Since 1985, CapMetro has been connecting people, jobs, and communities by providing quality transportation to Central Texas and is committed to continuing this legacy in 2025. As we celebrate our 40^th year of service, we reflect on the progress we’ve made and are excited to share our plans for what’s to come. Expansions are happening across the agency and around the city to better support growing communities, local businesses and our riders.

In its short history, CapMetro has set ambitious goals and accomplished agency-defining milestones. Roberto Gonzalez, Senior Director of Service Planning, reflects on the impact the agency has made on the community, “As our community has continued to grow so have our service offerings. I have had the honor to be part of CapMetro during the past 30 years, and be part of that history.”

Here’s a timeline of some of the highlights!

1985 CapMetro, legally known as the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, was established by a voter referendum and began service in Austin.

1994 CapMetro becomes the first Texas transit system with 100% accessibility on mainline buses.

2010 MetroRail (now CapMetro Rail) began service.

2014 MetroRapid (now CapMetro Rapid) began service and the CapMetro mobile app launched, generating $1 million in app transit pass sales in its first year.

2020 CapMetro celebrated 1 BILLION RIDES! Cap Remap was implemented, making it the biggest service change in CapMetro history!

2024 CapMetro Bikeshare (previously MetroBike) launched with a 100% electric fleet. CapMetro hosted the APTA Mobility Conference and Pickup celebrated 1 MILLION rides!

Looking Forward

As a champion of equity and accessibility since its founding, CapMetro has had a history of community-minded progress. Updates and improvements are already in motion with that same thinking in mind. Plans that extend into the new year will focus on creating a better, safer, and smarter transit system.

CapMetro Bikeshare opened MORE stations last year! We have completed the first phase of this revamp, and the few remaining docking stations are set to open throughout 2025. The new 100% electric assist bikes and colorful new look have been an exciting upgrade for riders. With docking stations across Austin and the new Bikeshare app (you can also purchase your pass in Transit’s app), first and last-mile transit has never been more convenient. Learn more about Bikeshare and find a station near you.

Our Rapid buses went blue last year and will continue to see new changes with the introduction of two new lines opening Spring 2025! As part of Project Connect, Rapid routes 800 (Pleasant Valley) and 837 (Expo Center) will provide transit connections to areas East of I-35, with buses arriving every 20 to 30 minutes. These lines will be run by an electric fleet – making it an efficient and environmentally conscious transit option. Service will begin after the essential infrastructure and testing are complete.

CapMetro is excited to expand service in the area and is committed to ensuring reliable and safe service. Both lines will reach popular and crucial destinations such as the hospitals and restaurants in the Mueller area as well as ACC Eastview. Customers can expect further enhancements beyond the initial introduction.

Kicking off the New Year, the new Pickup Decker Zone will open in January 2025 as part of Project Connect. This zone will serve the Northeast Austin area, bordered by Springdale Rd. Decker Ln. and MLK Jr Blvd. Areas of interest include the Travis County Expo Center, Community First! Village, numerous schools, and the Springdale shopping center. Our Pickup service connects customers to transit stops and popular destinations in various limited-area zones near our fixed-route service. Check out all the Pickup service zones and times here

Beyond the fleet, CapMetro will also see exciting changes in the way riders plan, track and pay for their trips in early 2025. A full integration with Transit’s app and a new payment app upgrade (including the much-anticipated tap-to-pay feature) is underway! Customers can purchase passes for all CapMetro services, including Bikeshare and Pickup, within Transit. Transit features real-time location tracking and customization features, making it a user-friendly transit tool that benefits longtime and new riders. Download Transit’s app and learn more.

We had a lot to celebrate last year, thanks to the support across the agency from our admin staff and frontline service providers to our riders. 2024 ended with a month of holiday events, to show how much CapMetro appreciates our customers! During our Month of Magic, we took to the streets with the help of our favorite elves to hand out goodies, CapMetro swag and FREE bus passes to over 200 lucky riders!

As CapMetro continues to expand to better meet the growing needs of our community, we ask you to join us in celebrating this anniversary and imagining what we can achieve in the next 40 years.