Projects
Austin Light Rail
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) – an independent organization that will guide Project Connect with transparency and accountability every step of the way.
Light Rail
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
Transit Underground
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.
Red Line
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.
Green Line
New regional rail service will connect downtown to East Austin’s Colony Park.
MetroRapid
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
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.
Anti-Displacement Funding
Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD)
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.
Pickup
New neighborhood zones for Circulators. On-demand pickup and drop-off to locations within certain neighborhoods.
Park & Rides
9 new Park & Rides and 1 Transit Center
Customer Technology
New Smart Tools will provide customers with everything they need to plan, pay and go.
