What is Capital MetroRapid service?
Capital MetroRapid buses will be high-tech vehicles fitted with special signal priority technology to keep traffic signals green or change them from red to green as the buses approach major intersections. With 10 minute frequency during peak periods, Capital MetroRapid will get you to your destination 15 to 20 percent faster.
How does the traffic signal technology work?
As Capital MetroRapid buses approach an intersection, they will send a beam to a signal controller that will either extend a green light a few seconds or change a red light to green a few seconds sooner.
Will Capital MetroRapid traffic signal technology adversely affect traffic signal synchronization?
No. Any extra green light time given to the Capital MetroRapid bus will be taken away from the next signal cycle to ensure that signal synchronization is preserved.
How will Capital MetroRapid affect traffic?
Among the many cities that have implemented signal priority technology, including Los Angeles, Oakland, CA and Vancouver, Canada; the impact to traffic has been minimal. The technology is only used to extend green signals or reduce red signals for a small interval of time.
What are the routes planned for MetroRapid?
Initial service will begin on two of the busiest corridors: North Lamar/South Congress and Burnet/South Lamar. Capital Metro will continue to develop up to 10 routes for MetroRapid in the next 20 years.
Will Capital MetroRapid service replace current bus service?
The North Lamar/South Congress line will be considered an upgrade to the existing Route 101. The Burnet/South Lamar line will be similar to Route 3. MetroRapid routes will connect with local bus and rail service.
Will MetroRapid buses have dedicated lanes?
Initially, Capital MetroRapid buses will not have dedicated lanes. Capital Metro supports the idea of dedicated transit lanes and parking realignment for MetroRapid. However, Capital Metro will have to work in close cooperation with the City of Austin, area merchants and neighborhoods before this could become a reality. Dedicated lanes are a possible upgrade to the initial service, along with other treatments, such as queue jump lanes, which allow buses to move through busy intersections more quickly.
Where will I catch Capital MetroRapid buses?
MetroRapid stops have been carefully selected to serve popular destinations and large stops in the service area. Capital Metro is designing new customer-friendly MetroRapid stops that will be easily distinguishable with MetroRapid colors and logo; and will include real-time bus arrival information. There will be approximately 35 new stops along the first two lines.
What size buses will be used for MetroRapid?
Capital Metro is considering 60-foot and 42-foot stylized vehicles for the two corridors. The decision on which buses to purchase will be made dependent on federal and local funding.
How much will it cost to ride?
The fare is expected to be the same price as local bus service.
When will MetroRapid service begin?
The project timeline depends on when Capital Metro secures federal funding. However, the agency expects to begin service on the North Lamar/South Congress route no later than first quarter of 2012 and the second line a year later.