A first for Austin.
Light rail is an electric-powered train system found in many major metropolitan areas. It runs on its own dedicated railway and offers riders direct street-level access, making it a really dependable and easy way to navigate city streets. You might have seen similar light rail systems in other cities before, but this will be the first of its kind in Austin, and offer a public transit experience unlike anything else in our city.
The Line
15 Stops at Key Locations
Austin Light Rail Phase 1 will provide access to some of the city’s most-visited destinations — connecting locals and visitors to places they need and want to go for work and play like UT, Downtown, the Hike-and-Bike Trail, East Riverside and South Congress.
Bridge Over Lady Bird Lake
The line will add a new bridge across Lady Bird Lake, creating a faster and more reliable way to cross the river during peak travel times. This bridge will also include an additional path for pedestrians and cyclists.
Connection to East Riverside
The line will extend along East Riverside, adding much-needed transit infrastructure and enhancing walkability. This includes a new pedestrian and cyclist path lined with shade trees and native Texas plants, and a future extension to the airport.
Key Benefits
New Options to Get Places
The line will integrate with cars, buses, trains and other modes — giving people more choices when navigating between the core and the larger metro area.
Easy, Reliable & Frequent
Light rail will have its own dedicated railway, intuitive directions, and run every 5-10 minutes — making it highly dependable and easy to use.
Reduced Travel Times
The line will allow riders to zip through the heart of Austin without having to sit in traffic — significantly reducing travel times to key destinations.
Nature-forward
Design
Shade trees, Texas plants and new walk and bike paths will be integrated throughout the design of the line, creating more people-friendly spaces.
An Engine
for Jobs
Light rail will create 10,000 jobs as a key part of city mobility improvements. It will also create access to 200K+ jobs when operational.
Keeps Austin Livable
The line will help keep our city accessible for working people by connecting to affordable housing and reducing commuting costs.
Key Benefits
New Options to Get Places
The line will integrate with cars, buses, trains and other modes — giving people more choices when navigating between the core and the larger metro area.
Easy, Reliable & Frequent
Light rail will have its own dedicated railway, intuitive directions, and run every 5-10 minutes — making it highly dependable and easy to use.
Reduced Travel Times
The line will allow riders to zip through the heart of Austin without having to sit in traffic — significantly reducing travel times to key destinations.
Nature-forward
Design
Shade trees, Texas plants and new walk and bike paths will be integrated throughout the design of the line, creating more people-friendly spaces.
An Engine
for Jobs
Light rail will create 10,000 jobs as a key part of city mobility improvements. It will also create access to 200K+ jobs when operational.
Keeps Austin Livable
The line will help keep our city accessible for working people by connecting to affordable housing and reducing commuting costs.