When will service begin?
Capital Metro will announce an opening date when the entire rail system is demonstrated to be operating in a consistent, reliable and safe manner. We continue to update the community with a monthly status report. We will also continue rail safety outreach efforts during this time to increase awareness about trains and prepare the community for MetroRail.

Why is Capital Metro implementing passenger rail?
Capital Metro will offer 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?
Capital MetroRail trains will tentatively run weekdays every 35 minutes during morning and evening rush hours.

Why does Capital MetroRail not run at night or on weekends?
Capital Metro’s rail line is 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.

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.

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?
One way trips on Capital MetroRail will cost $1 for customers traveling within one zone and $1.50 for customers traveling within 2 zones. The zone boundary is between Howard and Kramer Stations. Capital Metro will also sell Plus Passes that will be valid on all rail and bus services. See the fares page from more information.

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 have bicycle racks conveniently located near the doors.

Will the trains be wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Capital MetroRail trains are 100 percent ADA compliant. The trains are “low-floor” vehicles, allowing smooth and easy access for all customers. Reserved seating is available for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Each MetroRail station is also accessible.

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

Can I bring food and drinks onboard the train?
Food is not allowed onboard the train. Drinks are permitted only in approved spill-proof containers, for example: plastic water bottles or travel mugs with re-sealable lids. Open cans, unscrewed bottles, and paper or Styrofoam cups with lids and straws are not allowed. Alcohol is strictly prohibited onboard any Capital Metro vehicle.

Is smoking permitted onboard the train?
No.

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.

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 (coming soon)

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.

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 57 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?
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 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 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.

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 600 parking spaces. Lakeline Station offers 500 spaces. The remaining stations can be accessed by bus, bicycle or foot.