the Manor Park & Ride is a great investment for the region,” said Linda S. Watson, president and chief executive officer of Capital Metro. “This facility represents another milestone in our goal to get people where they want to go, reduce traffic, and improve the quality of life for central Texans.”

The new facility in Manor, TX, with two bus shelter canopies, sits on 1.19 acres with parking space for 68 vehicles and four bicycles. It is a boarding area for Capital Metro’s Manor/Elgin Express, which connects Manor with downtown Austin employment centers and extends service east to Elgin in partnership with the Capital Area Rural Transportation System. The number of boardings on the express route has nearly doubled in the last year and tripled over the past six years.

The Manor Park & Ride is a locally funded project and part of Capital Metro’s All Systems Go! Long-Range Transportation Plan, which addresses population growth. With extensive growth forecast for eastern Travis County and beyond, the Manor Park & Ride facility is also part of a regional planning effort called Project Connect, a partnership among the area’s public transportation agencies to work together and promote environmentally friendly and sustainable transportation options.

Cutting the ribbon at Capital Metro’s Manor Park & Ride are, from left, Manor Mayor Jeff Turner; Capital Metro Board Member Beverly Silas; Capital Metro President/CEO Linda S. Watson; Capital Metro Board Member Justine Blackmore-Hlista; Elgin Mayor Marc Holm; and Capital Metro Board Member Norm Chafetz.