Working on the assembly of a MetroRail car (All photos courtesy CapMetro).
You can't take the Red Line Downtown yet, tapping away at fancified-commuter wi-fi interwebs (perhaps sippycup of mocha latte in hand?), but you sure can start dreaming about it, can't you? Here's some material to add fuel to the fire. Or not -- those puppies are zero emissions.
CapMetro recently published the All Systems Go Community Newsletter (PDF). The All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan is a regional transportaion plan evolved with citizen input, covering the next 20 years of rapid population growth (Central Texas' numbers are expected to double).
The newsletter is a supplement to recent ASG website updates. It's got news about the Capital MetroRail (on time and on budget, due to start service in 2008), new Park & Ride facilities, and a new intiative to supply Wi-Fi internet on Express buses.
In November 2006, Capital Metro launched Mobile WiFi service on Express buses to provide internet access for passengers. The pilot project began with service on nine MCI coach buses serving express routes. The buses are white with a red stripe down the middle. The WiFi-enabled buses, numbers 9301 through 9309, feature Capital Metro “WiFi To Go” decals to let boarding passengers know they are riding buses with WiFi capabilities. Capital Metro is now exploring the possibility of expanding this service to additional routes. Free WiFi also is offered at TechRidge, Leander and Pavilion Park & Rides. Capital MetroRail will also have WiFi upon opening in 2008 (more).
The newsletter also highlights CapMetro's "Clean Air Committments" -- outlining efforts in four major areas: Fleet, Fuel, Facilities/operations, and Rail.
The Public Education Materials index is a good place to start if you're interested in learning more about the ASG plan. (Note that the newsletter link on that page is incorrect, but you'll get it if you click on the newsletter image.) It's got links to presentations, maps, facts sheets, and artists' renderings of the MetroRail.
You'll find MetroRail news and info -- including station maps and plans -- here.
Here are some ways to get involved with CapMetro planning and development.
- Check out the ASG Future Connections Study web, its public meetings and workshops, and its feedback form and mailing list. According to CapMetro, the Future Connections Study looks at "improving transit connections between the University of Texas , the Capitol, the Central Business District, the Seaholm redevelopment site, and the Palmer Events Center , in addition to connections to the 700-acre Robert Mueller Redevelopment."
- CapMetro public meeting schedules and agendas are posted online
- A CapMetro general newsletter, On The Move can be read on the web or delivered by email
- For the geeks: Take the free CapMetro GIS Geospatial data and Google Transit Feed Data out for a spin
Readers familiar with the Austin Convention Center may recognize the site of this planned MetroRail station (click to enlarge).
