Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Austin, Texas, officials formed the Austin Transit Partnership.Photo – Cap Metro Facebook
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Cap Metro) and Austin, Texas, officials last week formed the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), which will be responsible for implementation of Project Connect, a plan to expand rail and bus systems in Austin.
The ATP will work with the city, Cap Metro board and the Austin community to design and construct the $7.1 billion initial investment in Project Connect and transit-supportive infrastructure, Cap Metro officials said in a press release.
The Austin City Council and Cap Metro board last week also adopted Project Connect-related resolutions regarding a $300 million investment into anti-displacement strategies, hiring local businesses to deliver the project, and a commitment to use Cap Metro capital expansion funds for the project.
Cap Metro will pursue federal funding for 45 percent of the project's total cost. The remaining funds would be provided through a voter-approved tax rate. The Austin City Council anticipates it will order an election to approve the tax rate later this month, Cap Metro officials said.
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