Austin Light Rail: Austinites get closer look at project

AUSTIN, Texas – The new light rail system is on track to start construction in Austin in 2027. It is part of the project connect transit plan.

On Thursday, residents were able to get a look at images of the light rail stops across the nearly 10-mile stretch.

Austin Light Rail: New images, renderings provide insight into project

What is the Austin Light Rail?

What we know:

According to ATP, the Light Rail System will service an estimated 28,000 riders on a weekday.

A draft environmental impact statement highlighting the impact the light rail will have on traffic, property, acquisitions, air quality, and the environment was made available for residents to view. 

“We have a lot of new information to show. We’ve been working diligently over the past year and a half since we last had public meetings in February 2024. We’re here to show how we have worked that into the design and the analysis that is underway,” says ATP spokesperson Jennifer Pyne.

The Austin Transit Partnership set up a display that gives block-by-block visuals of the light rail system and the 15 stops along the 9.8-mile stretch.

“We are proposing a very reliable, frequent service that runs through the center of Austin to UT out East Riverside, down South Congress. The light rail project will include the introduction of light rail in the street, but also looking at how bikeways and sidewalks and trees would all fit into the streetscape as well,” says Pyne.

Local perspective:

The open house gave residents the opportunity to weigh in on the city’s decision to add the transit system that was approved by voters in 2020.

“I did not, although a lot of people I know did and that was to happen, but the current proposal is almost identical to the one that was rejected by the voters in 2014. I don’t really like the idea. I think, you know, the project is so expensive, and it will serve so few people that it’s really not worth that kind of investment,” says Austin resident Larry Acres.

“For the most part, I really like it. But there are still concerns about safety, about noise, about vibration and stuff like that. Austin is such a great area. Light rail would be fabulous. I just want to make sure we don’t rush into it,” says Austin resident Mary Fealkoff.

What’s next:

The feedback from the meeting will be used to add to the environmental impact statement for the project to receive federal funding.