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The Source for Public Transportation News and Analysis February 7, 2014
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Capital Metro Launches BRT in Austin, TX

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Capital Metro) in Austin, TX, introduced service on its MetroRapid Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line on Jan. 27. The 43-station, 21-mile line is the first of two BRT routes; the second, with 34 additional stations, is scheduled to open later this year.

Once both routes are operational, they will share several stops through downtown ­Austin and near the University of Texas. The lines also connect with existing MetroRail and MetroBus stations.

“Our incredible team has accomplished so much ­during the past four years to introduce this convenient, premium service to Austin,” said Linda S. Watson, Capital Metro ­president and chief executive officer. “There’s a lot of great buzz about MetroRapid, and we’re excited to bring this new transit experience to our ­rapidly growing community.”

Almost 200 Capital Metro staff members and volunteers spent the first week of service at MetroRapid stations and on board vehicles, answering passenger questions, demonstrating the new mobile ticketing app, and helping riders plan their trips.

The stations are spaced up to one mile apart, in proximity to bus routes and two MetroRail stations. Features of each station include a canopy with lighting, a digital message board showing next vehicle arrival time, and additional signing and furnishings.

The agency operates only 60-foot-long articulated vehicles on the new route, enough to hold 101 passengers. The new buses offer three extra-wide doors, fully padded seats, extra headroom, higher ceilings, LED lighting, front racks that will hold up to three bicycles, and free Wi-Fi. Metro Rapid service will operate every 10-12 minutes during weekday peak periods, every 12-20 minutes other weekday times, and 20-30 minutes on weekends.

FTA has committed $38 million to Capital Metro for both MetroRapid lines—about 80 percent of the total $47.6 million project—through its Capital Investment (Small Starts) Grant Program. The remainder was funded by state and local sources.

The opening ceremonies featured tours of a MetroRapid bus, app demonstrations, and live music. 

Speakers and dignitaries at Capital Metro’s MetroRapid BRT launch celebration, from left: Capital Metro board members Chris Riley and John Langmore, Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Capital Metro President/CEO Linda S. Watson, Capital Metro Board Chair Mike Martinez, FTA Region 6 Regional Administrator Robert Patrick, and Capital Metro board member Norm Chafetz.

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