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.
Project Connect isn’t expected to be completed until at least 2029.
Via CapMetro
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, which is expected to open in 2024 and replace the existing Kramer Station, and McKalla, which 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.
