Capital MetroRail
Encyclopedia
Capital MetroRail is a commuter rail system that serves the Greater Austin
, Texas
, area and which is owned by the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
. The Red Line, Capital Metro's first and only rail line, connects Downtown Austin
with Austin's
northern suburbs. The line operates on 32 miles of existing freight tracks, and consists of nine stations. After a series of delays, Capital MetroRail was inaugurated in March 2010.
Daily ridership during the first nine months was approximately 800 riders per weekday, although it had doubled to 1,600 by its first anniversary. Capital Metro added additional runs during midday beginning in mid-January 2011. It hoped to have limited weekend service in operations by mid-year.
to develop a passenger rail system at the height of the 1970s energy crisis
. When voters approved Capital Metro's creation in 1985, the agency was seen not only as the new operator of local bus services
, but the developer of a future passenger rail as well. The next year, Capital Metro partnered with the City of Austin to purchase the 162-mile Giddings
-to-Llano
Austin and Northwestern Railroad
on which the Red Line currently operates from the Southern Pacific Transportation Company with the express purpose of someday operating passenger rail on it.
During the 1990s, Capital Metro faced persistent bad publicity that resulted from dysfunctional management and poor accountability. After years of inaction on passenger rail, the Texas Legislature
in 1997 stepped in and ordered the public transport provider
to hold an up-or-down referendum on light rail. In response, Capital Metro drew up an ambitious plan for a $1.9 billion, 52-mile system that included a north-south Red Line and and an east-west Green Line.
The 2000 proposal was narrowly defeated by 2,000 votes, with most of central Austin voting in favor and suburban and exurban areas within the service area voting against the referendum. Capital Metro came back in 2004 with a significantly scaled-down version its of 2000 plan that it hoped voters in Travis County
and Williamson County
would find more palatable. The 2004 version was approved by 62% of voters in the service area. MetroRail was presented to voters as part of the All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan, which also included expanded local and express bus service. The Red Line, originally known as the Downtown/Northwest Urban Commuter Rail Service line, approved by voters was seen as a starter line that would be become part of a potential comprehensive passenger rail system in the Greater Austin
area. The corridor was chosen for the first line after Capital Metro's Board identified the following areas as probable areas for future growth: the Highland Mall
area, the master-planned Mueller Community
redevelopment project, as well as the central business district, extending from the University of Texas at Austin
to Lady Bird Lake.
The organization at the time said they could have the system built by 2008 for a cost of $60 million, and borrow $30 million for six train cars to be paid back over a period of years. About $30 million of that cost, they said, would come from the federal government. However, Capital Metro never officially sought the federal money and revealed in 2010 it has spent $105 million on the system's construction, not $90 million as originally suggested. Additionally, the original 2008 launch date for Capital MetroRail was postponed two years due to multiple safety and construction issues.
Service on Capital MetroRail finally began on March 22, 2010. because of safety issues and construction delays. On December 9, 2009, Capital Metro terminated its contract with Veolia Transportation and renegotiated a contract with Herzog Transit Services.
and the Austin Convention Center
in Downtown Austin
. The line also passes through Cedar Park
, northwest Austin, north-central Austin, and east Austin. The annual cost to operate the RedLine is $14.3 million.
Although it provides a commuter rail service, MetroRail uses tram-train
operation, with semi-frequent services and street running
in the downtown portions of the city. The system is not considered light rail
, because it shares the main-line tracks used by freight trains, and because of its infrequent rush hour
-focused service. Capital Metro on January 18, 2011 MetroRail added 13 additional midday trains to the currently limited schedule, as well as increasing runs during peak hours. Additionally, the organization added some experimental weekend trains March 5, 2011.
s (TVM), bike racks, and informational displays. Its nine stations were constructed largely along existing freight rail
tracks in cooperation with the City of Austin following a transit-oriented development (TOD)
plan intended to encourage use of public transportation by developing mixed-use residential and commercial areas around the stations. The following Red Line stations are listed north to south:
won a bid to build six Stadler GTW
diesel-electric light regional railcars for the system. Each of the vehicle's capital costs is about $6 million, and they run on 2 x 375 kW (510 Hp) = 750 kW (1020 Hp) diesel-electric engines. They are 9 feet, 8 inches (2.95 m) wide and 134 feet (41 m) long.
The vehicles have a capacity of 200 passengers, 108 seated and 92 standing. The trains have priority seating areas (fully ADA
compliant) for wheelchairs. A "VIP section" with room for laptop use with WiFi access is also included. Bike racks, luggage racks, high back racks, and low floor entry for easy access are all features of what Capital Metro calls the safest and most technologically advanced trains in North America. WiFi is provided by cellular based 3G service. Capital Metro is currently researching upgrading access to 4G speeds, but is dependent on the cell carrier offering a commercial grade product that will work in Capital Metro's devices. For safety, the vehicles have ten cameras outside and six inside, as well as a sophisticated communications system.
in the Capital Metro service area to secure funding. Capital Metro's All Systems Go Plan includes a study into potential future service. Two lines that are identified as well-fit for regional rail service are: TxDOT
's abandoned MoKan Corridor and a freight line from Downtown to Manor
. Any future expansion would require another referendum.
. To fix this problem, CapMetro decided to plan for adding another rail line to their service, or the Green Line. The Green Line would operate the same as the Red Line, as it would run on existing freight rails with adjustments made to them to allow for passenger rail service.
Trains would depart the red line and begin to head east in between the red line stations MLK Jr. and Plaza Saltillo, where the first stop would be a shared station with the potential Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Commuter Rail Connector. The route would then continue on to four more stations, the last of which would be in Elgin
. This is where the line would end. In December 2008, a presentation, and then a follow-up, were given to the CAMPO Transit Work Group about the Green Line.
. The northern terminus could potentially intersect with the planned San Antonio-Austin commuter rail line. This expansion would help extend service into northeast Austin and the suburbs of Pflugerville and Round Rock.
Greater Austin
Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos is a five-county metropolitan area in the US state of Texas, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget. The metropolitan area straddles on the eastern edge of the and is situated in Central Texas....
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, area and which is owned by the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or Capital Metro, is a public transportation provider located in Austin, Texas. It operates bus, paratransit services and a commuter rail/light rail system known as Capital MetroRail for Austin and several suburbs in Travis and Williamson counties...
. The Red Line, Capital Metro's first and only rail line, connects Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin is the central business district of Austin, Texas. Downtown is located on the north bank of the Colorado River. The approximate borders of Downtown include Lamar Boulevard to the west, 11th Street and sometimes Martin Luther King, Jr...
with Austin's
Austin, Texas
Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of :Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in...
northern suburbs. The line operates on 32 miles of existing freight tracks, and consists of nine stations. After a series of delays, Capital MetroRail was inaugurated in March 2010.
Daily ridership during the first nine months was approximately 800 riders per weekday, although it had doubled to 1,600 by its first anniversary. Capital Metro added additional runs during midday beginning in mid-January 2011. It hoped to have limited weekend service in operations by mid-year.
History
Advocates of modern urban rail began calling on the city of AustinAustin, Texas
Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of :Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in...
to develop a passenger rail system at the height of the 1970s energy crisis
1970s energy crisis
The 1970s energy crisis was a period in which the major industrial countries of the world, particularly the United States, faced substantial shortages, both perceived and real, of petroleum...
. When voters approved Capital Metro's creation in 1985, the agency was seen not only as the new operator of local bus services
Public transport bus service
Bus services play a major role in the provision of public transport. These services can take many forms, varying in distance covered and types of vehicle used, and can operate with fixed or flexible routes and schedules...
, but the developer of a future passenger rail as well. The next year, Capital Metro partnered with the City of Austin to purchase the 162-mile Giddings
Giddings, Texas
Giddings is the county seat of Lee County, Texas, United States situated on the intersection of U.S. Highways 77 and 290, east of Austin. Its population was 5,105 at the 2000 census. The city's motto is "Giddings Texas: Experience Hometown Hospitality"....
-to-Llano
Llano, Texas
-History:Llano County was established in compliance with a February 1, 1856, state legislative act. The Llano River location was chosen in an election held on June 14, 1856, under a live oak on the south bank of the river, near the present site of Roy Inks Bridge in Llano...
Austin and Northwestern Railroad
Austin and Northwestern Railroad
The Austin and Northwestern Railroad began construction on a rail line west of Austin, Texas, USA, toward Llano on April 20, 1881. The railroad was originally built as a narrow gauge line with plans to connect to the Texas and Pacific Railway at Abilene...
on which the Red Line currently operates from the Southern Pacific Transportation Company with the express purpose of someday operating passenger rail on it.
During the 1990s, Capital Metro faced persistent bad publicity that resulted from dysfunctional management and poor accountability. After years of inaction on passenger rail, the Texas Legislature
Texas Legislature
The Legislature of the state of Texas is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Texas. The legislature is a bicameral body composed of a 31-member Senate and a 150-member House of Representatives. The Legislature meets at the Capitol in Austin...
in 1997 stepped in and ordered the public transport provider
Public transport
Public transport is a shared passenger transportation service which is available for use by the general public, as distinct from modes such as taxicab, car pooling or hired buses which are not shared by strangers without private arrangement.Public transport modes include buses, trolleybuses, trams...
to hold an up-or-down referendum on light rail. In response, Capital Metro drew up an ambitious plan for a $1.9 billion, 52-mile system that included a north-south Red Line and and an east-west Green Line.
The 2000 proposal was narrowly defeated by 2,000 votes, with most of central Austin voting in favor and suburban and exurban areas within the service area voting against the referendum. Capital Metro came back in 2004 with a significantly scaled-down version its of 2000 plan that it hoped voters in Travis County
Travis County, Texas
As of 2009, the U.S. census estimates there were 1,026,158 people, 320,766 households, and 183,798 families residing in the county. The population density was 821 people per square mile . There were 335,881 housing units at an average density of 340 per square mile...
and Williamson County
Williamson County, Texas
Williamson County is a county located on both the Edwards Plateau to the west, consisting of rocky terrain and hills, and Blackland Prairies in the east consising of rich, fertile farming land, The two areas are roughly bisected by Interstate 35...
would find more palatable. The 2004 version was approved by 62% of voters in the service area. MetroRail was presented to voters as part of the All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan, which also included expanded local and express bus service. The Red Line, originally known as the Downtown/Northwest Urban Commuter Rail Service line, approved by voters was seen as a starter line that would be become part of a potential comprehensive passenger rail system in the Greater Austin
Greater Austin
Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos is a five-county metropolitan area in the US state of Texas, as defined by the Office of Management and Budget. The metropolitan area straddles on the eastern edge of the and is situated in Central Texas....
area. The corridor was chosen for the first line after Capital Metro's Board identified the following areas as probable areas for future growth: the Highland Mall
Highland Mall
Highland Mall, is a shopping mall located in north Austin, Texas, on Airport Boulevard west of I-35 and north of US Route 290. Opened in 1971, Highland Mall was Austin's first suburban shopping mall...
area, the master-planned Mueller Community
Mueller Community
The Mueller Community is a Planned Unit Development in the northeast central portion of the city of Austin, Texas, USA. The project is being developed on the former site of the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, which was closed in 1999 upon the opening of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport...
redevelopment project, as well as the central business district, extending from the University of Texas at Austin
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is a state research university located in Austin, Texas, USA, and is the flagship institution of the The University of Texas System. Founded in 1883, its campus is located approximately from the Texas State Capitol in Austin...
to Lady Bird Lake.
The organization at the time said they could have the system built by 2008 for a cost of $60 million, and borrow $30 million for six train cars to be paid back over a period of years. About $30 million of that cost, they said, would come from the federal government. However, Capital Metro never officially sought the federal money and revealed in 2010 it has spent $105 million on the system's construction, not $90 million as originally suggested. Additionally, the original 2008 launch date for Capital MetroRail was postponed two years due to multiple safety and construction issues.
Service on Capital MetroRail finally began on March 22, 2010. because of safety issues and construction delays. On December 9, 2009, Capital Metro terminated its contract with Veolia Transportation and renegotiated a contract with Herzog Transit Services.
Operation
The Capital Metrorail system currently consists of Red Line, 32 miles of track that connects LeanderLeander, Texas
Leander is a city in Williamson and Travis counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 7,596 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2008 estimates the population is now 25,424...
and the Austin Convention Center
Austin Convention Center
The Neal Kocurek Memorial Austin Convention Center is a multi-purpose convention center located in Austin, Texas, USA. The building is the home of the Texas Rollergirls, and was also home to the Austin Toros basketball team, until their move to the Cedar Park Center in nearby Cedar Park in 2010.The...
in Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin is the central business district of Austin, Texas. Downtown is located on the north bank of the Colorado River. The approximate borders of Downtown include Lamar Boulevard to the west, 11th Street and sometimes Martin Luther King, Jr...
. The line also passes through Cedar Park
Cedar Park, Texas
Cedar Park is a city in Travis and Williamson counties in the U.S. state of Texas. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the population is 48,937. The city is a major suburb of Austin, the center of which is approximately to the southeast, although Austin directly borders Cedar Park at the latter's...
, northwest Austin, north-central Austin, and east Austin. The annual cost to operate the RedLine is $14.3 million.
Although it provides a commuter rail service, MetroRail uses tram-train
Tram-train
A tram-train is a light-rail public transport system where trams run both on an urban tramway network and on main-line railways to combine the tram's flexibility and availability and the train's greater speed...
operation, with semi-frequent services and street running
Street running
On-street running or street running is when a railroad track or tramway track runs directly along city streets, without any separation. The rails are embedded in the road....
in the downtown portions of the city. The system is not considered light rail
Light rail
Light rail or light rail transit is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems...
, because it shares the main-line tracks used by freight trains, and because of its infrequent rush hour
Rush hour
A rush hour or peak hour is a part of the day during which traffic congestion on roads and crowding on public transport is at its highest. Normally, this happens twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening, the times during when the most people commute...
-focused service. Capital Metro on January 18, 2011 MetroRail added 13 additional midday trains to the currently limited schedule, as well as increasing runs during peak hours. Additionally, the organization added some experimental weekend trains March 5, 2011.
The Red Line
The Red Line's northern terminus is the Leander Station and Park & Ride and the southern terminus is the Downtown (Convention Center) Station. Each station features an accessible platform with varying canopy designs, ticket vending machineTicket machine
A ticket machine, also known as a ticket vending machine , is a vending machine that produces tickets. For instance, ticket machines dispense train tickets at railway stations and tram tickets at some tram stops and in some trams...
s (TVM), bike racks, and informational displays. Its nine stations were constructed largely along existing freight rail
Freight train
A freight train or goods train is a group of freight cars or goods wagons hauled by one or more locomotives on a railway, ultimately transporting cargo between two points as part of the logistics chain...
tracks in cooperation with the City of Austin following a transit-oriented development (TOD)
Transit-oriented development
A transit-oriented development is a mixed-use residential or commercial area designed to maximize access to public transport, and often incorporates features to encourage transit ridership...
plan intended to encourage use of public transportation by developing mixed-use residential and commercial areas around the stations. The following Red Line stations are listed north to south:
- Leander Station and Park & RideLeander (Capital MetroRail station)Leander is a Capital MetroRail commuter rail station and park and ride in Leander, Texas. The park and ride portion of it was built in 2007 and is located on Highway 183 just north of FM 2243 and is the northern terminus of the Red Line...
- Lakeline Station and Park & RideLakeline (Capital MetroRail station)Lakeline is a Capital MetroRail commuter rail station in Austin, Texas, located at the corner of Lakeline Boulevard and Lyndhurst Streets. It also is co-located with the Lakeline Park and Ride and serves Lakeline Mall which is a mile away...
- Howard Station and Park & RideHoward (Capital MetroRail station)Howard is a Capital MetroRail commuter rail station in Austin, Texas. It is located in Northwest Austin at the corner of Howard Lane and MoPac Expressway.-External links:* *...
- Burnet/Kramer StationKramer (Capital MetroRail station)Kramer is a Capital MetroRail commuter rail station in Austin, Texas. It is located in Northwest Austin near the corner of Kramer and Braker Lanes. At 1 mile walking distance, Kramer is the closest station to The Domain , a major high-density business, retail, and residential center.-External...
- Crestview StationCrestview (Capital MetroRail station)Crestview is a Capital MetroRail commuter rail station in Austin, Texas. It is located at the edge of the Crestview neighborhood of North Austin, at the corner of Airport and North Lamar Boulevards...
- Highland StationHighland (Capital MetroRail station)Highland is a Capital MetroRail commuter rail station in Austin, Texas. It is located in Northeast Austin on Airport Boulevard just northwest of the I-35/Highway 290 interchange directly across the street from Highland Mall.-External links:* *...
- MLK, Jr. StationMLK, Jr. (Capital MetroRail station)MLK, Jr. is a Capital MetroRail commuter rail station in Austin, Texas. It was built with a musical theme in mind and is located in East Austin at the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr...
- Plaza Saltillo StationPlaza Saltillo (Capital MetroRail station)Plaza Saltillo is a Capital MetroRail commuter rail station in Austin, Texas. It is located in East Austin at the corner of Fifth and Comal Street near the Plaza Saltillo complex which, in turn, was built in 1998 as a result of a collaborative effort between the city of Austin, the city of...
- Downtown/Convention Center StationDowntown (Capital MetroRail station)Downtown is a Capital MetroRail commuter rail station in Austin, Texas. It is located in Downtown Austin at the corner of Fourth and Neches Street behind the Austin Convention Center. It is the current southern terminus of the Red Line.Construction began in August 2008 and concluded in November...
Rolling stock
In September 2005, Stadler RailStadler Rail
Stadler Rail AG , based in Bussnang, Switzerland, is a Swiss manufacturer of rail passenger cars.In 1942 Ernst Stadler founded the Stadler Engineering Office which later became Stadler Rail.- Factories :...
won a bid to build six Stadler GTW
Stadler GTW
The Stadler GTW, sold by Stadler Rail of Switzerland, is an articulated railcar for local transport. GTW stands for Gelenktriebwagen .-Description:...
diesel-electric light regional railcars for the system. Each of the vehicle's capital costs is about $6 million, and they run on 2 x 375 kW (510 Hp) = 750 kW (1020 Hp) diesel-electric engines. They are 9 feet, 8 inches (2.95 m) wide and 134 feet (41 m) long.
The vehicles have a capacity of 200 passengers, 108 seated and 92 standing. The trains have priority seating areas (fully ADA
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a law that was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1990. It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, and later amended with changes effective January 1, 2009....
compliant) for wheelchairs. A "VIP section" with room for laptop use with WiFi access is also included. Bike racks, luggage racks, high back racks, and low floor entry for easy access are all features of what Capital Metro calls the safest and most technologically advanced trains in North America. WiFi is provided by cellular based 3G service. Capital Metro is currently researching upgrading access to 4G speeds, but is dependent on the cell carrier offering a commercial grade product that will work in Capital Metro's devices. For safety, the vehicles have ten cameras outside and six inside, as well as a sophisticated communications system.
Future expansions
Any potential expansion would require another referendumReferendum
A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new constitution, a constitutional amendment, a law, the recall of an elected official or simply a specific government policy. It is a form of...
in the Capital Metro service area to secure funding. Capital Metro's All Systems Go Plan includes a study into potential future service. Two lines that are identified as well-fit for regional rail service are: TxDOT
Texas Department of Transportation
The Texas Department of Transportation is a governmental agency in the U.S. state of Texas. Its stated mission is to "work cooperatively to provide safe, effective and efficient movement of people and goods" throughout the state...
's abandoned MoKan Corridor and a freight line from Downtown to Manor
Manor, Texas
Manor is a city in Travis County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area. The population was 1,204 at the 2000 census; it was 1,877 in the 2005 census estimate. The approximate population for the City of Manor is 5,500, which is calculated from the number of...
. Any future expansion would require another referendum.
Capital Metro Green Line
In September 2008, Capital Metro evaluated the need for rail service to alleviate pressure from congestion downtown to as far east as the town of ElginElgin, Texas
Elgin is a city in Bastrop and Travis Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 5,700 at the 2000 census. By 2005, the population grew to an estimated 8,689...
. To fix this problem, CapMetro decided to plan for adding another rail line to their service, or the Green Line. The Green Line would operate the same as the Red Line, as it would run on existing freight rails with adjustments made to them to allow for passenger rail service.
Trains would depart the red line and begin to head east in between the red line stations MLK Jr. and Plaza Saltillo, where the first stop would be a shared station with the potential Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a mixed-use commercial airport located southeast of the central business district of Austin, Texas, United States. It covers and has two runways and three helipads.The airport began passenger service on May 23, 1999...
Commuter Rail Connector. The route would then continue on to four more stations, the last of which would be in Elgin
Elgin, Texas
Elgin is a city in Bastrop and Travis Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 5,700 at the 2000 census. By 2005, the population grew to an estimated 8,689...
. This is where the line would end. In December 2008, a presentation, and then a follow-up, were given to the CAMPO Transit Work Group about the Green Line.
MoKan corridor
This line's southern terminus would be near the Red Line's Plaza Saltillo Station or closer to Walter E. Long Municipal Park, depending on where Capital Metro locates it. The north end would be well into Round Rock, near Dell DiamondDell Diamond
The Dell Diamond is the home stadium of the Round Rock Express, the AAA minor league baseball affiliate of the Texas Rangers major league baseball team...
. The northern terminus could potentially intersect with the planned San Antonio-Austin commuter rail line. This expansion would help extend service into northeast Austin and the suburbs of Pflugerville and Round Rock.
See also
- Tram-trainTram-trainA tram-train is a light-rail public transport system where trams run both on an urban tramway network and on main-line railways to combine the tram's flexibility and availability and the train's greater speed...
- Commuter rail in North AmericaCommuter rail in North AmericaCommuter rail services in the United States, Canada, and Mexico provide common carrier passenger transportation along railway tracks, with scheduled service on fixed routes on a non-reservation basis primarily for short-distance travel between a central business district and adjacent suburbs and...
- List of rail transit systems in the United States
- Stadler GTWStadler GTWThe Stadler GTW, sold by Stadler Rail of Switzerland, is an articulated railcar for local transport. GTW stands for Gelenktriebwagen .-Description:...