Advocacy groups, businesses attempt to expand options
Multiple advocacy groups and businesses are seeking to fill the void in Austin's alternative transportation options.
A proposed urban rail system through Central Austin has helped spark debate on what short- and long-term alternatives are best for the city.
Austin Gets Around, a group of young professionals advocating for better transportation options, formed in mid-April with the goal of getting Austin's under-40 population more involved in the transportation discussion. The group has advocated less so for any specific route or price point and instead has promoted the benefit of residents investing in a citywide rail system.
"As advocates our job is to show how each piece of investment into the [transportation] system can potentially benefit all of the system," member Rob Parsons said. "Investment in Central Austin affects all of Austin."
By targeting young professionals, Austin Gets Around is ideally gaining supporters who will be around to watch any long-term rail plan come to fruition, he said.
"Think about that—this can happen during our lifetime, and we can help shape the nuances of it," Parsons said.
Another group, ATX Safer Streets, formed March 24 as part of a petition seeking alternative late-night transportation options. The response was so overwhelming that the group expanded into an advocacy coalition that held its launch party May 11. Founder Sara LeVine said the group is reaching out to public officials as well as nonincumbents running in November's city election to spark policy change that will prevent more Austinites from driving drunk.
"Any interactions with public officials I keep up [on the ATX Safer Streets website] to remind folks this isn't closed-door politics," said LeVine, urging members to post to Twitter any time they are refused a cab, find their vehicle towed from the night before or are unable to find a safe ride home from a bar. "We're trying to make sure this is a big enough issue that candidates have to pay attention."
ATX Safer Streets is seeking a lift on 3 a.m. limits at certain downtown parking lots and the issuance of more taxi permits.
Additionally, some charter services are repositioning themselves as taxi alternatives. J&G Citywide Express has increased from one car to a fleet of 10 vehicles since opening six years ago, owner Joe Garcia said. The difference between his service and taxis, Garcia said, is that a prearrangement of 30 minutes must be made, and he is unable to pick up passengers from the street.
As a result, Garcia said he primarily caters to out-of-towners and larger groups.
"It's a better service and more reliable than cabs," Garcia said. "And you get what you pay for—you pay for that reliability."
Garcia also points to the increased popularity of mobile applications that offer rideshare service. However, only one app, Carma, gained initial approval by the city of Austin.
Launched in February, Carma caters primarily to commuters, offering toll reimbursements for carpoolers on Toll 183A and the Manor Expressway, which opened its second phase May 17.
"We're piloting virtual HOV lanes, in a sense," said Lauren Albright, community manager of Carma's Austin efforts.
The app tracks mileage and recoups drivers 20 cents per mile to share the cost of transportation. By taking extra cars off the road during rush hour, Carma's focus is on improving commutes rather than providing a late-night ride home, Albright said.
"I think people are desperately looking for other options than sitting in traffic, and they like the idea of taking an active role in the transportation problem," she said.
