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Your Guide to Ride Part 3: Cap Metro and Cap ReMap

If you’ve used public transportation in Austin before 2018, you’re no stranger to long wait times, inaccessible stops, and migraine-inducing transfer routes previously characteristic of CapMetro. In June, however, CapMetro put into place what it calls “the most significant change” to the bus network in its history. All this in an effort to provide Austinites with a “more frequent, more reliable” public transportation system. For information on how CapMetro can benefit you, read on.

Increased Routes

Perhaps most significantly, Capital Metro’s ReMap nearly tripled the number of routes that operate every fifteen minutes. The new network now has fourteen of these high-frequency routes available to riders. The hours of operation are from 6 AM to 8 PM seven days a week, so you can always count on a cheap, reliable ride wherever you need to go.

Furthermore, Cap Metro offers a MetroRapid system with its 801 and 803 lines. These two routes, stretching from the Domain and Tech Ridge through downtown into Westgate and Southpark Meadows, offer a faster, limited stop service, which operates every 10 minutes during peak transportation hours each weekday.

Recently, Capital Metro introduced its MetroRail, a 26-mile route runs between Leander and downtown Austin.  MetroRail runs Monday through Saturday.  Passes cost just $3.50 for a single ride or $7.50 for a full day.

Late Night Service

Working late or having a drink on Rainey Street with your friends? Capital Metro has you covered. Austin’s public transportation system conveniently offers Late Night Services to Austinites. MetroBus services don’t end until between the hours of 10 PM and 12 AM, depending on which route you’re taking.  MetroRapid also offers frequent service late into the night seven days a week. Furthermore, MetroRail also operates until after midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

Though CapMetro isn’t without flaws, its improved bus and rail system marks the beginning of more accessible public transportation in Austin. So, whether you’re looking for cheap fares, a way to beat morning traffic jams, or simply want to travel sustainably, Capital Metro is your best bet all around.