CapMetro Rapid Improvements
As part of Project Connect, we are introducing 2 new Rapid lines. The Pleasant Valley Line and Expo Line broke ground in the winter of 2021-22 and are proposed to start service in Spring 2025 to provide important transit connections to areas east of I-35 with buses arriving every 20-to-30-minutes. Service would begin after the essential infrastructure and testing are complete.
Pleasant Valley Rapid Line
This route will provide service from Berkman/Mueller and eventually end at Goodnight Ranch in southeast Austin (once the Park & Ride is complete), opening up access to growth areas for new development and redevelopment and establishing high-quality transit service east of I-35. It will connect customers to destinations like:
- Mueller
- The Springdale Shopping Center
- ACC Eastview
- Austin Lighthouse for the Blind
- Dove Springs
- Easton Park
- Goodnight Ranch
Expo Center Rapid Line
The northeast end of the route will eventually be a Park & Ride at the Expo Center with 150 parking spaces, when construction is complete. It will connect customers to medical, educational, residential and commercial areas, as well as to downtown at Republic Square.
The Expo Center line will broaden access to opportunities along the route, which includes key educational and employment centers. It also will connect to the new Austin Light Rail, giving customers even more transit options to move throughout the city.
Shelter features include a lower roof to help maximize shade, perforated panels to protect waiting passengers from hot and cold weather effects, two security cameras, real-time bus details, a sustainably made bench and safety lighting.
Status Updates
Introduce Service for Two CapMetro Rapid Lines
As part of Project Connect, CapMetro Rapid 800 Pleasant Valley and 837 Expo Center will start service in Spring 2025 and provide important transit connections to areas east of I-35 with buses arriving every 20-to-30-minutes. Service will begin after the essential infrastructure and testing are complete. While some infrastructure, including stops and Park & Rides, is still under construction, temporary stops may be used. We are committed to ensuring reliable and safe service and will adjust the timeline if necessary. Customers can expect further enhancements beyond the initial introduction.
Rapid 800 Pleasant Valley will provide service from Berkman/Mueller to the temporary end of line at Vertex/Slaughter Lane in southeast Austin. The line will end at the Goodnight Ranch Park & Ride once construction is completed. Rapid 800 will connect customers to destinations such as Mueller area, ACC Eastview, Dove Springs and more. It will also include connections to the future network, with transfers to the upcoming light rail and future Green Line commuter rail.
- Rapid 837 Expo Center will provide service from the temporary start of the line at Loyola Lane/Decker Lane in northeast Austin to Republic Square. The line will start at the Expo Center Park & Ride once construction is completed. Rapid 837 will connect customers to medical, university, residential and commercial areas. It will connect with a variety of CapMetro routes downtown, including our high-frequency network, Red Line at Downtown Station and Rapid 801 and 803.
| Service Day | Time of Day | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Weekday | 5 a.m. – 10 p.m. | 20 min |
10 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. | 30 min | |
Saturday | 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. | 20 min |
8 p.m. – midnight | 30 min | |
Sunday | 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. | 20 min |
7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. | 30 min |
Project Timeline
October 2021
Groundbreaking on both the Expo and Pleasant Valley CapMetro Rapid Lines
November 2023
Shelter installation for all 80 Rapid stations begins
Initial service levels anticipated in Spring 2025, with the full vision forecasted for 2026