Leading the Way 2013 Annual Report
Letter from Linda W
herever you go in Central Texas, Capital Metro is there. We’re committed to supporting our region’s fast-track, booming growth by providing a full range of transportation choices to the people who live,
work and play here. 2013 was a banner year for us. Here are some of the highlights:
During the coming year, we’ll advance a number of other crucial projects and initiatives to proactively accommodate the region’s transit needs, including: • Continuing our leadership role with Project Connect to make the high-capacity transit vision for Central Texas a reality. • Launching MetroRapid service along Burnet/South Lamar. • Updating Service Plan 2020.
• Grew system-wide ridership to nearly 34 million, almost a million more than 2012. • Increased MetroRail ridership 33%, quadrupling the number of trips taken since service began. • Took leader role on the Project Connect: Central Corridor study to address the need for enhanced, high-capacity transportation options in Central Texas.
• Continuing bus stop and station improvements to ensure accessibility. • Continuing our Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) efforts near MetroRail stations, which have generated
• Led efforts on the Project Connect: North Corridor study to develop an integrated transportation plan for this high-growth region.
more than $153 million in private development to-date,
• Received $11.3 million federal TIGER grant for expansion of MetroRail service, presented by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx during a special visit to Austin.
including the redevelopment of Plaza Saltillo.
with another $1 billion in current or planned development,
• Added latest-technology Wi-Fi—a 4G LTE cellular network—to all MetroRail cars.
We are proud to share this report with you. As always, please let us know how we’re doing.
• Created new safety campaign with TxDOT, City of Austin, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Crossroads Safety Coalition to reduce collisions, injuries and fatalities.
Sincerely,
• Won CEO Cancer Gold Standard Award for our commitment to a healthy workplace. • Won Texas Comptroller’s Gold Leadership Circle award for financial transparency—our fourth in a row.
Linda S. Watson President/CEO
Our services: Growing ridership & greater mobility
2013 highlights include: Average 2.2 million trips a month. 14% increase in weekday MetroAirport service. 20% increase in weekday Night Owl service. 84% rider satisfaction rate, an 11% increase over the last two years.
MetroBus:
Total bus ridership: 32,006,249
Locally Yours
MetroBus: 26,631,139
A
MetroExpress: 613,632
lthough nearly 70% of our riders have access to a car, many still choose public transit as a fast and effective way to get around. MetroBus is the mainstay of Capital Metro’s fleet, taking people to school, work, shopping, UT games, appointments, the airport, and all those special events that make Austin such a great place to live.
UT Shuttle: 4,761,477
MetroAirport: 371,609 Night Owl: 212,971
2013 highlights: 769,262 total rides, up 15% from last year. Average 64,000 trips a month. 18% increase overall in special event ridership, including a 39% increase during SXSW.
MetroRail:
The Fast Track M
ore and more people are discovering that MetroRail is a stress-free, comfortable and reliable way to commute to work or school, see the sights or just go out for a night on the town. MetroRail operates at maximum capacity during peak weekday hours and during special events. Ridership continues to grow, with four times as many trips taken now as when service began in 2010.
$11.3 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant received, which will be used to expand capacity and reduce trip times.
AVERAGE ANNUAL RIDERSHIP 70,000 60,000
64,000
50,000
54,000
40,000
37,000
30,000 20,000 10,000
18,000
2010
2011
2012
2013
2013 highlights: Over 600,000* trips connected our customers to services and appointments. Average 50,000 trips a month. 5.4 million service miles driven. 97% average on-time customer arrival to appointments. Enhanced our passenger procedures to ensure customer safety.
MetroAccess:
Lending a Lift M
Opened new Eligibility and Mobility Training Center, featuring an assessment course and mock bus. Developed user-friendly Paratransit Rider Guide.
etroAccess provides customers whose disabilities prevent them from riding regular bus and rail services with dependable shared-ride service. We work to ensure the program remains a safe and sustainable service, providing freedom of mobility to our customers who need it most. * Represents ADA Paratransit service only. Non-ADA Access-a-Ride program data is not included.
2013 highlights: Nearly 220,000 passenger trips. 112 total RideShare groups. 78% of participants said they were “very satisfied” or “completely satisfied” with the program. 98% of RideShare commuters said they would recommend the service to others.
MetroRideshare:
Tailored Transit V
anpooling and carpooling are great ways to make commuting simple and enjoyable. They also help people save on gas and parking, and give commuters extra free time to read, check emails or just relax. Ultimately, all of us benefit from the reduction in air pollution and traffic congestion when people share the ride.
Rideshare expert vRide was brought in to improve benefits to participants, including new online payment options, new vanpool vehicles and enhanced rideshare matching.
2013 highlights: Held more than 150 Project Connect-related public meetings, stakeholder briefings and outreach events, reaching tens of thousands of people. Relocated the Transit Store, Customer Service Call Center and MetroAccess to a larger, more accessible location to better serve customers. Updated the Transit Store’s retail operations to simplify buying passes and merchandise.
Customer Service:
Rider-Driven W
e’re always striving to deliver positive customer experiences—whether it’s on board our vehicles, at the ticket counter, at community events, through social media or on the phone. Listening to our customers and providing frequent communications helps us enhance our service offerings and improve the way we do business.
Improved website and mobile site offerings, resulting in a 7% increase in website visits (360,400/month) and a 32% increase in mobile site visits (142,000/month). Doubled our Facebook and tripled our Twitter followers by providing relevant and timely information, resulting in enhanced communications with our customers.
Community engagement: Meeting Austin’s needs
2013 highlights: Over 230,000 shuttle rides provided overall during special events, up 48% from 2012. Over 782,000 bus trips provided during SXSW. Over 49,000 MetroRail trips provided during SXSW, a 39% increase. Over 13,000 rides provided on MetroRail during Formula 1.
Special Events:
Shuttling Fun A
ustin is home to scores of entertaining and unique special events each year, attended by hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe. Capital Metro’s train and bus services are just the ticket for event goers wanting to partake in all of the fun without the hassle of driving and paying for parking. It’s always a lot easier when people hop aboard Capital Metro.
Over 113,000 shuttle rides provided during Austin City Limits, including a 30% increase on Friday and Saturday. Nearly 1,000 safe, sober and free shuttle rides provided on New Year’s Eve.
In 2013, we: Transported nearly 9,000 people out of harm’s way during 15 emergencies. Provided over 7,000 bus rides to homeless shelters during extreme cold and hot weather. Expanded the annual Stuff the Bus food drive effort with partner Whole Foods Markets to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas.
Community Programs:
Support in Motion C
apital Metro is committed to serving all of the community, investing time, money and services to help those experiencing hardships. In addition to local non-profits, we partner with the Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department and Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to help out during crises and other special needs.
Participated in Chuy’s Children Giving to Children Parade, which collects thousands of donated toys each year for Operation Blue Santa. Participated for the 11th year in the Shopwith-a-Cop event, transporting at-risk area elementary students and Austin police officers to area stores. Invested $250,000 in our Basic Transportation Needs Fund to increase affordable transit access for low-income, transit-dependent members of the community.
In 2013, we: Opened a sustainable, native-landscaped urban trail that effectively connects cyclists and pedestrians to the Crestview and Highland MetroRail Stations. Partnered with B-Cycle to bring the next generation of bike sharing to Austin, with more than 20 outlets now conveniently located near MetroRail and MetroRapid stations.
Last Mile Programs:
Going the Distance C
apital Metro works regularly with the large Central Texas biking community and the City of Austin to promote options for “first and last mile� solutions to taking transit. Bringing a bike along on the bus or train makes it easier to connect to other Capital Metro services, putting even more of Austin’s great destinations within reach.
Began increasing the number of bike racks on MetroBuses from two to three in order to better serve the growing number of cyclists who use our services. Received a $554,000 federal grant to build six fully-enclosed, secure MetroBike shelters at MetroRail stations and MetroRapid transit centers, reducing the number of bikes on trains and buses so more people can board.
On the horizon: Enhancing the Journey
REVENUE
FIXED BUS ROUTE $115,709,675
SALES TAX $179,022,794
ADMINISTRATIVE & SUPPORT SERVICES $36,031,960
GRANT INCOME $56,311,803
Financials:
Securing the Future C
apital Metro is solidly invested in the region’s future. As a steward of public funds and public trust, Capital Metro strives for financial accountability and transparency. Reserves have climbed steadily from a low of $7.8 million in 2009 to $85.8 million at the end of fiscal year 2013. A portion of these funds are obligated to service-enhancing capital projects. We’ve developed a 20-year financial forecast and a long-range capital improvement program to ensure we have the resources to implement the region’s high-capacity transit vision.
OPERATING EXPENSES
METROACCESS $25,590,511 METRORAIL $16,850,390
FARES $21,926,229
RAIL FREIGHT $10,788,320
RAIL FREIGHT $5,030,110
CAPITAL SPENDING METRORAPID $20,691,847
IT $7,863,699
RAIL INFRASTUCTURE $3,570,983 FACILITIES $2,611,658
MOBILITY PROGRAMS $7,764,324 OTHER INCOME $2,282,734
METRO RIDESHARE $2,137,476 BUILD CENTRAL TX $1,808,588
INVESTMENTS $99,480
TOTAL REVENUE
$264,673,150
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES $216,681,244
PLANNING $903,850 VEHICLES $428,510
TOTAL CAPITAL SPENDING $36,070,547 Fiscal Year 2013
In creating MetroRapid service, we: Took delivery of 22 impressive 60-foot articulated vehicles, easily identified by their “bendy” middles and unique branding. Built 43 high-tech, custom-branded stations, complete with real-time arrival signage, lighting, protective canopies and seating.
MetroRapid:
Ready to Roll M
eet MetroRapid, Capital Metro’s new, customer-centered bus rapid transit service. MetroRapid will revolutionize the ride through Austin’s traffic with ultra-modern vehicles equipped with the latest in transit technology. Commuters can expect a smoother, more convenient, frequent and flexible ride through the heart of the city to some of the most popular destinations around town.
Deployed more than 100 employees and volunteers during several field tests to ensure MetroRapid’s exceptional first-trip performance. Installed advanced technologies including onboard Wi-Fi to keep people connected, a traffic signal priority system to move buses faster, and a mobile ticketing app and onboard pass validators to simplify buying and using passes. Worked with the City of Austin to design transit priority lanes on Guadalupe and Lavaca to expedite bus travel through downtown. Conducted more than 750 hours of outreach at stops, stations, meetings and events to effectively prepare the community for the new service.
2013 highlights: Unveiled the regional high-capacity transit vision map for Central Texas after 18 months of community input and collaborative work with business and community leaders. Launched projectconnect.com, an interactive website to keep the public informed every step of the way.
Project Connect:
A Regional Network P
roject Connect is a partnership between Capital Metro, the City of Austin, Lone Star Rail District and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), with a shared vision to create a high-capacity regional transit system that serves as a blueprint to guide future investments and connectivity.
Received region-wide endorsement with resolutions of support from the cities of Round Rock, Georgetown, San Marcos, Leander, Hutto, Pflugerville and Kyle as well as the Downtown Austin Alliance, the Real Estate Council of Austin, Alliance for Public Transportation, Austin Area Research Organization, Congress for the New Urbanism, Movability Austin, Downtown Neighborhood Association, Network of Asian American Organizations and numerous Chambers of Commerce. Honored, along with the City of Austin, with the 2013 Innovative Transportation Solutions Award by the Women’s Transportation Seminar International – Heart of Texas Chapter.
North Corridor Led the effort with cities including Round Rock, Georgetown, Hutto and Pflugerville to develop options for a high-capacity transportation network in this high-growth area.
Project Connect:
Linking Communities T
he Project Connect partners identified two priority corridors in 2013, after an extensive review of current and future regional employment and population growth: the Central Corridor, which includes downtown Austin, The University of Texas, the future Dell Medical School Teaching Hospital Campus, Waller Creek Innovation Zone, and the State Capitol Complex; and the North Corridor, where half the population of Williamson and Travis counties will reside by 2035.
Along with the North Corridor partners, engaged in extensive public involvement efforts to hone options for a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) transportation plan to provide frequent service between Austin’s core and the northern cities, linking employment, housing and education centers with other transportation services.
Central Corridor Kicked off the Central Corridor study by hiring a 30-year veteran of transportation projects throughout Texas and the nation to lead the project. Identified 10 sub-corridors to examine for a highcapacity transit investment, ultimately selecting the East Riverside and Highland sub-corridors for urban rail. Staged an extensive public outreach campaign that included over 100 meetings, open houses, special events and webinars to engage residents and businesses in the planning process.
In 2013, Capital Metro: Developed an innovative mobile app for ticketing, trip planning and real-time arrival information. Introduced dynamic message signs at the new MetroRapid stations with real-time displays to let riders know when the next bus will arrive. Developed transit signal priority technology for MetroRapid that allows buses to hold a green light longer to stay on schedule.
Innovation:
On the Leading Edge I
n a city like Austin, innovation is essential to stay ahead of the curve. Capital Metro makes it a priority to discover and employ smart, cuttingedge technologies to benefit our customers, such as shortening the wait at stations through real-time arrival signage, improving the way vehicles move through traffic, and making fare passes simple and easy to buy.
Installed mobile pass validator scanners on the new MetroRapid vehicles that allow customers to use passes purchased via their smartphones. Improved Wi-Fi capabilities on all MetroRail cars so more riders can access the internet at once. Saw a 25% increase in customer use of QR codes, available at every bus stop, which gives riders access to bus schedules and routes via smartphones. Saw a 24% increase in customer use of the Dadnab™ transit schedule app.
Contacts
Board of Directors
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ith 11 different ways to connect, it’s easy to access services or find out what’s happening at Capital Metro:
Transit Store: 209 W. 9th Street, Austin, TX 78701, (512) 389-7454 Website: capmetro.org Email: customer.service@capmetro.org GO Line: (512) 474-1200 Facebook.com/capitalmetro Twitter.com/capmetroatx Capmetroblog.com Youtube.com/user/iridecapmetro Pinterest.com/capitalmetro Board & Customer Satisfaction Advisory Committee (CSAC) meetings: capmetro.org Access Advisory Committee (AAC) meetings: capmetro.org/aac
ur board of directors is composed of capable and determined citizen leaders. They make informed decisions each day that help guide Capital Metro, and provide a vision for the region‘s future transportation needs. We extend our sincere appreciation to our board for their dedication to Capital Metro and the Central Texas community:
Mike Martinez, Chairman Chris Riley, Vice Chair Ann Stafford, Secretary Norm Chafetz John Langmore Terry Mitchell David Siebold Beverly Silas