17-02-2025
Here's when CapMetro's new rapid bus lines debut this year
AUSTIN (KXAN) — All aboard: CapMetro will debut its newest rapid bus lines later this month as part of the Project Connect mass transit system's expansion work.
The two new MetroRapid lines are the 800 Pleasant Valley and 837 Expo Center lines. Riders will be able to begin taking those routes on Feb. 23, CapMetro officials confirmed in a Monday release.
PAST COVERAGE: CapMetro gears up for new Pickup, MetroRapid bus services in 2025
Both the 800 and 837 lines focus on expanded transit access east of Interstate 35. The 800 Pleasant Valley line will transport riders between the Mueller neighborhood and Goodnight Ranch in southeast Austin, while the 837 Expo Center will operate between northeast Austin and downtown.
Initially, the 800 Pleasant Valley line will stop at a temporary station at Vertex before its final expansion into the Goodnight Ranch Park & Ride. A similar temporary station endpoint is poised for the 837 Expo Centerline, which will debut with a temporary station at Decker before an end point at the Expo Center Park & Ride.
In December, CapMetro officials said work was underway on both lines' park and rides, with end-of-line charging infrastructure planned for electric buses. Both the Expo Center and Pleasant Valley lines will launch operations with diesel vehicles before incorporating a 'strategic use of battery electric buses' as available, December CapMetro documents noted.
The lines' full system rollouts are expected in 2026, CapMetro officials said Monday.
This isn't the first of CapMetro's Project Connect enhancements to debut in 2025. Area transit leaders celebrated the introduction of the Decker Pickup Zone in late January, an on-demand service helping provide connection points to area schools, grocers, businesses, recreation sites, and other amenities.
The Decker Pickup Zone marked the 12th in the CapMetro system, providing transport between the Decker Lane and Daffan Lane areas east of U.S. Hwy. 183. The CapMetro Pickup service runs as a curb-to-curb shared shuttle service, offering on-demand service within the service zone and connecting riders to other transit stops linking to the larger CapMetro system.
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