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7/29/2020
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Cap Metro) and Austin, Texas, City Council officials earlier this week recommended a $7 billion initial investment to begin work on Project Connect, a plan for an expanded rail and bus system in Austin.
The investment would require $3.9 billion in local funding, with Cap Metro seeking federal funding for the remaining 45 percent of the project costs, Cap Metro officials said in a press release.
Under the recommended plan, light-rail routes would connect North Lamar Transit Center and Stassney Lane (Orange Line), and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to downtown Austin (Blue Line). The Green Line would create an additional commuter-rail service to connect downtown Austin to Colony Park.
The plan also includes construction of an underground tunnel to separate the light-rail line from street traffic.
In August, the Cap Metro's board and city officials will reconvene to form an independent board to be called the Austin Transit Partnership. Cap Metro will consider a resolution for its funding commitment.
After actions in August, the City Council will decide whether to put the Project Connect investment on the November ballot for voters to consider.