A possible design for the subway terminal downtown. | Rendering by CapMetro

CapMetro has completed its inaugural phase of Project Connect — a complete multibillion-dollar overhaul of Austin’s public transit system — more than two years after voters approved the project.

Officials unveiled tracks from Leander to Lakeline, expanding the MetroRail Red Line, last week. The full plan includes three new light rail lines, four new MetroRapid routes, a subway, and park-and-ride options.

A map of the initial investments to Project Connect as of August 2021. — Project Connect isn’t expected to be completed until at least 2029.

While the completion of the new tracks is a landmark, Project Connect still has a long way to go. Here’s a status check.

🔴 Red Line | Leander to Congress Avenue

Running from Downtown to Northwest Austin, the Red Line has two more stations on the way: Broadmoor and McKalla. The former is expected to open in 2024 and replace the existing Kramer Station, the latter will provide easy access to Q2 Stadium and is expected to open this fall.

🟠 Orange Line | Tech Ridge to Slaughter Lane

The proposed Orange Line — currently served by MetroRapid 801 — is under Environmental Impact Statement review and has yet to break ground. This line isn’t expected to be completed until late 2029.

🔵 Blue Line | Austin Bergstrom-International Airport to North Lamar

Running east-west, the proposed Blue Line is also under environmental review and isn’t expected to be completed until late 2029.

🟢 Green Line | Elgin to Congress Avenue

Likely to be constructed in the last phase, the Green Line will run on Austin’s preexisting freight line from downtown to Colony Park.

🟡 Transit Subway | Republic Square

Located underneath downtown, the subway will connect the Orange and Blue Lines and separate street traffic. The underground stations will be climate controlled, convene in the heart of downtown, feature live music stages, shopping, free Wi-Fi, coffee shops, seating, and public restrooms. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.

Do you have opinions on what Project Connect should look like? Send your feedback to CapMetro.

EVENTS

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Tuesday, Jan. 31

Odd Ducks | Tuesday, Jan. 31 | 9:30 p.m. | Fallout Theater, 616 Lavaca St., Austin | $7-$10 | Celebrate Austin’s weirdest and most colorful characters with a lineup of comedians who aren’t afraid to go against the grain.

Wednesday, Feb. 1

Donate at We Are Blood for Girl Scout Cookies | Wednesday, Feb. 1-Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Multiple locations | Free | Kick off cookie season with a good deed and a free box of Girl Scout cookies.

Thursday, Feb. 2

Cinderella | Thursday, Feb. 2-Saturday, Feb. 4 | Times vary | ZACH Theatre, 202 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin | $25-$95 | This Tony-nominated musical fairy tale will put a spell on audiences of all ages.
Cirque du Soleil: Corteo | Thursday, Feb. 2-Sunday, Feb. 5 | Times vary | Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $49 | Acting, acrobatics, and comedy are combined in this joyous performance.
Oklahoma City Blue vs. Austin Spurs | Thursday, Feb. 2 | 11 a.m. | H-E-B Center, 2100 Ave. of the Stars, Cedar Park | $10 | Cheer on Austin’s G League team at this home game.

Friday, Feb. 3

Primo the Alien | Friday, Feb. 3 | 11 p.m. | Stubb’s, 801 Red River St., Austin | $10 | Catch this local pop musician at this iconic venue — free admission with a wristband from Subtronics.

Saturday, Feb. 4

Bob Marley Birthday Tribute | Saturday, Feb. 4 | 9 p.m. | Flamingo Cantina, 515 E. 6th St., Austin | $7-$10 | This 21+ show, headlined by Mau Mau Chaplains and Hail Marley, will honor the reggae legend.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

NEWS NOTES

Weather

36º | Showers | 66% chance of rain
Austin is under winter storm watch until noon on Wednesday as temperatures plummet and weather turns rainy. Austin ISD and many neighboring school districts have canceled class for the day. 🌨 (Austin American-Statesman)
Texans ought to be prepared when cold weather strikes, so AAA recommends keeping items including sand, jumper cables, drinking water, snacks, spare clothing, and a first aid kit in your car. (KXAN)

Civic

Interim CapMetro President and CEO Dottie Watkins accepted her role in an official capacity on Monday, after ~50 other applicants were brought in for consideration. Fun fact: Dottie served as a bus operator with CapMetro while studying at the University of Texas. 🚌 (KXAN)

History

Long before the approval of Project Connect, Austin considered using a gondola-based transportation system. Plans laid out a 19-stop route along South First Street from Slaughter Lane to UT campus — check out the blueprints. (KXAN)

Open

Under-the-radar gaming pop-up Tiny Minotaur Tavern is getting a permanent home in East Austin. The fantasy and role-play gaming spot will have a food truck onsite at 2701 E. Cesar Chavez St., and is expected to open by the end of this summer. 🎲 (Eater Austin)

Job

Austin ISD is searching for substitute teachers as a shortage of educators looms over the country. The district is always looking for applicants and hires year-round. (KVUE)

Trending

The internet’s most popular cup is back in stock. The Stanley Quencher is beloved for its comfortable handle, large straw, ability to fit in your car’s cup holder, and how it keeps water cold for 11 hours. Plus, the popular 40 ounce size means all day hydration. 💧*

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Live

Farm(ers market) to table

These fresh lemons are used to make tasty Texas Lemonade Co. at Lone Star Farmers Market. | Photo by @texaslemonadeco

Did you know Austin is home to the Sustainable Food Center? This regional market network supports small to mid-sized farms and ranches in Central Texas that offer their products at local farmers markets.

In the spirit of supporting all things local, we’ve rounded up eight farmers markets in the Austin area where you’ll find fresh food, live music, and all the local vibes.

SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown | Saturdays, year-round | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Features: 75 vendors and live music on the plaza
Parking: Free at metered spots until 11 a.m.

Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller | Sundays, year-round | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Features: 20+ vendors, including ~40% agricultural producers within 150 miles
Parking: Free street parking

Texas Farmers’ Market at Lakeline | Saturdays, year-round | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Features: 90+ vendors, including ~40% agricultural producers and live music
Parking: 115 parking spaces in lot

FIVE MORE MARKETS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Figi.

Editor’s pick: I visited Rosedale’s new French and Italian restaurant Baretto Bistro shortly after it opened in December, and I’ll be back for their moules frites. It was a casual spot, but the food felt very high-end.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Your one-stop shop for Valentine’s Day gifts.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

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