Latest news with #AustinLightRail
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Austin officials reassure public on light rail project
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Five years ago, Austin voters said yes to a bond package that would fund the construction of a light rail line through the city, but Project Connect has yet to break transit leaders met this week and want to reassure the public that it is happening. The Austin Transit Partnership, the group in charge of bringing light rail to Austin, held a luncheon this week to provide an update on its efforts. 'The Austin Transit Partnership released their draft environmental impact statement, which is a huge milestone for us to continue forward with Project Connect and Austin Light Rail,' said Ashika Ganguly, the executive director of Transit Forward. 'However, we're still seeing a lot of ongoing outside threats to the project into Austin light rail, specifically legislation attacking Austin local control and our ability to build light rail here in the city and ongoing lawsuits and the threat of federal funding being taken away,' Ganguly said. ATP said they're hitting milestones consistently, that work is happening, and that they're still on track to start construction in 2027. 'One of the comments we get in that effort… all the time is, get moving, but let's get the project under construction. Somebody even said, let's have less meetings. And I said, 'Well, I hear you and amen to that. But at the same level, us going out and talking to the community is part of the process,'' Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally said. CapMetro is also a key player in the future of Austin transit, working alongside ATP and the Texas Department of Transportation. 'Most people don't realize how much work there is to do between idea and actually like turning dirt and tearing up the streets,' CapMetro CEO Dottie Watkins said. 'I need every single one of y'all to tell 10 people about what's going on with Project Connect and that things are going forward and that we continue moving forward,' said Watkins. Watkins said a key to fewer traffic headaches amid a series of construction projects, like the I-35 Capital Express, is to explore your options. 'We will be encouraging a lot of folks to use the bus. We'll be encouraging folks to work from home. We'll be encouraging folks to try Vanpool, to try the commuter rail, to try alternate routes, so there will be a lot of solutions coming out to that,' said Watkins. ATP also released new renderings of the light rail system and how it could look. 'I have a vision of Austin in 2035 with a fully functional light rail and continued service improvements to our buses, our bike share, and all of Cap Metro's other services, and I see that vision. I know everyone who's going to be in this room today sees that vision, and we are ready to make it a reality,' Ganguly said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Austin Light Rail: Project could bring jobs to Austin
The Brief The Austin Light Rail project is on track to expand routes across the city With this project, it could bring more jobs to the Austin area Small business owners are getting the opportunity to network for the project AUSTIN, Texas - As a $7 billion plan to bring light rail service to Austin moves forward, many local businesses and workers are hoping to help build it. On Wednesday, the Austin Transit Partnership hosted an event for those businesses, and also gave an update on the project. Timeline "We want Austin to help us build this for Austin," said Austin Transit Partnership Executive Vice President for Design and Lindsay Wood. The Austin Light Rail is on track. The 10-mile street-level railroad will stretch from 38th and Guadalupe Streets though the UT campus and into Downtown, then down Congress to Oltorf. Another branch will head east on Riverside Drive to SH 71. The project also allows for future extensions to the airport and the Crestview train station on North Lamar. "We are actively seeking additional funding opportunities to be able to accelerate that extension," said Wood. With construction set to start in 2027, the focus now turns to who will design and build the railroad and its 15 stations. "Austin is looking at billions of dollars in construction," said Tina Cannon, a small business owner and CEO of the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce. "And now it's time for small businesses to get engaged and involved." What they're saying On Wednesday, the Austin Transit Partnership invited local companies who may want a piece of the three big contracts that will be up for grabs next year. "So we're here today bringing on those potential industry partners that will need to help us get shovels in the ground," said Wood. "Everything from nail and board type construction to engineering firms," said Cannon. Austin-area small businesses sat alongside big construction outfits for networking and training workshops. "It's all about relationships," said Helen Callier, founder of Permit Us Now. "To, number one, see folks we may already know and have some conversations. And number two, see folks we may not have met before in the industry to be able to start those conversations." "It's a chance for small businesses to have a say now. So then when it comes time to actually bid on the process, it's a much smoother process," said Cannon. In the meantime, the Austin Transit Partnership is working on getting federal funding for the $7.1 billion project, which is expected to bring thousands of local jobs. "All boats rise together," said Callier. "So for the small businesses, we play a critical role in the economy in the local area, for Austin and, of course, the surrounding communities. And it makes a difference." Why you should care If you're a business owner who would like to get involved but weren't able to make it to Wednesday's event, click here. The Source Information from interviews conducted by FOX 7 Austin's John Krinjak
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
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. RELATED STORIES: Austin's Light Rail: Project Connect shows off updated plans Austin Light Rail: Austinites get closer look at project Austin Light Rail: New images, renderings provide insight into project 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
