CapMetro Marks First Milestone in Project Connect, Brings On-Demand Service to Dessau Neighborhood

AUSTIN, TX (June 11, 2021) – CapMetro will launch a new zone for Pickup by CapMetro in the Dessau neighborhood beginning June 15, bringing on-demand public transportation to the community and fulfilling an important component of the Project Connect system.

Expanding neighborhood circulators is a key element of the Project Connect system of programs that voters passed in November 2020 and launching the service in Dessau is the first step in implementing the program.

“Even before Project Connect passed, CapMetro has been focused on bringing more equitable transit options to neighborhoods in our service area,” said Randy Clarke CapMetro CEO and President. “Our team is working tirelessly to implement the transit system Austinites approved, and launching Pickup Dessau is an early first step in keeping that promise.”

Customers can download the Pickup by CapMetro app from their phone's app store (iOS and Android), register for an account and book a trip. Those in the service zones without access to the smartphone app may call 512-369-6200. A one-way ride costs $1.25 - the same charge as a Single Ride pass used to take MetroBus and MetroRapid services. A CapMetro Day Pass, 7-Day Pass or 31-Day Pass will cover a Pickup ride as well.

Kids ages 18 and younger ride free. Children 10 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

“Pickup by CapMetro is an on-demand, reliable, affordable and easily accessible ride share option for our community,” said ATP board member Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette. “We are so excited to be bringing the Pickup service to Dessau.”
Service in the Dessau Pickup zone will be available weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. In August, the service will expand to include Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The handicap accessible service will pick customers up from their location within 15 minutes or less. Pickup service can help customers in Dessau get to important locations, such as shopping centers, medical services, schools and parks.

CapMetro piloted the Pickup service in 2017 and 2018 in Northeast Austin, including the Mueller and Windsor Park neighborhoods. In June 2019, the agency launched service in Manor after which additional zones in Austin and Leander were added. The Pickup service app was developed in partnership with Via which operates on-demand ridesharing networks in New York City, Chicago and Washington, D.C. The company licenses its technology to transportation providers globally, including neighboring cities of Arlington and Fort Worth.

For more info on Pickup by CapMetro, please visit capmetro.org/pickup.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 
Jenna Maxfield, 512-592-2171
CCR-Communications@CapMetro.org