Austin Public Transportation System

Up until now, the City of Austin has had only a large bus network to move residents around the city for work, school, or play. Starting this month, however, the City will start testing its new commuter rail line in preparation for full service beginning on March 30th.

The Austin bus network, run by Capitol Metro, includes a variety of services. There are normal city busses that run a wide variety of routes. A person, if willing to get creative, can manage to get nearly anywhere in the city via the public busses.

In addition to the busses, there are a number of free 'Dillo trolleys. These 'Dillos are employed in a limited area throughout the downtown area. They are free for all users and are a great way to navigate downtown to the University of Texas without having to pay a thing. Sometimes, they are more convenient than the regular busses.

Capitol Metro has been applauded for its efforts with the University of Texas to provide shuttle service to the University's large population of students and faculty alike. It is possible for a student not to have a car at the University because of the bus services. The shuttles run around campus and to areas with high densities of students.

The commuter rail line, while new, will stretch from Leander to the north to downtown. The trains will run along rail lines that were originally in place for freight trains. Because of the new commuter line, freight trains will now run at night but only 2 to 4 will run each day. According to the map online, the rail line will drop passengers off very close to the Capitol Building in downtown Austin. Other stops, some with rail transfers, are also in the works.

Search for Austin Homes

To learn more about the Austin public transportation system and fledgling commuter rail line, contact the Austin realtors of The Carvajal Group at 512-419-7770.