Austin’s New High-Frequency Bus Routes Delayed Until 2025
Residents of Austin will have to wait longer than expected for the new high-frequency bus routes that were promised as part of Capital Metro’s transit improvements. The launch of the Expo Center and Pleasant Valley bus routes, originally scheduled for the summer of 2024, has been pushed back to spring 2025 due to unforeseen delays.
Changes to Service Frequency and Vehicle Types
When the new routes finally launch, they will operate with reduced frequency. Instead of the initially promised 10-minute intervals, buses will arrive every 20 minutes during peak hours on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends. This means that commuters will have to wait twice as long as planned.
Additionally, instead of using the electric buses that were initially promised, Capital Metro will launch the new routes with diesel-powered vehicles. The agency stated that they plan to transition to electric buses once the necessary charging infrastructure is in place.
Details of the New Rapid Routes
The Rapid 837 Expo Center bus will cover a distance of 12 miles and connect the Travis County Expo Center to Republic Square, a central park and hub in downtown Austin. It will have 24 planned stops at key locations like the Delco Center, the University of Texas at Austin, and Dell Children’s Hospital.
Meanwhile, the Rapid 800 Pleasant Valley line will span 15 miles with 22 stations between Goodnight Ranch in Southeast Austin and the Mueller Neighborhood in Northeast Austin. It will serve important locations including Dove Springs Recreation Center and Austin Community College Eastview Campus.
Funding and Infrastructure Challenges
These two new bus lines are part of Project Connect, funded by higher city property taxes approved by voters in 2020. Approximately two-thirds of the construction costs will be covered by the Federal Transit Administration. However, the annual operating costs for each route are estimated at around $10 million.
Issues with Electric Bus Transition
The setbacks stem from challenges that Capital Metro has faced in transitioning to an all-electric bus fleet. The agency admitted that its goal to shift to electric buses by 2020 was based on overly optimistic expectations regarding the technology’s development. CEO Dottie Watkins noted that the charging infrastructure at park and rides plays a crucial role in operating electric buses.
Currently, Capital Metro has only 23 battery-electric buses, and an additional 87 are on order. However, about half of the current electric fleet is often unavailable due to mechanical failures. This situation has forced the agency to opt for less frequent diesel services instead of no service, according to planning director Roberto Gonzalez.
Impact on Commuters
For bus users like Darcy Frazier, the delay in implementing the new routes is frustrating. “Ooo! Real important,” she expressed, regarding the significance of 10-minute frequency for daily commuters. For her, waiting twice as long for the new routes to finally arrive is a notable inconvenience.
Future Plans and Additional Challenges
Future plans for additional Rapid routes are now on hold as Capital Metro conducts a yearlong planning process called Transit Plan 2035. This review is expected to determine the timelines for ongoing and future projects. Many residents are hoping that as the city expands its public transportation options, it will address the long-standing gaps in service to historically underinvested communities.
As residents wait for these much-anticipated routes to finally roll out next spring, many are holding onto their hopes for improved transit in Austin. “Long as it happens, I’m willing to wait,” said Frazier. The aspiration for better public transportation continues to resonate among the community while waiting for the wheels on the bus to start going round.
