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Austin Mobility News: August 8, 2022

Your weekly news update from the City of Austin Transportation Department
Red, yellow and blue icons of people traveling by different modes (car, bus, motorcycle, scooters, walking, wheelchair, bicycling and using mobility assistive devices) in front of icons depicting iconic Austin buildings (Frost Tower, the Capitol, etc).
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In this week's edition:
Para obtener más información en español, vea este correo electrónico en su navegador y haga clic en la esquina superior derecha para la traducción al español.

Increased traffic expected as students head back to school
A child bikes to school with her father during an event in May hosted by Austin Public Works' Safe Routes to School program at Blanton Elementary School. 

Students at school districts across Austin return to class the week of August 15 and the University of Texas begins the new year August 22. As parents, students and teachers get back into the school year routine, expect traffic volumes to increase from their summer levels. 

Last fall after school returned, travel times on the city's street network increased by 8-10% during the morning peak period, mid-day and evening.

After traffic volumes overall dropped significantly in 2020 during the onset of the pandemic, they have consistently increased since and now are approaching their pre-pandemic levels. There were more vehicles on Austin streets in the summer of 2022 than there were in 2021, so expect travel times to get longer after the school year begins. 

Consider setting up a carpool or bicycle group with neighbors to help everyone get to school safely and create a more sustainable school commute.

Newly approved agreement lays groundwork for MetroBike expansion
Under an extended agreement approved by Austin City Council and the CapMetro Board of Directors, the MetroBike program is set to expand significantly in the future. 

According to the Interlocal Agreement, CapMetro will take over 100% of daily operations and maintenance while the City of Austin will continue to provide oversight of the program and ownership of the assets.

This will allow for the necessary staff resources to oversee a program that is growing in popularity with Austinites. In 2013, the program, then called Austin B-Cycle, had 11 stations and 100 bicycles. Now, MetroBike has 79 stations with 500 pedal bicycles and 347 e-bikes. While e-bikes make up just over 40% of the total MetroBike fleet, they account for approximately 80% of all trips. 

Under the extended agreement between the City and CapMetro, the MetroBike fleet is poised to fully electrify in the future. It will also expand, adding three times more stations and bicycles, while extending outside the downtown core. 

You can learn more about MetroBike and find a map of stations here.

Try transit to see Austin FC push for the playoffs
In just its second Major League Soccer season, Austin FC is aiming to make the club’s first appearance in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

The club sits in second place in the Western Conference with ten matches remaining in the regular season – seven teams qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs beginning in October.

Austin FC plays three of its next four matches at home this month, and the best way to get to Q2 Stadium is by rail, bus, biking or walking. If you have not taken public transportation in Austin before, trying it out for a trip to see a match is a great way to get introduced.
  • MetroRail: The Kramer Red Line station is a short walk from Q2 Stadium. Soon, fans will be able to take the Red Line directly to the stadium grounds. CapMetro broke ground on the forthcoming McKalla Station in July.
  • MetroBus: Routes 3, 383, 392 and 803 all run near the stadium and CapMetro provides increased frequencies on these routes for game days. Use CapMetro’s trip planner to find the route that works best for you
  • Bike: Q2 Stadium provides a free bike valet at the east side of the stadium. Drop off your bike with the attendant and have peace of mind when you go into the stadium to cheer for the verde-and-black.
For more information on ways to access Q2 Stadium on match days, visit Austin FC’s mobility website and CapMetro’s special service website.

Street rehabilitation project underway on Stassney Lane
Stassney Lane has been reduced from four lanes to two beginning at Teri Road as Austin Public Works (PWD) beings work on a street rehabilitation project. 

The effort funded by the 2018 Austin Mobility Bond aims to create a safer, smoother commute for residents traveling along Stassney Lane. Work will occur in three phases, the first of which began on July 30. This first phase, which also includes a median demolition near Teri Road, is expected to last eight months. The project is expected to be complete by Fall 2023. 

In addition to the lane reduction, additional impacts include: 
  • A portion of sidewalk along the south side of Stassney Lane has been temporarily closed
  • Capital Metro bus stops along Stassney Lane may be temporarily relocated
The project will affect both residents and businesses as well as people driving, biking, and walking, as the project limits include a warehouse district and a residential community. PWD urges everyone traveling in the area to watch their speed and stay alert for construction workers and pedestrian traffic. Learn more about street preventative maintenance here.

Calendar Corner: August 9 – 15, 2022

Project Connect Community Advisory Committee

The City of Austin, Capital Metro and the Austin Transit Partnership have created an advisory committee to advise all three partners on topics related to equity and Project Connect, including efforts to curb displacement along the Project Connect system.

About Austin Transportation

The City of Austin Transportation Department works to provide a safe, efficient, innovative, cost-effective and sustainable transportation system that connects roadways, bikeways, walkways and transit systems in order to bring improved access and mobility to our community. We are taking proactive steps to engage and educate the community, which is why you received this news update. Visit AustinTexas.gov/Transportation.
Austin Transportation and Public Works Department
P.O. Box 1088
Austin, Texas 78767

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