38th Street to Oltorf to Yellow Jacket best and most equitable option for first phase
Today, Austin Transit Partnership announced the organization’s official Austin Light Rail staff recommendation– the 38th Street to Oltorf to Yellow Jacket option will serve as the first phase of the Austin Light Rail Implementation Plan. The recommendation is based on the professional expertise of the ATP team and partners at the City of Austin and CapMetro, but importantly, it also reflects the input and values of the community.
“The Austin Transit Partnership is proud and excited to recommend the 38th Street to Oltorf to Yellow Jacket option as we work to create a transit network that propels Austin toward becoming a city that is more affordable and connected. This option best reflects the needs and values of the Austin community and lays the best foundation for future expansions and extensions in all three directions,” Greg Canally, executive director of ATP, said. “We heard support from community and advocacy groups for this option as it provides critical connections for people, and we are proud to listen to and take into account that feedback.”
Prior to making its recommendation, ATP presented the five proposed options on March 21 to the public. This was followed by a robust, six-week long, community engagement process. During this time, ATP interacted with over 8,000 community members through 90 in-person and virtual events. Key findings of the feedback show support for the advancement of a light rail project that prioritizes ridership, connectivity and access to opportunities and also maximizes coverage and seamless integration into other transportation systems.
“For more than twenty years, Austin has tried to build a light rail system that brings our community closer together and today, we know what will be built for this community, and by this community, in this first phase of Austin Light Rail Implementation,” Mayor Kirk Watson said. “When we come together to solve big problems, we can do big things, and having a light rail system that is equitable, reliable and affordable that is built by the people of Austin, is the definition of a big thing. I look forward to advancing this recommendation and seeing the people of Austin get to work on a transformational project.”
The 38th Street to Oltorf to Yellow Jacket option is an on-street, two-line light rail that will cross Lady Bird Lake at Trinity Street. This is the most balanced option between North, East and South Austin, and will give the opportunity to connect historically underserved communities to the East, high ridership stations to the South and also connect highest ridership stations North of the river including the UT and Downtown Austin areas. Additionally, this option will leverage existing
locations that already have high-capacity public transportation users, including Metro Rapid riders.
To view ATP’s staff recommendation, please visit https://atptx.com/.
About Austin Transit Partnership
The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) is the local government corporation responsible for implementing Project Connect and leading Austin Light Rail.
ATP is responsible for the day-to-day implementation, planning, financing, execution and oversight of Austin Light Rail.
In November 2020, Austin voters approved a referendum (“Prop A”) to provide a dedicated revenue stream to fund investments in Project Connect, a program of transit improvements, including Austin Light Rail. More information on the original Proposition can be found at https://www.austintexas.gov/2020PropA
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ECPR Texas
Danielle Kaigler – 617.840.1689
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