Ridership through the Capital Area Rural Transportation System is expected to continue to grow following the launch of its new all-in-one Transit App, according to officials.

The details

Riders can access a variety of services from a single platform, including:
  • CARTS Now
  • Interurban Coach
  • Metro Connector
  • Country Bus
“Our goal is to make riding CARTS as easy as opening your phone,” Dave Marsh, CARTS general manager, said in a statement. “This upgrade brings trip planning, booking and fare payment together in one place—designed for all riders, including those with accessibility needs. We’re committed to ensuring nobody is left behind, so for anyone who prefers personal assistance, our call-in option will always be available.”

Some context

The public agency, which is funded at the local, state and federal levels, spans 10 counties in Central Texas, including Bastrop County, and tailors services to each community’s needs. For the city of Bastrop, the primary need is CARTS Now—a microtransit, on-demand service.


This service runs 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and is accessible via the existing CARTS Now app that can be downloaded online. Rides are priced at $2 for a one-way trip, $6 for an all-day pass and $88 for a monthly pass with half-price fares for seniors 65 years and older, individuals with disabilities, and children 12 years and younger.

“[CARTS Now] actually tells you who your driver is, you can see the van, and there’s a couple of options that you can choose from,” said Dana Platt, community engagement coordinator for CARTS. “Maybe you’re not ready in five minutes, and you want the van to come a little bit later. Those are some of the benefits with the app, and we’ve noticed that the app uses are increasing as opposed to the phone.”

What residents should know

Residents can get the wheels turning by: