New updates for Austin’s Light Rail are coming soon! Learn more about our upcoming open house on March 21 and what’s next for Project Connect:Learn more
Project Connect will expand and improve our transit network, including new light rail lines, four new MetroRapid lines, and more services across the city. Below are all of the projects that make up Project Connect.
The Project Connect Original System Map Initial Investment (August 2021) includes a zero-emissions fleet, a new light rail system and an expanded bus system with more routes. Learn more about the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) โ an independent organization that will guide Project Connect with transparency and accountability every step of the way.
Light Rail is an electric train system used in metropolitan areas. Light rail trains can travel at street level, on elevated structures or underground. The “light” in light rail refers to its smaller size, compared to larger trains that ride on more traditional tracks, such as Austin’s existing Red Line commuter rail. Light rail is part of the overall transit network, connecting people to key destinations where they live, work and play
Light rail will travel underground downtown. Operating rail service beneath the streets increases the system's on-time performance and is safer than operating at street level.
The Red Line is a regional rail service that operates from downtown Austin through Central and Northwest Austin as well as the city of Leander. The Red Line will connect to the larger system, including the Green, Blue, Orange and Gold Lines, as
well as MetroRapid and MetroBus routes.
MetroRapid provides frequent service with a limited number of stops and faster travel times. Priority lanes, transit signal priority, queue jumps, enhanced and improved stations and higher frequency are all features of MetroRapid.
MetroExpress serves suburban Austin and neighboring communities with new routes between Park & Ride locations and major employment hubs such as the Capitol Complex, downtown and the 38th Street Medical District. In addition to the areas
currently served by MetroExpress, Project Connect includes new MetroExpress service to other parts of the region, including Del Valle and Oak Hill.
Project Connect includes $300 Million in funding to ensure that the benefits of Project Connect are shared by all residents. The City of Austin manages the investment of these funds. See more information about the program.
Project Connect is working in partnership with CapMetro & the City of Austin to ensure future development near transit corridors supports the overall quality of life as well as equitable outcomes for area residents of all incomes and backgrounds.