CapMetro Marks Another Milestone in Project Connect, Brings On-Demand Service to South Menchaca

AUSTIN, TX (August 6, 2021) – CapMetro has launched a new zone for Pickup by CapMetro in the neighborhoods surrounding South Menchaca, 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 program of projects that voters passed in November 2020, and launching the service in South Menchaca is another important step in implementing the program.

“CapMetro has always been focused on bringing more equitable transit options to neighborhoods in our service area,” said Chad Ballentine, VP of Demand Response and Innovative Mobility. “As part of Project Connect, our team will continue to work on bringing Pickup to more neighborhoods in the Central Texas community.”

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 easy, reliable and affordable option for people to get a ride to grocery stores, medical offices and other important places nearby in South Austin,” said CapMetro board member and Austin City Council member Ann Kitchen. “We are so excited to bring the Pickup service to South Austin – the Slaughter and South Menchaca area. This new program is part of the Project Connect citywide transportation system for Austin.”

Service in the South Menchaca service zone is available weekdays between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. The wheelchair accessible service will pick customers up from their location within 15 minutes or less. Pickup service can help customers in South Menchaca 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.

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