View source for CapMetro Rail

{{About|the CapMetro Rail hybrid rail system in Greater Austin, Texas|other uses|Metrorail (disambiguation){{!}}Metrorail}}
{{Short description|Hybrid rail system in Austin, Texas}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox public transit
| box_width = 
| name = CapMetro Rail
| image = Lakeline metrorail station 2014.jpg
| imagesize = 275px
| caption = CapMetro Rail train at [[Lakeline station]]
| owner = [[CapMetro|Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]
| transit_type = [[Hybrid rail]]
| lines = 
| stations = 10<ref name="stats" />
| ridership = {{American transit ridership|TX Austin CR daily}} ({{American transit ridership|dailydate}}){{American transit ridership|dailycitation}}
| annual_ridership = {{American transit ridership|TX Austin CR annual}} ({{American transit ridership|annualdate}}){{American transit ridership|annualcitation}}
| website = {{URL|capmetro.org/metrorail}}
| locale = [[Greater Austin]], Texas, U.S.
| began_operation = March 22, 2010<ref name="am-statesmen 5mar2010">{{Cite news |last=Wear |first=Ben |date=March 5, 2010 |title=MetroRail to begin service March 22 |work=[[Austin American-Statesman]] |url=http://www.statesman.com/news/local/metrorail-to-begin-service-march-22-323160.html |access-date=January 2, 2011}}</ref>
| operator = Herzog Transit Services
| vehicles = 10 [[Stadler GTW]]<ref name="stats" />
| train_length = 
| headway = 30–40 minutes (peak), 60 minutes (off-peak)
| system_length = {{convert|32|mi|km|abbr=on}}<ref name="stats" />
| track_gauge = {{track gauge|ussg|allk=on}}
| minimum_radius_of_curvature = 
| el = 
| map =  {{Red Line (CapMetro)}}
| map_name = Route diagram
| map_state = collapsed
| end = [[Downtown station (CapMetro Rail)]]
| character = 
| chief_executive = 
| alt = 
| start = [[Leander station]]
| line_number = 1
| area served = 
| top_speed = {{convert|60|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
}}

'''CapMetro Rail''' is a [[hybrid rail]] ([[light rail]] with some features similar to [[commuter rail]]) system that serves the [[Greater Austin]] area in Texas and is owned by [[CapMetro]], Austin's primary public transportation provider. The Red Line is CapMetro's first and currently only rail line, and connects [[Downtown Austin]] with [[Austin, Texas|Austin's]] northwestern suburbs. The line operates on {{convert|32|mi|km}} of existing [[freight rail transport|freight]] tracks, and serves 10 stations.<ref name="stats">{{Cite web |date=2013 |title=Fast Facts |url=http://www.capmetro.org/facts/ |access-date=March 21, 2018 |publisher=Capital Metro}}</ref> After a series of delays, CapMetro Rail was inaugurated in March 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Capital MetroRail |url=http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/capital-metrorail.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524051914/http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/capital-metrorail.shtml |archive-date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=January 4, 2011 |publisher=Capital Metro}}</ref> CapMetro added Friday evening and Saturday afternoon and evening regularly scheduled service on March&nbsp;23, 2012. In {{American transit ridership|annualdate}}, the line had a ridership of {{American transit ridership|TX Austin CR annual}}, or about {{American transit ridership|TX Austin CR daily}} per weekday as of {{American transit ridership|dailydateasof}}.

Several proposals to construct new tracks running through the densest areas of the city have been put forward over the years. Austin voters chose not to commit funds towards the construction of a light rail system in 2000 and 2014 but did do so in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=2020 Election Results: Austin Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Transit-Related Ballot Measures |url=https://www.kut.org/politics/2020-11-03/2020-election-results-austin-voters-overwhelmingly-approve-transit-related-ballot-measures |website=kut.org |publisher=KUT 90.5 |access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref> Since then, CapMetro has been planning new rail lines as part of the [[Project Connect]] plan. Construction of the [[Orange Line (CapMetro)|Orange]] and [[Blue Line (CapMetro)|Blue]] light rail lines would bring rail service to the western half of Downtown, the [[University of Texas at Austin]], and the city's [[Austin–Bergstrom International Airport|airport]]. The [[Green Line (CapMetro)|Green Line]] would operate similarly to the Red Line, operating on existing freight tracks between Austin, [[Manor, Texas|Manor]], and [[Elgin, Texas|Elgin]].

== History ==

=== Early urban rail efforts ===
Advocates of modern [[urban rail]] began calling on the [[Austin, Texas|city of Austin]] to develop a passenger rail system at the height of the [[1970s energy crisis]]. When voters approved CapMetro's creation in 1985, the agency was seen not only as the new operator of local [[public transport bus service|bus services]] but as the developer of a future passenger rail as well. The next year, CapMetro partnered with the City of Austin to purchase the {{convert|162|mi|adj=mid}} [[Giddings, Texas|Giddings]]-to-[[Llano, Texas|Llano]] [[Austin and Northwestern Railroad]] (A&NW) from the [[Southern Pacific Transportation Company]] with the express purpose of someday operating passenger rail on it.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Werner |first=George C. |title=Austin and Northwestern Railroad |url=https://tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/eqa12 |access-date=January 2, 2011 |publisher=Handbook of Texas Online}}</ref> The purchase price was $9.3&nbsp;million, of which $6&nbsp;million came from a grant from the [[Federal Transit Administration]], $0.6&nbsp;million came from the City of Austin and $2.7&nbsp;million came from CapMetro. On May&nbsp;20, 1998,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Short Line Railroads |url=https://www.uprr.com/customers/shortline/lines/awrr.shtml |access-date=April 10, 2018 |website=Union Pacific}}</ref> CapMetro acquired the City of Austin's share in the railroad for $1&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharp |first=John |date=July 1998 |title=Public Transit, Public Trust: A Performance Review of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority |url=http://www.window.state.tx.us/tpr/capmet/chpt7.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601210412/http://www.window.state.tx.us/tpr/capmet/chpt7.htm |archive-date=June 1, 2014 |access-date=April 10, 2018 |website=Window on State Government |agency=Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts}}</ref>

During the 1990s, CapMetro 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 a referendum on light rail. In response, CapMetro drew up an ambitious plan for a $1.9&nbsp;billion, {{convert|52|mi|adj=mid}} system to be funded by federal funds and local sales taxes. The 2000 proposal's 14-mile "starter segment" would have used the A&NW's right-of-way through Austin from a [[Howard station (CapMetro Rail)|station at Howard Lane]] south to [[Crestview station|another at the Lamar / Airport intersection]], then followed Lamar south to Guadalupe Street, and finally run along Guadalupe to serve the university and Downtown. Future phases would have extended passenger rail service along the entire A&NW right-of-way between Downtown and a [[Leander station]], plus new tracks along South Congress Avenue and Riverside Drive.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clark-Madison |first=Mike |date=October 13, 2000 |title=The Facts So Far: Light Rail |work=Austin Chronicle |url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid:78940 |access-date=January 2, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Same as It Ever Was |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2000-10-13/78938/ |access-date=28 August 2023 |work=Austin Chronicle}}</ref>

The 2000 proposal was narrowly defeated by 2,000 votes, receiving support from 49.6% of voters; most of central Austin voted in favor whereas suburban and exurban areas within the service area voted against.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Ryan |date=December 2007 |title=Light Rail Election Results |url=http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/files/Planning/Demographics/Rail_2000.pdf |access-date=September 14, 2021 |website=City of Austin}}</ref>

=== Red Line and Downtown station ===
[[File:Downtown MetroRail station.JPG|thumb|Old image of Downtown station, the southern terminus (2009)]]
CapMetro came back in 2004 with a significantly scaled-down version of its 2000 plan that it hoped voters in [[Travis County, Texas|Travis County]] and [[Williamson County, Texas|Williamson County]] would find more palatable.<ref name="little engine">{{Cite news |last=Clark-Madison |first=Mike |date=November 4, 2004 |title=The Little Engine That Did |work=[[The Austin Chronicle]] |url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/story?oid=oid:236053 |access-date=January 4, 2011}}</ref> Rather than a comprehensive network of electric light rail vehicles, CapMetro proposed a single diesel-fueled commuter rail line which would use the A&NW track between Downtown and Leander. The corridor was chosen for the first line after CapMetro'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]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vess |first=Jessica |date=March 5, 2010 |title=Capital Metro rail to open March 22 |work=KVUE Television |url=http://www.kvue.com/news/local/Volunteer-Riders-Board-Capital-Metro-Rail-86617892.html |url-status=dead |access-date=January 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311102113/http://www.kvue.com/news/local/Volunteer-Riders-Board-Capital-Metro-Rail-86617892.html |archive-date=March 11, 2012}}</ref> 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 2004 version was approved by 62% of voters in the service area.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Voters Choose Light Rail |date=November 3, 2004 |publisher=Capital Metro |url=http://www.capmetro.org/news/news_detail.asp?id=208 |access-date=January 2, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725141611/http://www.capmetro.org/news/news_detail.asp?id=208 |archive-date=July 25, 2011 |author=Capital Metro}}</ref>

The organization at the time said they could have the system built by 2008 for a cost of $60&nbsp;million, and borrow $30&nbsp;million for six train cars to be paid back over a period of years. About $30&nbsp;million of that cost, they said, would come from the federal government. However, CapMetro never officially sought the federal money and revealed in 2010 it has spent $105&nbsp;million on the system's construction, not $90&nbsp; million as originally suggested. Additionally, the original 2008 launch date for CapMetro Rail was postponed two years due to multiple safety and construction issues.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wear |first=Ben |date=March 21, 2009 |title=Rail Opening on Indefinite Hold |work=Austin American-Statesman |url=http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/03/21/0321capmetro.html |url-status=dead |access-date=March 31, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090324033125/http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/03/21/0321capmetro.html |archive-date=March 24, 2009}}</ref> Service on CapMetro Rail finally began on March&nbsp;22, 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wear |first=Ben |date=March 22, 2010 |title=Challenges remain as MetroRail finally leaves station |work=[[The Austin American-Statesman]] |url=http://www.statesman.com/news/local/challenges-remain-as-metrorail-finally-leaves-station-416331.html |access-date=March 22, 2010 |archive-date=March 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100325101812/http://www.statesman.com/news/local/challenges-remain-as-metrorail-finally-leaves-station-416331.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On June&nbsp;26, 2014, [[TxDOT]] awarded CapMetro with a $50&nbsp;million grant for the purchase of four new rail cars, which was anticipated to double capacity, and for general improvements to the Downtown MetroRail station.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Denney |first=Amy |date=June 25, 2014 |title=TxDOT awards Capital Metro $50 million for MetroRail expansion |url=http://impactnews.com/austin-metro/northwest-austin/txdot-to-award-capital-metro-50-million-for-metrorail-expansion/ |url-status=dead |access-date=July 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714063357/http://impactnews.com/austin-metro/northwest-austin/txdot-to-award-capital-metro-50-million-for-metrorail-expansion/ |archive-date=July 14, 2014}}</ref>
[[File:Capital Metro Downtown Station (October 18, 2020).jpg|thumb|Downtown station after the remodeling and construction (2020)]]
By 2015, [[CapMetro]] had taken the first steps in the planning of a permanent [[Downtown station (CapMetro Rail)|downtown station]].<ref name="City of Austin">{{Cite web |date=July 25, 2014 |title=Capital Metro, Project Connect: Gateway Stake Holder's Workshop 2 |url=http://www.austintexas.gov/edims/document.cfm?id=217239 |access-date=September 27, 2015 |publisher=City of Austin}}</ref> Although the estimates for cost of the proposed terminal were $30–35&nbsp;million, $22&nbsp;million of this sum came directly from a Texas Department of Transportation grant awarded to CapMetro in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 27, 2014 |title=Capital Metro Awarded $50 Million by TxDOT for MetroRail Improvements |url=http://www.capmetro.org/news-item.aspx?id=3749 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928052359/http://www.capmetro.org/news-item.aspx?id=3749 |archive-date=September 28, 2015 |access-date=September 27, 2015 |publisher=Capital Metro |location=Austin, Texas}}</ref> Proponents of the station asserted that it will not only alleviate the congestion problems associated with the current downtown MetroRail terminal, but also serve as a cultural hub wherein future residents and visitors can easily access many current and potential amenities, including but not limited, to additional transit systems, shopping, and recreational activities.<ref name="City of Austin" /> The new permanent Downtown station opened on October&nbsp;19, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Downtown Station Redevelopment |url=https://www.capmetro.org/downtownstation |access-date=2020-10-18 |website=Capital Metro |language=en}}</ref>

=== 2014 vote ===
CapMetro continued planning for a light rail network running between neighborhoods of Austin's urban core. After the failure of the system proposed in 2000, by 2014 CapMetro had settled on a new, more easterly proposed routing: 9.5 miles through South Austin along Riverside, through Downtown and UT along Trinity and San Jacinto, and north along Red River and Airport to ACC Highland. In November 2014, when asked to approve $600 million in bonds to be repaid by property taxes to fund the system, Austin-area voters again rejected light rail, with only 43% voting in favor.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bernier |first1=Nathan |title=This is Project Connect's $1.4 Billion Proposal for Austin Urban Rail |url=https://www.kut.org/transportation/2014-05-02/this-is-project-connects-1-4-billion-proposal-for-austin-urban-rail |access-date=28 August 2023 |work=KUT 90.5 |date=May 2, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Austin's Rail and Roads Bond Defeated |url=https://www.kut.org/transportation/2014-11-04/austins-rail-and-roads-bond-defeated |work=KUT 90.5 |date=November 4, 2014}}</ref>

=== Project Connect approval and planning === 

The third light rail proposal drafted by CapMetro and submitted to voters was far more elaborate than the first two. Planners returned to a core concept of the 2000 proposal: a north-south line running west of UT and Downtown along Lamar and Guadalupe, then along South Congress Avenue south of Downtown. However, numerous other elements were also included in the November 2020 ballot proposition, bringing  
the total estimated cost of Project Connect to $7.1 billion, of which $5.8 billion would pay for the 20-mile light rail system. An east-west [[Blue Line (CapMetro)|Blue Line]] running along Riverside to the airport was planned to connect with the [[Orange Line (CapMetro)|Orange Line]] downtown, where both would run through a 1.6 mile [[Project Connect#Downtown Transit Tunnel|tunnel]] expected to provide improved speed, reliability, and capacity compared to an on-street line.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Proposed CapMetro project includes subway system in Downtown Austin|url=https://www.kvue.com/article/traffic/capmetro-project-connect-austin-traffic-light-rail-tunnel/269-a69d207c-c68b-4fd9-b584-208eb8769bb2|access-date=2020-08-18|website=kvue.com|date=March 6, 2020|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Jankowski|first=Philip|title=Cap Metro recommends downtown subway system in multibillion-dollar light rail system|url=https://www.statesman.com/news/20200306/cap-metro-recommends-downtown-subway-system-in-multibillion-dollar-light-rail-system|access-date=2020-08-18|website=Austin American-Statesman|language=en}}</ref> A [[Gold Line (CapMetro)|Gold Line]] [[Bus Rapid Transit]] line reusing the 2014 east-of-downtown route, a [[Green Line (CapMetro)|Green Line]] along CapMetro-owned freight tracks to [[Manor, Texas|Manor]] and [[Elgin, Texas|Elgin]] and new bus park-and-rides throughout the city rounded out the plan to sway voters beyond the reach of the planned light rail. Voters ultimately approved, by 58%, the increase in property taxes proposed to help fund the system.<ref>{{cite web |title=2020 Election Results: Austin Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Transit-Related Ballot Measures |url=https://www.kut.org/politics/2020-11-03/2020-election-results-austin-voters-overwhelmingly-approve-transit-related-ballot-measures |website=kut.org |publisher=KUT 90.5 |access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref> 

After voter approval, the engineering and design of the light rail system continued. By 2022, the cost estimate to fully implement the original Project Connect plan had increased to $10.3 billion due to increased property acquisition prices, inflation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and scope changes to the original design. In particular, flood mitigation concerns, a [[Texas Capitol View Corridors|Capitol View Corridor]], and community engagement had combined to double the downtown tunnel's length to 4.2 miles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Donham |first1=Madi |title=Inflation, tunnel issues blamed for Project Connect's estimated cost jump by $4.5 billion |url=https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2022/05/02/project-connect-infrastructure-transportation-plan-tax-increase-austin-texas-tx-voters/7406076001/ |access-date=18 November 2023 |work=Austin American-Statesman |date=2 May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bernier |first1=Nathan |title=Inflation and design changes are pushing the cost of Project Connect over $10 billion |url=https://www.kut.org/transportation/2022-04-08/inflation-and-design-changes-are-pushing-the-cost-of-project-connect-over-10-billion |website=kut.org |publisher=KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station |access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref>      

The most recent version of the project, approved by the Austin City Council in June 2023, no longer includes a downtown tunnel after it was eliminated to reduce costs down to $4.5 billion and advance the project more quickly. Trains will initially run along 9.8 miles of dedicated street lanes, with the full system to be constructed once additional funds are available.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bernier |first1=Nathan |title=Project Connect recommendation revealed: Light-rail would stretch 10 miles at street level |url=https://www.kut.org/transportation/2023-05-23/austin-project-connect-recommendation-light-rail-10-miles-street-level |website=kut.org |publisher=KUT Radio, Austin's NPR Station |access-date=18 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Moreno-Lozano |first=Luz |date= June 2, 2023 |title=$7.1 billion light rail plan OK'd by Austin City Council |url=https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2023/06/02/austin-project-connect-city-council-approve-light-rail-line-plan/70278087007/ |newspaper=[[Austin American-Statesman]] |access-date=November 18, 2023 }}</ref>  

== Operation ==
[[File:Comal Street Austin 400-300 Block South View.jpg|350px|thumb|MetroRail train crossing Comal Street]]

The CapMetro Rail system currently consists of the Red Line, {{convert|32|mi}} of track that connects [[Leander, Texas|Leander]] and the [[Austin Convention Center]] in [[Downtown Austin]]. The line also passes through [[Cedar Park, Texas|Cedar Park]], northwest Austin, north-central Austin, and east Austin. The annual cost to operate the Red Line is $14.3&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wear |first=Ben |date=January 17, 2011 |title=Midday rail runs might add riders, but at what cost? |pages=B01 |work=Austin American-Statesman |url=http://www.statesman.com/news/local/midday-rail-service-may-attract-more-riders-but-1190237.html}}</ref>

On January 18, 2011, CapMetro added 13 additional midday trains to the previously limited schedule, as well as increased runs during peak hours. Additionally, the organization will run trains on a regular schedule Friday and Saturday starting March&nbsp;23, 2012. In addition to the normal Friday schedule, trains will run hourly from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am and every 35 minutes from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am on Saturday.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Capital MetroRail: Schedules |url=http://capmetroblog.com/2012/03/01/weekend-rail-service-every-weekend-beginning-march-23/ |access-date=March 1, 2012 |publisher=Capital Metro}}</ref> Before beginning the regularly scheduled Friday and Saturday service CapMetro ran weekend service for special events, such as the SXSW festival.

=== Red Line ===
Currently, the CapMetro Rail system consists only of the '''Red Line''', which is alternately designated as '''Route 550''' on internal CapMetro documents. Its 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 machine|ticket vending machines]] (TVM), bike racks, and informational displays. Its nine stations were constructed largely along existing [[freight train|freight rail]] tracks in cooperation with the [[City of Austin]] following a [[transit-oriented development]] (TOD) plan intended to encourage the use of [[public transportation]] by developing [[mixed-use]] residential and commercial areas around the stations. Frequencies are expected to improve to 15 minutes after double tracking is completed between Lakeline and Leander.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Graham |first1=Benton |title=Capital Metro launches MetroRail project to add second track between Lakeline and Leander stations |url=https://communityimpact.com/austin/cedar-park-leander/transportation/2021/09/30/capital-metro-launches-metrorail-project-to-add-second-track-between-lakeline-and-leander-stations/ |access-date=13 December 2021 |agency=Community Impact |date=September 30, 2021}}</ref> The following Red Line stations are listed north to south:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Capital MetroRail Stations |url=http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/capital-metrorail-stations.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524052410/http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/capital-metrorail-stations.shtml |archive-date=May 24, 2011 |access-date=January 2, 2011 |publisher=Capital Metro}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
! Station
! County
! Connections
|-
|[[Leander station|Leander]] || rowspan="2" |[[Williamson County, Texas|Williamson]] || [[CapMetro Bus]] 985, 987
|-
|[[Lakeline station|Lakeline]] ||  MetroBus 214, 383, 985, 987
|-
|[[Howard station (CapMetro Rail)|Howard]] || rowspan="8" |[[Travis County, Texas|Travis]] || MetroBus 50, 243
|-
|[[Kramer station|Kramer]] || MetroBus 392, 466
|-
|[[McKalla station|McKalla]] || 
|-
|[[Crestview station|Crestview]] || MetroBus 1, '''7''', '''300''', 350, '''801''' ([[CapMetro Rapid]])
|-
|[[Highland station (CapMetro Rail)|Highland]] || MetroBus '''7''', 324, 337, 350 (at [[Highland Mall]] transit hub)
|-
|[[MLK Jr. station (CapMetro Rail)|MLK Jr.]] || MetroBus '''18''', 465
|-
|[[Plaza Saltillo station|Plaza Saltillo]] ||
|-
|[[Downtown station (CapMetro Rail)|Downtown]] || MetroBus '''2''', '''4''', 6, '''7''', '''10''', '''17''' (walking distance)
|}
[[File:Leander1.jpg|thumb|CapMetro GTW at Leander station, the northern terminus]]
Though trains are available past midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, the last train leaving downtown Monday through Thursday is at 7:20 pm.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2021 |title=Red Line Schedule |url=https://www.capmetro.org/current_schedules/pdf/550.pdf |url-status=live |access-date=January 14, 2021 |website=Capital Metro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813011919/http://www.capmetro.org:80/current_schedules/pdf/550.pdf |archive-date=August 13, 2012 }}</ref>

== Rolling stock ==
{{multiple image
| direction         = vertical
| width             = 165
| footer            = 
| image1            = Austin Capital MetroRai gif.gif
| alt1              = 
| caption1          = CapMetro Rail approaching Plaza Saltillo station
| image2            = Capital MetroRail Red Line approaching Lakeline Station, Austin, Texas..jpg
| alt2              = 
| caption2          = CapMetro Rail Red Line approaching Lakeline station
}}

In September 2005, [[Stadler Rail]] won a bid to build six<ref name="stats" /> [[Stadler GTW]] [[Diesel-electric transmission|diesel-electric]] [[Railcar#Multiple-unit and articulated railcars|light regional railcars]] for the system.<ref name="stadler_rail">{{Cite press release |title=Stadler Wins Commuter Rail Car Award with Capital Metro |date=September 23, 2005 |publisher=Stadler |url=http://www.stadlerrail.com/en/news/2005/09/23/stadler-wins-commuter-rail-car-award-with-capital-/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426214545/http://www.stadlerrail.com/en/news/2005/09/23/stadler-wins-commuter-rail-car-award-with-capital-/ |archive-date=April 26, 2014}}</ref> Each of the vehicle's capital costs is about $6&nbsp;million, and they run on two {{convert|375|kW|adj=on}} diesel–electric traction generators for {{convert|750|kW}} total. They are {{convert|9|ft|8|in|m}} wide and {{convert|134|ft|m}} long. In 2017, CapMetro received 4 new GTW trainsets from Stadler for the MetroRail Red Line.<ref name="New Trains 2017">{{Cite web |last=Capital Metro |date=March 22, 2017 |title=Our New Trains Have Arrived! |url=https://capmetroblog.com/2017/03/22/our-new-trains-have-arrived/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926170551/https://capmetroblog.com/2017/03/22/our-new-trains-have-arrived/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=April 5, 2020 |website=Capital MetroBlog |language=en}}</ref> These new trains expanded the fleet from 6 to 10 units, and allowed CapMetro to increase the frequency of the Red Line. The new trains feature a slightly tweaked paint scheme (to better match the MetroBus paint scheme), LED destination displays instead of the flip-dot displays found on the older units, and an updated engine car design that features a rounded top rather than the angled top found on the older units. The units originally purchased in 2005 are numbered 101–106 and the newer units purchased in 2014 are numbered 201–204.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority – CPTDB Wiki |url=https://cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Capital_Metropolitan_Transportation_Authority |access-date=2020-07-02 |website=cptdb.ca}}</ref>

The vehicles have a capacity of 200 passengers, 108 seated and 92 standing. The trains have priority seating areas (fully [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990|ADA]] compliant) for wheelchair users. A "VIP section" with room for laptop use with Internet access is also included. Bike racks, luggage racks, high back racks, and low floor entry for easy access are all features of what CapMetro calls the safest and most technologically advanced trains in North America. Internet access is provided via 3G cellular-based service. CapMetro is currently{{when|date=July 2022}} researching upgrading access to 4G but is dependent on the carrier offering a commercial-grade product that will work with CapMetro's devices.<ref name="WiFI Information">{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2010 |title=Vehicle Information |url=http://capmetroblog.com/2010/10/15/whats-up-with-the-trains-wi-fi/ |publisher=Capital Metro}}</ref>  For safety, the vehicles have ten cameras outside and six inside, as well as a sophisticated communications system.<ref name="Vehicle Information">{{Cite web |date=March 25, 2008 |title=Vehicle Information |url=http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/capital-metrorail-vehicles.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517075903/http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/capital-metrorail-vehicles.shtml |archive-date=May 17, 2008 |publisher=Capital Metro}}</ref>
<gallery class="center">
File:Insidemetrorail.jpg|Inside MetroRail GTW train
File:Metroraildoor.jpg|Door of MetroRail GTW train
File:Bikerack.jpg|Bicycle rack on MetroRail GTW train
File:Metrorailseats.jpg|Seats on MetroRail GTW train
</gallery>

== Planned expansions ==
{{Main|Project Connect}}
{{CapMetro Rail lines}}
Any potential expansion would require another [[referendum]] in the CapMetro service area to secure funding. CapMetro's All Systems Go Plan includes a study into potential future service. Below are a few expansions which are either in the planning process or otherwise being actively considered.

=== Passing tracks ===
Construction was recently completed on a new passing siding between Park St. and Discovery Blvd. along the northernmost portion of the Red Line in Leander. This siding, along with various other improvements, will allow the Red Line to run 15-minute frequencies for the first time in its history, more than doubling the current maximum frequency of ~37 minutes. Construction on the siding was completed in November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://communityimpact.com/austin/cedar-park-leander/transportation/2023/03/20/capital-metro-adds-second-train-track-between-lakeline-station-and-leander-station/|title=Capital Metro adds second train track between Lakeline Station and Leander Station|first=Zacharia|last=Washington|date=March 20, 2023|website=Community Impact}}</ref>

=== MoKan Corridor ===
CapMetro has plans to build a new rail line along the abandoned MoKan railway line, which is owned by TxDOT,<ref>{{Cite web |title=MetroRail Expansion |url=http://www.capmetro.org/railexpansion/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308175054/https://www.capmetro.org/railexpansion/ |archive-date=8 March 2016 |access-date=November 7, 2020 |website=Capital Metro}}</ref>{{primary source inline|date=November 2020}} to Georgetown, Round Rock, and Pflugerville.

=== MetroRail Red Line additional stations ===
As part of [[Project Connect]], CapMetro has built a new station along the Red Line, at {{stn|McKalla}} (adjacent to the [[Austin FC stadium|Austin FC soccer stadium]]). A second station is proposed for {{stn|Broadmoor}} ([[The Domain (Austin, Texas)|The Domain]]).<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 14, 2019 |title=Austin may help CapMetro add train stations near Domain, new soccer stadium |agency=Austin Business Journal |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2019/11/14/austin-may-help-capital-metro-add-train-stations.html |access-date=November 5, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2019 |title=Long Term Vision Plan |url=https://www.capmetro.org/uploadedFiles/New2016/ProjectConnect/Project_Connect_Vision_2018/PCON-Vision-Plan-190215.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509030829/https://www.capmetro.org/uploadedFiles/New2016/ProjectConnect/Project_Connect_Vision_2018/PCON-Vision-Plan-190215.pdf |archive-date=May 9, 2019 |website=CapMetro}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2016 |title=Red Line Long-Term Investments |url=https://capmetro.org/uploadedFiles/New2016/ProjectConnect/Resources/Project_Background/Corridors_and_Services/Red_Line_Long-Term_Flipbook_032818.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509032437/https://capmetro.org/uploadedFiles/New2016/ProjectConnect/Resources/Project_Background/Corridors_and_Services/Red_Line_Long-Term_Flipbook_032818.pdf |archive-date=May 9, 2019 |website=CapMetro}}</ref> When completed these would replace the existing Kramer station.

=== CapMetro Green Line ===
{{Main|Green Line (CapMetro)}}
In September 2008, [[CapMetro]] evaluated the need for rail service to alleviate pressure from congestion downtown to Colony Park, with a potential extension to [[Elgin, Texas|Elgin]]. 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 with similar service characteristics as the Red Line, as it would also run on existing freight tracks with schedule adjustments made 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 Pleasant Valley; more new stations will be at Springdale, East US 183, Loyola/Johnny Morris, and Colony Park. A potential future extension beyond Colony Park with new stations at Wildhorse, Manor, and [[Elgin, Texas|Elgin]].<ref name="PC_Serv">{{Cite web |date=June 10, 2020 |title=System Plan: Initial Investment |url=https://www.capmetro.org/docs/default-source/project_connect/home-page/project-connect-initial-investment-servicelevelmap.pdf?sfvrsn=e2688db5_2 |access-date=2021-09-14 |website=Capital Metro}}</ref> The Green Line will be built from Downtown to Colony Park first, with the extension to Elgin considered at a later time. In December 2008, a presentation, and then a follow-up, were given to the CAMPO Transit Work Group about the Green Line. In May 2018, the Travis County Commissioners Court voted 3–2 to move forward with a viability study of the Green Line.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pritchard |first=Caleb |date=May 29, 2018 |title=Commissioners Court goes for Green Line |work=Austin Monitor |url=https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2018/05/commissioners-court-goes-for-green-line/ |access-date=November 4, 2020}}</ref>

=== CapMetro Orange Line ===
{{Main|Orange Line (CapMetro)}}
[[File:NorthLamarTransitCenter.JPG|thumb|[[North Lamar Transit Center]], planned northern terminus of the Orange and Blue light rail lines]]
A contract was approved for the Orange Line on March&nbsp;20, 2019. The Orange Line is a planned {{convert|20|mi|adj=mid}} [[light rail]] line that will run in a dedicated transitway, which will allow it to bypass the traffic that plagues the corridor it follows. The Orange Line will operate from North Lamar Transit Center to Stassney & Congress, and will follow the current route of the 801 or a similar alignment. The stations will be North Lamar Transit Center, Crestview (where a transfer to the Red Line will be possible), Koenig, Triangle, Hyde Park (38th), Hemphill Park (29th), UT West Mall (24th), Capitol West, Government Center, Republic Square, Auditorium Shores, SoCo, Oltorf, St. Edward's, South Congress Transit Center, and Stassney.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cicale |first=Nicholas |date=March 25, 2019 |title=Capital Metro approves contract for Orange Line preliminary engineering work |url=https://communityimpact.com/austin/northwest-austin/top-stories/2019/03/25/capital-metro-approves-contract-for-orange-line-preliminary-engineering-work/ |website=Community Impact}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Marloff |first=Sarah |date=April 12, 2019 |title=Project Connect Unveils Cap Metro's Orange Line |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2019-04-12/project-connect-unveils-cap-metros-orange-line/ |website=Austin Chronicle}}</ref> A potential future extension north to Tech Ridge and south to Slaughter is being considered. The new stations would be at Tech Ridge, Parmer, Braker, Rundberg, William Cannon, and Slaughter. In 2020, the planned route was truncated in length to reduce construction costs, with [[Rail replacement bus service|bus bridges]] providing connectivity through the rest of the corridor.<ref name=RTS2020 />

=== CapMetro Blue Line ===
{{Main|Blue Line (CapMetro)}}
The Blue Line is a planned {{convert|15|mi|adj=mid}} [[light rail]] line that will operate from North Lamar Transit Center to [[Austin–Bergstrom International Airport]]. It will follow the Orange Line's route from North Lamar Transit Center to Republic Square, and will follow the current route of MetroBus route 20 or a similar alignment to Austin–Bergstrom International Airport. New stations will be North Lamar Transit Center, Crestview (where a transfer to the Red Line will be possible), Koenig, Triangle, Hyde Park (38th), Hemphill Park (29th), UT West Mall (24th), Capitol West, Government Center, Republic Square, Downtown Station, Macc/Rainey, Waterfront, Travis Heights, Lakeshore, Riverside, Faro, Montopolis, Metrocenter, and Austin–Bergstrom International Airport.<ref name=PC_Serv />

=== CapMetro Gold Line ===
{{Main|Gold Line (CapMetro)}}
The Gold Line is a planned {{convert|9.5|mi|adj=mid}} [[bus rapid transit]] line that would operate from [[Austin Community College]]'s Highland campus to the South Congress Transit Center park-and-ride, and will travel on Airport, Red River, San Jacinto/Trinity, 7th/8th, Neches/Red River, 4th, Riverside, and South Congress. Stations will be ACC Highland, Clarkson, Hancock, St. David's, UT East, Medical School, Capitol East, Trinity, Downtown Station (where transfer to the Red, Green, or Blue Lines will be possible), Republic Square, Auditorium Shores, SoCo (South Congress), Oltorf, St. Edward's, and South Congress Transit Center.<ref name=PC_Serv /> The Gold Line was changed to [[light rail]] in May 2020, citing a demographic that showed an increased projected ridership along the gold line that prompted its conversion to light rail.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Salazar |first=Daniel |date=May 11, 2020 |title=Third train line proposed in Project Connect mass transit plan for Austin |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2020/05/11/capital-metro-another-train-proposed-gold-line.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 22, 2021 |website=The Business Journals|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716000416/https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2020/05/11/capital-metro-another-train-proposed-gold-line.html |archive-date=July 16, 2021 }}</ref> In July 2020, planning for the line was reverted to bus service to lower construction costs in response to the economic crisis caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref name="RTS2020">{{Cite news |last=Willson |first=Bill |date=July 23, 2020 |title=Part of Cap Metro's show-stopping transit plan gets the hook |website=RT&S |url=https://www.rtands.com/rail-news/part-of-cap-metros-show-stopping-transit-plan-gets-the-hook/ |access-date=July 27, 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907111318/https://www.rtands.com/rail-news/part-of-cap-metros-show-stopping-transit-plan-gets-the-hook/ |archive-date=September 7, 2020}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Commons category|Capital MetroRail (Austin)}}
* [[Tram-train]]
* [[Commuter rail in North America]]
* [[List of United States commuter rail systems by ridership]]
* [[List of rail transit systems in the United States]]
* [[Stadler GTW]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{Attached KML |display=title,inline}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060322180623/http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/ CapMetro: All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan]

{{CapMetro}}
{{CapMetro stations}}
{{Austin}}
{{USCommRail}}

[[Category:Capital Metro]]
[[Category:Light rail in Texas]]
[[Category:Passenger rail transportation in Texas]]
[[Category:Rail transportation in Austin, Texas]]
[[Category:Commuter rail in the United States]]
[[Category:Transportation in Williamson County, Texas]]
[[Category:Transportation in Travis County, Texas]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 2010]]