Austin’s transit system has just received a significant boost, with 20 projects completed between 2021 and 2024 as part of the Streets for Transit program. The report, released in the fall, highlights how modest infrastructure changes can accelerate bus travel and improve safety.
Project Overview
The second volume of the report lists 20 completed projects that enhance speed, reliability, and safe access along the city’s public streets and sidewalks. CapMetro, the regional transit agency, noted that the program, launched in 2018, is a joint partnership with the city. CapMetro stated: “CapMetro invests up to $1 million annually for the City of Austin to design and construct transit projects that improve transit speed, reliability and safe access within the City’s right of way (public street and sidewalk areas),” according to CapMetro. The projects are grouped into spot improvements, bus stop improvements, and corridor improvements. Nadia Ramirez, manager for cross-agency programs, said the program shows how small changes can make big impacts. She added: “We’re holding ourselves accountable, being transparent, and also kind of learning what works through the system,” Ramirez said.
Spot Improvements at Guadalupe Street
The first highlighted spot improvement targeted the intersection of Guadalupe Street and West Cesar Chavez Street near Austin City Hall. The “s” maneuver of the road had caused increased crashes as bus drivers approached the South First Street bridge. The area also fell within the city’s high-injury network. CapMetro said the project added roadway striping and modified a pedestrian path, and improved the northeast corner of the intersection to better accommodate buses making a left turn onto West Cesar Chavez Street. The work was finished in 2021. As of 2025, the route carries 392 buses and over 24,000 passengers each day. The report states that the improvement led to a 60% reduction in bus-related crashes each year.
Ridership Growth and Future Goals
CapMetro reported over 25 million annual boardings as of March, serving a population of more than 1.4 million people. Nadia Ramirez explained: “A lot of our busses are coming out of downtown and they go three different directions,” Ramirez said. She also said: “One of our key goals is customer experience and making sure that customers that are on the bus are getting where they need to go on time and that the bus arrives when they expect it to,” she said. In total, CapMetro and the city have completed over 60 projects under the Streets for Transit program.
Key Takeaways
- 20 projects completed from 2021-2024 improve speed, reliability, and safety.
- Spot improvement at Guadalupe Street cut bus crashes by 60%.
- The program is part of a broader effort that has seen over 25 million boardings and 1.4 million residents served.
Austin’s Streets for Transit program demonstrates that focused, collaborative investments can deliver measurable benefits for riders and the city alike.
