Next steps for light rail include planning work and environmental impact study
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
AUSTIN, TEXAS — Today, the Austin Transit Partnership—an independent organization that will
build a core light rail system in Austin and was created stemming from the 2020 transit election—
unveiled five options that will meet community values and needs. ATP presented the options at a
community open house at the Austin Central Library that demonstrated a range of possibilities for
what the core system could look like, how and where it would connect people to the destinations
they need and want to visit, and what the potential system could entail.
“This is an exciting day for Austin because our city is close to building a core Austin Light Rail that
is equitable and helps our growing mobility needs,” said Greg Canally, ATP executive director.
“After decades of failing to make progress on light rail, in 2020 nearly 60% of voters sent a clear
message that they want to invest in transit and specifically, light rail. I am proud of the transparent
and data-driven process ATP has conducted over these last months to develop these options. I
encourage people to share their opinions with us because that will inform ATP’s decision-making
process as we move towards a staff recommendation in mid-May.”
The five options presented to the community each had unique features and proposed lines. You
can view the options by visiting the ATP website at atptx.org. Additional details follow the body of
this release.
“Austin has always been a city fueled by the power and passion of its people,” Austin Mayor Kirk
Watson said. “This light rail system is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help folks throughout
Austin access jobs, healthcare, childcare, and everything that our city has to offer. Light rail has
been an elusive goal for Austin for well over two decades and now, thanks to the community
working together, it’s really going to happen.”
Over the next six weeks, ATP will hold a transparent process that will rely on community feedback
to help inform its staff recommendation. A final option will be chosen by the Board of Directors in June. People can provide feedback through the website and social media along with additional in-person opportunities to be announced.
To view the options and find more information, please visit atptx.org.
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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MEDIA CONTACTS: ATP
Jorge Ortega – 956.337.9501
Additional quote for attribution:
“The Project Connect Community Advisory Committee has worked closely with the Austin Transit
Partnership to shape a transparent and inclusive community engagement process that will
highlight the voices of communities who have historically been left out of such conversations. ATP
has shown a real commitment to advancing a light rail program that will serve core transit riders in
an equitable manner while creating opportunities for future extensions and improvements.” –
Awais Azhar, Chair, Project Connect Community Advisory Committee
Additional information on the proposed options:
- On-street: 38th Street to Oltorf Street to Yellow Jacket Lane
- On-street from 38th Street on Guadalupe Street to Oltorf Street on South Congress Avenue and Yellow Jacket Lane on East Riverside Drive
- Potential to extend endpoints to 45th Street to the north or St. Edwards Drive to the south
- Lady Bird Lake crossing options at South 1st Street or Trinity Street.
- On-street: North Lamar Boulevard to Pleasant Valley Road
- On-street from North Lamar Transit Center on North Lamar Boulevard to Pleasant Valley Road on East Riverside Drive.
- Lady Bird Lake crossing options at South 1st Street or Trinity Street
- On-street: 29th Street to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- On-street from 29th Street on Guadalupe Street to east of Yellow Jacket Lane on East Riverside Drive
- Mainly elevated from State Highway 71 to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
- Lady Bird Lake crossing at Trinity Street
- Partial elevated: 29th Street to Oltorf Street to Yellow Jacket Lane
- On-street from 29th Street on Guadalupe Street to south of 8th Street
- Elevated from south of 8th Street on Guadalupe Street to east of Auditorium Shores with elevated stations
- On-street from east of Auditorium Shores to Oltorf Street on South Congress Avenue and Yellow Jacket Lane on East Riverside Drive
- Lady Bird Lake crossing at South 1st Street
- Partial Underground: University of Texas to Yellow Jacket Lane
- Underground from 20th Street on Guadalupe Street (UT) to the south of 8th Street with one underground station
- Elevated from south of 8th Street on Guadalupe Street to east of Auditorium Shores with elevated stations
- On-street from east of Auditorium Shores to Yellow Jacket Lane on East Riverside Drive
- Lady Bird Lake crossing at South 1st Street
