Support Us Button Widget

Austin Transit Partnership unveils the first phase of Project Connect

The future of Austin’s light rails was announced Tuesday.

A CapMetro station downtown

Austin’s red line will connect to the new light rail, under the new plan announced on Tuesday.

Photo via @capmetroatx

The Austin Transit Partnership unveiled its first light rail recommendation, a multi-billion-dollar plan to overhaul ATX’s public transportation infrastructure.

Under the plan, which was announced Tuesday, almost 10 miles of new light rail and 15 light rail stations would be added from Downtown to 38th Street, Oltorf Street, and Yellow Jacket Lane. The plan would also:

  • Connect to the Red Line, the proposed Green Line, and multiple high frequency and MetroRapid bus routes
  • Provide access to 136,000+ current jobs and an estimated 200,000 future jobs
  • Connect to 20,000 affordable housing units
  • Cost between $4.5 billion-$4.8 billion

The light rail plan also includes “priority extensions” to North Lamar Transit Center and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Eventually, the light rail would also be extended south to Stassney Lane. But don’t get too excited just yet — construction is likely at least a year away.

Read more about the plan.

A graphic of the new Project Connect rail

Phase one of Project Connect’s light rail plan will add almost 10 miles of light rail and 15 new stations.

Graphic courtesy Austin Transit Partnership

More from ATXtoday
These city gifts are way better than a Jelly of the Month Club membership.
Help us bid 2025 adieu by looking back on interviews with some of the most interesting Austinites we spoke with over the past year.
Plus, the JW Marriott holds the crown for the most alcohol sales in 2025, with over $4 million more than the second-place venue.
The Moody Center took the top slot in the 10,000-15,000-capacity category, cementing its prominence as an entertainment hub in the US.
The new arena would be home to the multi-champion Texas Women’s Volleyball team and would be able to seat ~6,000 fans near the Moody Center.
Lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up 35 gyms and fitness offerings around Austin.
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
Allow us to take you on a sleigh ride through the Austin area’s huge collection of holiday lights, shows, and displays.
The new homes will be up for sale on a fractional basis, giving owners shared access to the space and year-round resort benefits.
Dining in ATX is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.