Texas Public Information Act FAQs

The Texas Public Information Act, formerly known as the Open Records Act is located at Chapter 552 of the Texas Government Code. The act provides a way for the public and media outlets to review or copy the agency's records. It also allows CapMetro to withhold its records from the general public under certain circumstances.

  • The request must be made in writing. The TPIA is triggered when a person submits a written request to the agency. Note, the request must ask for information that is already in existence. Written requests include a request submitted by hand delivery, U.S. Mail, email or fax. Please download and complete CapMetro's official form for requestors to help expedite the process.

  • Employees must direct all requests to our public information request site at capmetro.org/legal to follow the procedures posted there.

  • Any information that is accessed, collected, assembled or maintained by CapMetro is subject to the Public Information Act. The format (e.g. paper, electronic, microfilm, DVR video, DriveCam video, audio recordings, etc.) of the record does not affect its status as a public record. Information means documents, photos, data, video that exists at the time of the request.

  • There is no specific language required to trigger the Texas Public Information Act. However, the written request must be for a particular piece of information or document that can be produced, not just by asking a question.

  • If staff requires clarification from the requestor on the content of the request for information, they should notify the public information coordinator to do so on their behalf. In your request for clarification, please indicate what types of questions need to be asked of the requestor in order for you to identify what they are asking for. It's helpful to provide examples of documents that their request could include but may not be what they actually seek. Staff should notify Legal with their request for clarification within 5 business days upon receipt of the written request.

  • No. CapMetro staff cannot inquire why they want the records or about the purpose for the records will be used. However, if the request is unclear, very broad or voluminous, CapMetro through its Legal Department may ask the requestor to more clearly identify or narrow his or her request.

  • CapMetro has 10 business days after the date of receipt of the request to provide a response.

  • Yes. If staff requires additional time to gather information responsive to the request beyond the 10-day response time, then staff must notify Legal within 5 business days of the initial request and provide the anticipated date as to when the information will be provided.

  • Yes, in some instances. Under the TPIA, charges to produce information compiled and maintained by the agency may incur a charge if it is more than 50 pages.