Austin’s Project Connect, which includes the Austin Light Rail, is progressing with several milestones reached and more developments expected in the coming years. The status of the project was discussed at Movability’s annual breakfast held at St. Edward’s University on February 4. Movability is Central Texas’ transportation management association, focused on promoting affordable mobility solutions to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Guest speakers Dottie Watkins, president & CEO of CapMetro, and Jennifer Pyne, executive vice president of Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), provided updates on Project Connect. According to Pyne, “The Austin Light Rail Project received a Record of Decision just a couple weeks ago, which is a huge milestone for us. [A Record of Decision marks the end of the environmental impact statement process for projects seeking federal funding, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act.] We’re seeking federal funding to build the light rail project, and there’s a few key requirements. This is one of them. It is the culmination of a two-year process that included lots of public engagement and really moving the preliminary design to the place where it is right now.”
Pyne explained that receiving this decision allows ATP to advance further with design work and utility relocation: “It’s really a green light to take the project to the next level, to do further design, to really advance the work. We are in a position to start to do utilities relocation. So, it’s really moving to the next phase.”
On securing federal funds for construction under the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program, Pyne said: “It’s a multi-year process where you have to step through a number of gates along the way. So, we are actively in coordination with the FTA, and we’ll continue to be so for probably another 18 to 24 months towards finally having a grant agreement.” She added that construction activities could begin in 2027.
Watkins described CapMetro’s role as closely aligned with ATP: “CapMetro has been working hand-in-glove with ATP this whole time to get us through the process… As the future operator of the system, we’re really focused on ‘How do we not have to fix that problem later?’” She emphasized integration between new rail lines and existing transit services: “The light rail system doesn’t work if it doesn’t integrate well with the rest of the transit network… Our board approved our Transit Plan 2035 in fall… that really looked at that integration.”
Regarding procurement plans for 2026, Pyne stated: “This is a big year for ATP with solicitations… We are looking to bring on two teams for final design and construction… We also are actively in a solicitation with [rail]car builders… We’re looking to award those contracts within first half of 2026.”
For future expansions beyond current endpoints such as 38th Street or toward Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA), both officials noted community interest and logistical opportunities related to airport access. Watkins said: “We have two priority extensions… One up from 38th Street up Crestview; one from Yellowjacket Lane out airport… It has become glaringly obvious that community preference is airport.” Pyne added: “There are probably different funding opportunities for it… The best time…is when we can coordinate it together.”
Watkins also reported progress on Rapid Routes 800 and 837: “A year ago we launched an initial service… but we don’t quite have all infrastructure built… We have seen those routes already perform well…” She expects Park & Ride facilities supporting these lines will be operational by mid-year or end-of-summer.
Addressing concerns about local businesses during construction phases, Pyne said: “Absolutely… we’ve been very active in working with all bidders… One thing we’re being very thoughtful about this year is how do we support those businesses before and during construction…”
Movability supports employers during these transitions by offering consulting services at no cost.
The City of Austin manages an annual budget exceeding $5 billion while employing over 16,000 staff members across various departments (official website). The city promotes diversity and inclusion as core values (official website) while maintaining historic sites like Oakwood Cemetery within its park system (official website). Service ratings remain high compared with other large cities (official website), reflecting ongoing efforts toward sustainable development (official website).
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