Peek inside the future of light rail in Austin

Austin’s first light rail project is slated to open in 2033, featuring a bridge over Lady Bird Lake and planned connections to the airport.

A rendering of a modern community hub featuring a light rail station adjacent to an H-E-B grocery store. The scene includes a paved plaza with people of various ages and backgrounds engaging in activities such as walking, cycling, and sitting at outdoor tables. A sleek light rail train is visible in the background, along with parked cars and lush greenery that frames the area. The architecture of the H-E-B store combines contemporary design with natural materials, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Trees provide shade, contributing to the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment. — Construction on the light rail is expected to begin in two years.

The Capital City is moving one step closer to implementing light rail.

Austin Transit Partnership shared a number of updates on Project Connect’s light rail in its January progress report — let’s dive into the future of public transportation in ATX.

What is Project Connect?

Project Connect is a multi-billion dollar overhaul of Austin’s public transit system, which was approved by voters in 2020. Constructing light rail is a large part of the plan, but it also includes expanding and optimizing CapMetro’s other transportation systems.

A rendering of a modern light rail train with passengers seated inside, looking out large windows at the Austin skyline during a golden sunset. The train glides over a bridge, offering a view of the Lady Bird Lake below, reflecting the vibrant hues of the sky. Iconic downtown buildings, including a pyramid-shaped structure and high-rise towers, are visible in the distance. A young child sits near the window, gazing out with a look of wonder, while a tote bag with "The Austin Public Library" rests beside them. Other passengers are engaged in activities, with some wearing Austin FC jerseys. — Austin’s light rail system will be fully electric.

What’s new to report?

Construction is poised to begin in two years, with the first light rail line scheduled to open in 2033. Once complete, the rail will run every five-to-10 minutes across 10 miles and 15 stations stretching from Downtown to south and east Austin.

The new report noted that ATP is working to secure as much federal funding as possible for the project, which is expected to cost upwards of $7 billion: the largest sum of money Texas transit organizations have ever sought.

Zoom in on Phase One

A map of phase one of the light rail build out, showing 15 stations in central, south, and east Austin across 9.8 miles. — Airport access will likely not be included in the initial build, but is planned shortly after.

The first light rail is still in the design phase until 2026. Plans include stations on 38th Street, down East Riverside, and to Oltorf. Once built out, extensions to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Crestview in north Austin will be the next priority.

Some of the design recommendations include:

Creating a greenway with shaded pedestrian and bike paths along East Riverside, and improving access to the ACC Riverside campus
Elevating the Waterfront Station with a bridge across Lady Bird Lake
Adding a new station Downtown at Wooldridge Square

How can I voice my thoughts?

A rendering of a vibrant, tree-lined urban corridor featuring a light rail train traveling along grassy tracks. To the left, cars drive on a parallel road, while to the right, a wide pedestrian walkway and a dedicated bike lane are busy with activity. Families with strollers, cyclists, and pedestrians enjoy the shaded path under a canopy of green trees. Native plants, including cacti and ornamental grasses, line the area, enhancing the natural aesthetic. In the background, modern buildings complete the scene, reflecting a harmonious mix of transportation and urban greenery. — The plan envisions adding greenery and walkable space to East Riverside.

Austinites are invited to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement until Tuesday, March 11. Here are some upcoming meetings:

Lively Middle School at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16
Baker Center Cafetorium at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22
Montopolis Rec Center Gymnasium at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25
Texas Union Quadrangle Room at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28

You can also email feedback to input@atptx.org.

Catch up on previous light rail coverage

Have a question about Project Connect and Austin light rail? Send us a message.

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