Why does Capital MetroRail not run at night or on weekends?
MetroRail is a starter line that will initially provide service for weekday commuters. Capital Metro’s rail line is also used to ship freight from Llano to Giddings during the mid-day, overnight and on weekends. Per federal regulations, Capital MetroRail can not travel on the tracks at the same time as freight trains. However, Capital Metro’s long term plan includes offering more service during the week, weekends and potentially for special events. Before MetroRail service can be expanded, the agency must make changes to freight service and increase the system infrastructure, such as building more track and buying more vehicles.

Will Capital Metro be able to expand rail service?
Capital Metro will carefully monitor the service and look for opportunities to fine-tune the service to better respond to the actual ridership demand.

What should I do if I need to return home when MetroRail isn’t running?
MetroRail is just one option for commuters. With more than 3,000 bus stops and 70 regular routes, commuters can easily rely on MetroBus to get where they need to go.

I am concerned that I will arrive at a rail station and the trains will be full. What do I do then?
In the event there is overcrowding, you have a few choices: wait for the next train or you can catch the bus. There are bus routes in proximity to many of the rail stations that can get you to where you need to be. Express bus routes are available from the Leander and Lakeline stations.

How loud are the MetroRail trains?
The trains are much quieter than freight trains and even quieter than a bus. Per federal regulations, the horns are between 96 – 110 decibels, similar to a chainsaw, model airplane or lawn mower.

Will the trains blow horns at intersections through my neighborhood?
Capital Metro has installed quad gates, which prevent vehicles from driving around railroad gates, at many crossings between Leander and downtown Austin. These safety upgrades allow cities to request quiet zones from the Federal Railroad Administration. Trains will not be required to sound horns in federally-approved quiet zones:

Austin: Hwy. 183 to Downtown and McNeil Drive to Gracy Farms Road

Cedar Park: Block House Drive, New Hope Drive, RM 1431, Discovery Blvd, Park Street, Brushy Creek Road

Leander: South Street, Crystal Falls Parkway

Will the trains cause added noise and vibration in my neighborhood?
The new 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 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.

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?
When passenger rail is introduced to a region, transit authorities often remove competing bus service. However, Capital Metro plans to retain all Express bus routes when MetroRail service begins. Capital Metro will continue to monitor productivity of all transit services, including passenger rail; and there may be a time in the future when routes must be realigned to maximize efficiency.

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