Austin’s Project Connect, the city’s large-scale transit improvement initiative, is making progress with its Austin Light Rail component and other related projects. At Movability’s annual breakfast on February 4 at St. Edward’s University, updates were provided by Dottie Watkins, president and CEO of CapMetro, and Jennifer Pyne, executive vice president of Austin Transit Partnership (ATP).
Movability serves as Central Texas’ transportation management association and collaborates with individuals and organizations to support mobility solutions that address congestion and promote safety in the region.
Jennifer Pyne reported a recent milestone for Project Connect: “The Austin Light Rail Project received a Record of Decision just a couple weeks ago, which is a huge milestone for us. [A Record of Decision marks the end of the environmental impact statement process for projects seeking federal funding, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act.] We’re seeking federal funding to build the light rail project, and there’s a few key requirements. This is one of them. It is the culmination of a two-year process that included lots of public engagement and really moving the preliminary design to the place where it is right now.”
Pyne further explained what this means for the project: “It’s really a green light to take the project to the next level, to do further design, to really advance the work. We are in a position to start to do utilities relocation. So, it’s really moving to the next phase.”
Regarding federal funding steps, Pyne said: “We are pursuing grant funding under the New Starts program. That is a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) long-standing program that is made to support these sorts of major capital investments. It’s a multi-year process where you have to step through a number of gates along the way. So, we are actively in coordination with the FTA, and we’ll continue to be so for probably another 18 to 24 months towards finally having a grant agreement.
We would expect to start some construction activities in 2027. We’re bringing on some of our key partners, the construction contractors and the final designers, coming on this year. We will be identifying a vehicle manufacturer later this year and getting ready to actually turn dirt.”
Dottie Watkins described CapMetro’s role: “CapMetro has been working hand-in-glove with ATP this whole time to get us through the process. We have been supporting ATP and really making sure that as we look to what is being built, how is that going to fit within the existing city, and also, most importantly, how is it going to fit within our existing transit network? Are we designing it to be as efficient as possible when it’s time to operate? As the future operator of the system, we’re really focused on ‘How do we not have to fix that problem later?’
The light rail system doesn’t work if it doesn’t integrate well with the rest of the transit network. I think the majority of our focus right now is looking at ‘Okay, great, we now know what we’re going to build.’ We know its footprint; we know kind of how all of those pieces are going to look. How does everything around it work to support the light rail and vice versa? Our board approved our Transit Plan 2035 in the fall, and that was the first of our transit plans that really looked at that integration of the light rail and bus system.”
Pyne outlined upcoming Requests for Proposals: “This is a big year for ATP with solicitations. We are in three active ones right now. We are looking to bring on two teams for final design and construction. One for essentially—the light rail track systems and stations—and another team specifically for operations and maintenance facilities. We also are actively in solicitation with [rail]car builders…We’re looking award those contracts within first half 2026.”
On end-of-line facilities at 38th Street: “Our intention…is that we keep going [north beyond 38th Street]. The whole premise here is that this 10 miles is first piece an expandable system…there will be some parking…accommodations multimodal connections transfers…bike share as well bus…operator facilities,” said Pyne.
When asked about extending service toward Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: Watkins stated: “We have two priority extensions…to get us from 38th Street up Crestview one Yellowjacket Lane out airport…It has become glaringly obvious community preference airport.
I think there’s just so much emotional psychological win you get people who might only ever ride your system one time year…Or who might never do it but they tell Aunt Betsy when she comes town she should ride…We need their support too.”
Pyne added: “It’s trip people can see themselves taking even if don’t see themselves commuting on transit…I think we’re opportunity moment airport…probably different funding opportunities…and also can take advantage all expansion work airport right now…the best time doing this work when coordinate together.”
Watkins noted plans under Transit Plan 2035 include upgrading Route 350 (Airport Boulevard route) into high-frequency service directly serving airport.
Watkins discussed progress on CapMetro Rapid Routes 800/837—part Project Connect—stating initial service began last year despite incomplete infrastructure but full Park & Ride station completion expected mid-year allowing both routes run every ten minutes using battery-electric buses.
On business outreach during construction Pyne said: “Absolutely…Over last year or two we’ve been very active working all bidders hold events make connections between local businesses small businesses…
One thing we’re being thoughtful about year how do support those businesses before during construction impacts experience…engaged needs assessment right now think about different programs want place during construction…want very much tailored Austin…done lot homework cities across country what’s successful not so much…starting series meetings outreach make sure tailoring what businesses community needs.”
Movability plays an ongoing role through partnerships such as participating in federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant efforts led by City of Austin. They help employers maintain access during infrastructure changes by offering free consulting services aimed at supporting multimodal transportation options.
The City of Austin oversees operations supported by more than $5 billion budget and over 16,000 staff members. The city focuses on sustainable development goals and inclusion, maintaining historic parks like Oakwood Cemetery and Zilker Botanical Garden, while consistently receiving high ratings among large cities for municipal services.
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