Capital Metro President and CEO Randy Clarke said the bus system changes, called Cap Remap, are a response to how development patterns have changed over the years since the system was put into place decades ago.
“It’s a basic way to reset all that and [see
]how are people really moving in our community today and how can our system really get people around [as]efficiently and directly as possible,” he said.To view all the changes, including on an interactive map, visit www.capmetro.org/remap. Here are three things to know about Cap Remap:
1. The agency is expanding its network of bus routes offering service at least every 15 minutes
Capital Metro launched its high-frequency network in June 2015 to offer service every 15 minutes on routes with high ridership, including its MetroRapid express bus routes. Last August, service on MetroRapid increased to running every 10 minutes.
An additional eight bus routes will be added to that network, bringing the total number to 14 routes offering service at least every 15 minutes seven days a week.
“The idea is someone can plan their life around that,” Clarke said. “It’s predictable, frequent service.”
New routes include Route 2 in the Rosedale area, Route 4 along Seventh Street, Route 10 along South First and Red River streets, Route 17 along Cesar Chavez Street, and Route 20 in the Manor Road and Riverside areas.
2. Some routes will be eliminated but most areas will be served by new bus service
Overall, the agency is eliminating 15 bus routes but only two will not have new bus service replacing them. Those include Route 122 to the Four Points area and Route 970 to the AMD Lantana campus.
Capital Metro is adding some new routes and realigning other routes to create a better system in which riders can make transfers more easily. Customers are encouraged to purchase a day pass for $2.50 if riders will need to make a transfer. A single bus trip costs $1.25.
“Instead of operating as routes we want it to operate as a system,” Clarke said. “That’s how people move. They generally don’t move on one route just like they don’t drive on one street. They get around a little more regionally or holistically.”
One area in West Austin will also lose bus service along Exposition Boulevard, and Capital Metro announced May 30 that it is partnering with RideAustin to offer free rides to people who live or work in the area to be transported to one of two bus stops. The Exposition innovation zone service begins Monday.
3. Rides are free for the first week under the new system
Clarke said offering free rides June 3-9 is a way to make the transition easier for customers but also to thank them for riding.
"This is a big change and going to impact people in different ways. Secondarily we want other members of the community to give Cap Metro a try,” he said.
Capital Metro staffers will also be driving the streets or riding on bikes near bus stops that are closed to make sure passengers are not stranded at stops that no longer offer service.
Customers are encouraged to use the Trip Planner feature online or in the agency's mobile app because some routes may head to different locations or along different streets.
