Capital MetroRail Map
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Capital MetroRail is on track for service to begin on the Red Line in the fall of 2008. Sleek, new trains will take you to work in comfort and style, providing you with high-back seats, bicycle and overhead racks, and Wi-Fi connections. Some seating areas will feature tray tables. Capital MetroRail’s initial service will be during morning and afternoon peak hours. Regular and special shuttle buses will whisk you to your final destination.

The Red Line will run on 32-miles of existing freight tracks between Leander and Downtown Austin. It will provide convenient service for suburban and central Austin residents. Future connections are being studied along existing Capital Metro freight tracks from Downtown to Manor and beyond. Future extensions along TxDOT’s abandoned MoKan corridor are also possible.

• Over the past couple of weeks, we have made considerable progress with replacing the old track with new steel ties and rail in the block between Red River and Waller Creek.
• Five MetroRail vehicles have successfully completed a stringent testing requirement and have been officially accepted.
• Capital Metro continues to work closely with the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Transit Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation regarding the waiver to operate the new railcars.
• Capital Metro is currently testing its commuter rail vehicles. Testing schedule:
  • Weeknights, approximately 7 p.m. – 5 a.m.: Trains run from Capital Metro’s Railcar Maintenance Facility near U.S. Hwy. 183 and Burnet Road to the area just south of the Gracy Farms crossing.
  • Weekends, approximately 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Trains run between Lamar Blvd. to the area just shy of FM 620.

To minimize noise impact, Capital Metro is limiting its nighttime testing to a stretch of track that is farther away from residences. FAQ

• Crossings to the west near Avery Ranch and crossings to the east as far as MLK, Jr. Street have been certified for testing and weekend testing up to MLK Station may start within the next few weeks
• Construction expected to begin this summer at the Howard and Kramer stations
• Rail Maintenance Facility to be completed soon Photo
• Staff has drafted initial travel time estimates for Capital MetroRail. These estimates are subject to change based on actual field testing and finalization of the schedule.