The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority opened its new Operations Control Center on the first day of South by Southwest Conference & Festivals on March 8. The new center will be the “central point of communication” for Capital Metro throughout SXSW and at all times from now on, according to a statement from the agency. The Operations Control Center offers Capital Metro employees the chance to follow transit routes, view video cams of bus and train stops, monitor overcrowding and traffic around vehicles, and watch incidents on vehicles in real time, according to Jenn Golech, director of bus operations and service coordination for Capital Metro. “The [Operations Control Center] enables all of our bus and rail dispatchers to work in a coordinated and seamless way to deliver service to our customers, as well as respond to service disruptions that occur in coordination,” Golech said. “Additionally, the [center] offers an increased ability to communicate information about services delays or disruptions to our customers via social media in near real time.” Approximately 30 Capital Metro staff members work at the center in rotating shifts, including four new manager positions that were created to manage the room, its video wall and customer communications, Golech said. Golech said the center will give Capital Metro the opportunity offer service “in a more coordinated and seamless way across all of our divisions.” Additionally, the transportation authority will be able to provide more information to customers due to the center. Capital Metro passengers can contact the agency’s customer service department at 512-474-1200 or via social media, Golech said. Customers may also find out about extra services throughout SXSW at www.capmetro.org/specialevents.