Austin Light Rail: Austin Transit Partnership holds open house on UT campus
The Brief
Austin Transit Partnership hosted an open house at UT Austin about the Austin Light Rail design
UT would be one of the stops
Feedback is still being accepted
AUSTIN, Texas - Austin Transit Partnership hosted an open house at UT Austin about the Austin Light Rail design.
UT would be one of the stops in the middle of the line.
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The backstory
"We have pretty detailed maps where people can come see and understand what this light rail project is and how it sits in the street. We've also done a number of studies on the environmental effects," Jennifer Pyne, executive VP of Austin Transit Partnership, said.
Approved by voters in 2020, the 9.8 mile long, 15 station route runs through Austin hotspots.
The project is in the preliminary phase of design.
Later this year, ATP will procure the final designer and construction contractors. This open house builds on previous feedback.
"We have recommendations about how to advance some of those design options," Pyne said.
Local perspective
Some students provided their feedback.
"Just seeing Guadalupe being reimagined is also very nice. It's one of our busiest areas on campus, and I always dread crossing it. I think they're really taking some steps into considering us students," Tristan Stout, an architecture major said.
Attendees could also use a virtual reality headset to see what the area looks like with light rail.
"This is a very interesting way to understand how this is getting constructed," Stout said.
"This will all lead toward our future design phases to help optimize the transit environment for all users," Lisa Storer, VP of architecture, urban design, and sustainability at Austin Transit Partnership, said.
The other side
The project was not without criticism.
Last month, a lawsuit claiming the tax rate for the project was miscalculated was dismissed. The plaintiffs said they would appeal the decision.
"We've been ready to go to trial on that one for a while, and we still are. We're continuing the work and continuing to move the project forward," Pyne said.
What's next
Even if you missed this open house, you can still submit comments online.
Any received by March 11 will be in the final environmental documents.
The Source
Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's Angela Shen
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