The Capital City is moving one step closer to implementing light rail.

Austin Transit Partnership shared a number of updates on Project Connect's light rail in its January progress report — let's dive into the future of public transportation in ATX.

What is Project Connect?

Project Connect is a multi-billion dollar overhaul of Austin’s public transit system, which was approved by voters in 2020. Constructing light rail is a large part of the plan, but it also includes expanding and optimizing CapMetro's other transportation systems.

Austin's light rail system will be fully electric. | Rendering courtesy ATP and WAX

What's new to report?

Construction is poised to begin in two years, with the first light rail line scheduled to open in 2033. Once complete, the rail will run every five-to-10 minutes across 10 miles and 15 stations stretching from Downtown to south and east Austin.

The new report noted that ATP is working to secure as much federal funding as possible for the project, which is expected to cost upwards of $7 billion: the largest sum of money Texas transit organizations have ever sought.

Zoom in on Phase One

Airport access will likely not be included in the initial build, but is planned shortly after. | Map courtesy ATP

The first light rail is still in the design phase until 2026. Plans include stations on 38th Street, down East Riverside, and to Oltorf. Once built out, extensions to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Crestview in north Austin will be the next priority.

Some of the design recommendations include:

Creating a greenway with shaded pedestrian and bike paths along East Riverside, and improving access to the ACC Riverside campus
Elevating the Waterfront Station with a bridge across Lady Bird Lake
Adding a new station Downtown at Wooldridge Square

How can I voice my thoughts?

The plan envisions adding greenery and walkable space to East Riverside. | Rendering courtesy ATP and WAX

Austinites are invited to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement until Tuesday, March 11. Here are some upcoming meetings:

Lively Middle School at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16
Baker Center Cafetorium at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22
Montopolis Rec Center Gymnasium at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25
Texas Union Quadrangle Room at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28

You can also email feedback to input@atptx.org.

Catch up on previous light rail coverage

Have a question about Project Connect and Austin light rail? Send us a message.