Austin — Streetcar Plan

Rail Transit Online, May 2006

A preliminary blueprint for a downtown streetcar line was released by the Capital Metro board of directors during a retreat held on Apr. 14.  The route would start near the Seaholm Power Plant and serve the Capitol and the University of Texas campus before terminating at the future Robert Mueller Municipal Airport redevelopment project.  No detailed studies have been completed, and costs and ridership are still unknown.  Also not determined is whether the board will place the proposal on the November ballot for the required voter approval of construction bonds.  However, developers of the airport property are expected to back the streetcar because they would be allowed increased density based on fewer auto trips if a rail line was in place.  So far, no financing has been identified, although a public-private partnership has been mentioned.  Private sector contributions could be based on transit-oriented development and increases in property values along the route.  A final recommended alignment along with price and ridership estimates could be available in June.