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Austin Mobility News: September 19, 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.

Survey underway to gain guidance in improving transit access
Share your ideas on transit access
Austin Transportation and CapMetro are leading a community engagement effort to shape transit enhancements to be developed over the next few years. The focus is on transit accessibility and is funded by the 2020 Safety and Active Transportation Bond.

It's designed to improve the transit rider experience by implementing a range of infrastructure projects that promote safer, more efficient and accessible transit service within the City of Austin. Infrastructure improvements could include transit priority lanes, transit-specific traffic signals and improved location of bus stops. Several in-person and online outreach opportunities are planned over the next month. Rider feedback will help develop cost-effective projects that improve the speed and reliability of bus service, as well as make that service easier and safer to access.

The online survey, launched today, is available now at bit.ly/EnhanceTransitATX (En Español: bit.ly/MejoraTransporteATX). Feedback will help planners understand the delays and difficulties riders experience using transit and guide infrastructure improvements that can make the greatest difference in system efficiency. You can learn more about the Austin Transit Enhancement program at AustinTexas.gov/Transit.

Annual vehicle ownership costs exceed $10,000: study
Passengers exit a vehicle
The average annual cost of owning a new vehicle in the United States surpassed $10,000 for the first time, according to a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA). Fuel costs were the largest factor driving ownership costs up from an average of $9,666 in 2021, AAA said.

The study also found owning an electric vehicle reduced ownership costs by $2,100, assuming both types of vehicles travel 15,000 miles a year at a fuel cost of 18.4 cents per mile for a gas-powered vehicle and 4.0 cents per mile for an electric vehicle. Additionally, the study said electric vehicles have the lowest maintenance, repair and tire costs. Federal and state rebates also factor into lowering annual ownership costs of electric vehicles.

Austin's Transportation Demand Management program encourages Austinites to consider reducing their transportation costs in a host of ways. A household could opt to replace one--or all--of its vehicles with multimodal options. A CapMetro 31-day pass is $41.25 ($96.25 for Commuter), costing $495 a year ($1,155 for Commuter). Annual MetroBike membership costs $86.60 and includes unlimited trips of 60 minutes or less. Several shared mobility operators provide scooters, dockless bicycles and vehicles for short-term needs.

Trail completion at Holly Shores creates full Hike & Bike Trail loop
Council Member Sabino "Pio" Renteria rides his bike on a newly completed stretch of the Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail
A missing piece of Austin's Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is now complete. Austin Transportation leaders joined colleagues from Parks and Recreation Department, Public Works and many others to celebrate the opening of the Holly Shores Lakefront Trail, which runs along Lady Bird Lake across the site of the decommissioned Holly Power Plant.

The new span of ADA-accessible trail creates a continuous loop along the shores of Lady Bird Lake. Users can also take in new views of the water or approach the shores to fish. This segment of the trail connects to the recently completed shared-use pathways across the Longhorn Dam bridge, providing a critical connection within our All Ages and Abilities Bicycle Network. That network includes well over 200 miles of trails, shared-use pathways and bike routes to make getting around Austin safer, easier, equitable and more comfortable for everyone.

Before being decommissioned in 2007, the Holly Power plant operated on the property since its construction in 1958. The final decommissioning phase was completed in 2017, followed by groundbreaking for the trail segment last December. You can learn more about the Holly Shores Vision Plan at the project's website.

Calendar Corner: September 20 – 26, 2022

Bicycle Advisory Council

The Bicycle Advisory Council advises the City of Austin and other jurisdictions on all matters relating to the use of the bicycle.


Austin Transit Partnership Board

The Austin Transit Partnership is an independent local government corporation with the authority and resources to design, construct and implement the Project Connect program.


Bond Oversight Commission

The Bond Oversight Commission monitors the implementation of projects approved in bond elections and ensures efficiency, equity, timeliness and accountability in the implementation of existing and future City bond programs. 


CapMetro Board of Directors

The CapMetro Board of Directors discusses and takes action on operations of the region's transit system. CapMetro services include fixed-route buses, MetroRapid, MetroExpress, MetroRail, Metro Access, MetroRideShare and Pickup. The agency also operates UT Shuttle and a host of other services.

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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