in review
Capital Metro experienced several events last year that significantly impacted the agency.
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As gas prices reached nearly $4 a gallon in central Texas, commuters dumped the pump for the bus. Capital Metro saw a dramatic rise in ridership in 2008 all while trying to manage the affects of rising diesel costs. Last summer, ridership from Park & Rides increased 69 percent over the previous year. In response, Capital Metro added service to several Express routes and purchased a 45-foot Express bus. Then in August, the Capital Metro Board of Directors approved the purchase of eight 40-foot buses to meet the demand for service.
Capital Metro also went through a major service change. The changes included opening the award-winning South Congress Transit Center, streamlining the ‘Dillo routes, relocating the bus stop near the state Capitol and making other adjustments to routes aimed at increasing ridership and efficiency. Capital Metro staff worked diligently to ensure customers were well informed and prepared for the changes. In mid-October, Capital Metro went through its first base fare increase since the agency was created in 1985. The local bus fare increased from 50 cents to 75 cents, and most other fares also increased. The fare increase was approved by the Capital Metro Board and a Local Government Approval Committee, comprised of elected officials within Capital Metro’s service area. The agency began considering the fare adjustments in 2007 as part of the longrange financial sustainability plan. Fares will increase to $1 in 2010.
Amid all of the changes that occurred in 2008, Capital Metro also endured a three-day work stoppage by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1091, which represents many of Capital Metro’s bus operators and mechanics. The strike caused a significant impact to service and customers. As the days went by, Capital Metro staff and its contractors were able to increase the levels of service each day. Fortunately, StarTran, Inc., a non-profit service provider, was able to reach an agreement with the union and service was restored shortly after. 2008 was a defining year for Capital Metro. Throughout the challenges and positive experiences, Capital Metro’s mission remained constant: to provide quality transportation choices for the community.
To the Central Texas Community Capital Metro is on the brink of a new era of transportation as we prepare to open the first modern-day passenger rail system in central Texas. Several milestones have been achieved recently, and Capital MetroRail has now entered the final comprehensive operational testing phase of the Red Line. We look forward to opening a safe, reliable system that central Texas will be proud of. MetroRail will do more than provide another transportation option to our citizens; it will also help shape the future of our community. It is the first step in developing a regional rail system. Other local entities have already established interest in developing more rail projects. Once MetroRail service opens, many more will realize the benefits and will support new opportunities for rail and other mass transit modes. The Red Line is only one part of Capital Metro’s plans to provide a truly multi-modal transit system to meet the growing needs of our region. The All Systems Go Long-Range Transit Plan includes expanded local and express bus service, MetroRapid bus service, MetroRail, and new and improved park and ride lots. Developed in 2004 with input from thousands of citizens, the transit plan addresses the pressures of rapid regional population growth. However, Capital Metro cannot meet the needs of our region alone. Last year, our Board of Directors took a proactive approach towards expanding transportation in central Texas. They approved a policy allowing Capital Metro to create innovative partnerships with local and regional governments seeking transit service. Our collaborative efforts will go a long way in ensuring that our communities remain great places to live, work and play. Sincerely,
Fred Gilliam President/CEO Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Capital Metro Board of Directors Margaret Gómez, Chairman Jamie Jatzlau, Vice Chair Mike Manor, Secretary John Treviño John Cowman Brewster McCracken Mike Martinez