Excitement is growing as we count down to March 30, 2009, the scheduled date for The Capital MetroRail service to begin transporting commuters in comfort and style along the Red Line. This long awaited project, approved by voters in 2004, is a 32-mile passenger rail system built on pre-existing freight rail lines that will run between Downtown Austin and the city of Leander.
The Red Line will serve nine stations providing convenient service every 30 minutes during morning and afternoon rush hours. The 9 stop station locations are Leander, Lakeline, Highland, Plaza Saltillo, Howard, Burnet/Kramer, Crestview, MLK Jr., and Downtown/Convention Center Station. The two main termini are Leander Station and Park & Ride (north) and Downtown Station (south)
Stations in more suburban settings will feature special shuttle buses to whisk you to your final destination; more urban locations will be accessible by foot, bike and bus. Each station will feature an accessible platform with varying canopy designs, ticket vending machines, bike racks, and informational displays.
The MetroRail vehicles have a capacity of 200 passengers, 108 seated and 92 standing. Daily ridership is projected at 2,000 boardings per day which means about 1,000 people a day round-trip.
Priority seating areas are available for wheelchairs. A "VIP section" with room for laptop use with WiFi access is also included. Bike racks, luggage racks, high back racks, and low floor entry for easy access. 
Fares as shown on the Capital Metro website:
- MetroAccess 10-ride Ticket Book $7.00
- MetroRail Adult (1 Zone $1.00, 2 Zones $1.50)
- MetroAccess-certified individuals, seniors (65 and older), disability fare card holders, children under six: FREE
Travel Time In Minutes: LINK
The MetroRail project costs stands at approximately $105 million. Included in the price is $32.3 million for six self-propelled diesel-electric rail cars. The entire project is funded from an existing one cent sales tax that Capital Metro reaps from the region it serves, government grants and rider fares.
The MetroRail Trains are Built by Stadler in Germany with design and engineering provided by Interfleet Technology, the GTW--2 is loosely based upon NJ Transit's RiverLINE Stadler/Bombardier GTW--but our trains are a lot bigger and features a totally new carbody.
- Owner/Operator is The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- Each train runs on two 400HP diesel electric engines.
- Overall length 134 feet, 1.8 inches
- Overall width 9 feet, 8 inches
- Projected operating speed: 60 - 75 miles per hour
With the growth in Austin and surrounding cities, it's clear future rail expansion will be necessary. Two potential future lines have been identified as being good fits for MetroRails: The Mocan Corridor could extend from Austin out to Round Rock. The Austin-Manor Station could extend from Austin as far as Elgin and Manor.
If you are relocating to our area or already here and would like more information about neighborhoods or assistance in buying or selling a home, I welcome your call or email. I know and specialize in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander or Hutto.
Karen Staha, CRS,GRI,ABR, REALTOR - Selling Texas Since 1995 - Gaston & Sheehan Realty - Call me direct: 512-217-2435 email: kmstaha@aol.com website: www.karenstaha.com
