Expanding Pickup, an on-demand service in which riders can use an app to book a trip within the zone, is one component of Capital Metro's Project Connect intended to bring new travelers into the fold of public transportation.
"Capital Metro has always been focused on bringing more equitable transit options to neighborhoods in our service area,” said Chad Ballentine, the agency's vice president of demand response and innovative mobility, in a news release.
The South Menchaca zone includes Slaughter Lane west of Menchaca Road and Menchaca to Frate Barker Road and Brodie Lane. Destinations within the zone include Randalls, H-E-B, Austin Regional Clinic and Baranoff Elementary School.
Ballentine said his team will continue to work on bringing Pickup to more neighborhoods in Central Texas.
Service in the South Menchaca Pickup zone will be available weekdays from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Wheelchair-accessible service will pick people up within 15 minutes or less. Kids age 18 and younger ride free, though children younger than age 11 must be accompanied by an adult, according to the release.
Customers will download the Pickup by CapMetro app, register for an account and book a trip. Riders without a smartphone can call 512-369-6200. A one-way ride costs $1.25, the same as a single-ride pass for MetroBus and MetroRapid services. A Capital Metro day pass, seven-day pass or 31-day pass will also cover a Pickup ride.
