When will service begin?
Capital MetroRail will provide customers with convenient service between Leander and Downtown Austin in fall 2008.

Why is Capital Metro implementing Commuter Rail?
Capital Metro will offer commuter rail service to provide you with a fast, reliable and consistent alternative to traffic congestion in one of the area’s fastest growing travel corridors.

When will Capital MetroRail service run?
Initially, Capital MetroRail trains will run weekdays every 30 minutes during morning and evening rush hours. As ridership and demand increases, Capital Metro will look into expanding service.

What is the anticipated ridership of Capital MetroRail?
Capital Metro estimates there will be 1700-2000 trips per day.

How much will it cost to ride?
The fare schedule for Capital MetroRail has yet to be determined.

Will trains have wireless Internet service?
Yes. Bring your laptop. Capital MetroRail trains will have wireless Internet service. Each train will have tables and pull-down trays in some seating areas.

Can I bring my bicycle on the train?

Yes. Capital MetroRail trains will have bicycle racks conveniently located near the doors.

Will the trains be wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Capital MetroRail trains will be 100 percent ADA compliant. The trains will be “low-floor” vehicles, allowing smooth and easy access for all customers.

How many people will fit on each train?
Each Capital MetroRail car will hold approximately 200 passengers, including room for nearly 108 seated passengers.

Will the trains have space for my bags, briefcases and other luggage?
Yes. Each Capital MetroRail car will have overhead luggage racks for your convenience.

Will the trains cause added noise and vibration in my neighborhood?
No. The new commuter rail vehicles are much quieter than freight trains and produce very little vibration. Capital Metro is also upgrading sections of track, which will reduce vibration and noise.

Will the trains blow horns at intersections through my neighborhood?
Capital Metro is upgrading advance warning signals and installing quad gates at all public crossings from 183 to Downtown Austin, from Cedar Park to Leander and other heavily populated sections of the track. These new and upgraded features allow Capital Metro to request quiet zones, which will permit the trains to pass crossings without blowing its horn.

How will I get back if I miss the last train of the day?
Capital Metro will provide supplemental bus service when trains are not running.

Will the trains meet all federal environmental and safety standards?
Yes. Capital MetroRail trains meet all federal environmental and safety standards. Capital Metro has developed a program that educates adults and children in our service area about rail safety.

How long will it take to travel from Leander to Downtown Austin?
The estimated travel time from Leander to Downtown Austin using Capital MetroRail is approximately 50 minutes.

What is the advantage to riding a train instead of a bus?
Capital MetroRail will provide you with reliable travel schedules. Bus travel times vary because of the traffic congestion and accident delays we all face on Central Texas highways.

Will bus service along rail routes be eliminated?
Some Express routes from Leander and Lakeline will be discontinued when MetroRail operations begin. Many other existing bus services along the rail route will continue, especially to supplement service during off-peak and night periods until rail service hours are expanded. Proposed changes to bus routes will be finalized later this year. Riders and the general public will have the opportunity to review and comment on final bus change proposals before they are implemented.

Will pets be allowed on the trains?

Animals are prohibited, except for service animals.

Will there be restrooms onboard the trains?
No.

Will service be added beyond the initial 32-mile line?
Potential future extensions are being studied along existing Capital Metro freight tracks from Downtown Austin to Manor and beyond. Potential future extensions along TxDOT’s abandoned MoKan Rail Corridor are also being evaluated. Any potential future rail service would require a referendum.

What kind of parking and how many spaces will there be for each station?
Surface parking will be available at Leander, Lakeline, and Howard stations. Howard Station will have about 200 parking spaces. Leander Station has over 500 parking spaces and is currently served by buses. Lakeline parking is already open and served by buses. The facility is currently called the Northwest Park & Ride. The remaining stations can be accessed by bus or foot.