CapMetro approves $704.8M budget; capital improvements planned

Capital Metro board members approved the organization's $704.8 million budget Sept. 23, which includes funding for new service lines and other capital improvements outlined for fiscal year 2024-25.

Budget highlights

CapMetro plans to allocate $229.8 million in this year’s budget toward capital improvements, which includes:

• $15 million toward CapMetro Pickup, a neighborhood on-demand transit service
• $2.4 million for the city’s Bikeshare operations and expansion, adding 150 e-bikes and 12 stations
• $149.1 million, over five years, for the North Demand Response Facility and new headquarters
• $21.5 million, over five years, toward bus stop enhancements and infrastructure
• $21.2 million toward Project Connect, including a new CapMetro MetroRapid routes and South Base Demand Response Facility

The agency has also budgeted roughly $97 million—a 5.4% increase from last fiscal year—for salaries and benefits of an anticipated 676 full-time employees, which includes room for the expansion of the Transit Police Department.

A child care stipend will be offered to CapMetro and service provider staff to use toward child care of their choice.

The transit agency also announced the creation of two new MetroRapid bus routes, including two park and rides in East Austin with services expected to begin in spring 2025. The project will feature a new Pickup zone in the Decker and Colony Park area.

What else?

Other planned project for the next fiscal year include:

• Beginning the incorporation of fully electric buses and explore hydrogen powered bus options
• Constructing 50 new bus stops and 25 bus shelters
• Finalizing the construction of the 4th & Sabine Rail, Bike and Pedestrian Crossing project
• Developing the Transit 2035 planning document
• Implementing wayfinding technology throughout the transit network to increase accessibility for those with disabilities