AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin is one step closer to an expansion of its transit system, and a potential November referendum on the proposal.
The Austin City Council and Capital Metro board held a joint session Wednesday and adopted a final version of the Project Connect transit plan. The final plan includes four new rail lines, 15 new fast and frequent bus routes, additional stations and frequency on the Red Line, 24 new Park & Rides and the transition to a zero-emissions fleet.
A key component of the plan, according to CapMetro, is a downtown transit tunnel that will separate transit services from street traffic.
"With Austin's population expected to double by 2040, Project Connect is the right plan for a public transportation system capable of responding to that growth," said CapMetro Board Chair Wade Cooper. "Getting final approval on the plan is a major milestone as we move forward on realizing this bold vision for Austin's future. We're proud to have worked closely with the community to ensure Project Connect has a positive impact on our future."
According to CapMetro estimates, local taxpayers could be asked to foot as much as $5.4 billion of the total $9.8 billion cost, with the rest coming from federal funding sources.
"Now more than ever, Austin needs a transformative mobility plan and we finally have one - created and embraced by our entire community," said Mayor Steve Adler. "This comprehensive transit system will make our city more equitable while helping us fight climate change and ease congestion."
Both the council and CapMetro will spend July working on their budgets, with August 12 being the date to take a final vote on putting the project before voters in November.