Austin Transit Partnership announces its staff recommendation for Austin Light Rail

May 23, 2023

38th Street to Oltorf to Yellow Jacket best and most equitable option for first phase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

AUSTIN, Texas— Today, Austin Transit Partnership announced the organization’s official Austin
Light Rail staff recommendation– the 38th Street to Oltorf to Yellow Jacket option will serve as the
first phase of the Austin Light Rail Implementation Plan. The recommendation is based on the
professional expertise of the ATP team and partners at the City of Austin and CapMetro, but
importantly, it also reflects the input and values of the community.

“The Austin Transit Partnership is proud and excited to recommend the 38th Street to Oltorf to
Yellow Jacket option as we work to create a transit network that propels Austin toward becoming a
city that is more affordable and connected. This option best reflects the needs and values of the
Austin community and lays the best foundation for future expansions and extensions in all three
directions,” Greg Canally, executive director of ATP, said. “We heard support from community and
advocacy groups for this option as it provides critical connections for people, and we are proud to
listen to and take into account that feedback.”

Prior to making its recommendation, ATP presented the five proposed options on March 21 to the
public. This was followed by a robust, six-week long, community engagement process. During this
time, ATP interacted with over 8,000 community members through 90 in-person and virtual
events. Key findings of the feedback show support for the advancement of a light rail project that
prioritizes ridership, connectivity and access to opportunities and also maximizes coverage and
seamless integration into other transportation systems.

“For more than twenty years, Austin has tried to build a light rail system that brings our
community closer together and today, we know what will be built for this community, and by this
community, in this first phase of Austin Light Rail Implementation,” Mayor Kirk Watson said.
“When we come together to solve big problems, we can do big things, and having a light rail
system that is equitable, reliable and affordable that is built by the people of Austin, is the
definition of a big thing. I look forward to advancing this recommendation and seeing the people
of Austin get to work on a transformational project.”

The 38th Street to Oltorf to Yellow Jacket option is an on-street, two-line light rail that will cross
Lady Bird Lake at Trinity Street. This is the most balanced option between North, East and South
Austin, and will give the opportunity to connect historically underserved communities to the East,
high ridership stations to the South and also connect highest ridership stations North of the river
including the UT and Downtown Austin areas. Additionally, this option will leverage existing
locations that already have high-capacity public transportation users, including Metro Rapid riders.

To view ATP’s staff recommendation, please visit http://www.atptx.org/.

About Austin Transit Partnership

The Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) is the local government corporation responsible for implementing Project Connect and leading Austin Light Rail.

ATP is responsible for the day-to-day implementation, planning, financing, execution and oversight of Austin Light Rail.

In November 2020, Austin voters approved a referendum (“Prop A”) to provide a dedicated revenue stream to fund investments in Project Connect, a program of transit improvements, including Austin Light Rail. More information on the original Proposition can be found at https://www.austintexas.gov/2020PropA

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MEDIA CONTACTS: ATP

Jorge Ortega – 956.337.9501

ECPR Texas

Danielle Kaigler – 617.840.1689

Dennyse Salinas – 956.588.8943