Austin’s public transportation network is an unsung hero of our city.
Taking the bus or MetroRail allows you to read, get work done, or even take a catnap while traveling to your destination - and reduces your carbon footprint in an impactful way. The more we use and support CapMetro, the more it’ll help reduce traffic and pollution in Austin. Next time you’re sitting in the parking lot that is I-35 or overhear someone loudly whining about traffic on Mopac, remember CapMetro and consider making a planet-friendly choice - you might be surprised by how much you like it.
Contributed by Kelly McComas
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IMPORTANT: COVID-19 UPDATE
Capital Metro requires customers to wear a mask when on their vehicles and at their facilities. From physical distancing protocols to new contactless payment options to enhanced features aboard the vehicles, they've updated their safety and cleaning measures to ensure you can get where you need to go without adding extra stress to your trip.
Some services have been suspended in order to direct resources to where it’s most needed. But, whether you’re riding the train or catching your bus, CapMetro service continues to be the safe, convenient and affordable option you can count on. Find out more how you can ride with care.
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Photo credit: Brio Photography via CapMetro
Ways to Get Around
Austin’s Capital Metro offers a variety of different ways to get around depending on location and time. The MetroBus (all over Austin) and MetroRapid (North Lamar-South Congress and Burnet-South Lamar) are the most common; these are the buses that traverse our city’s surface streets. CapMetro also offers MetroRail trains with nine stations located between Leander and downtown Austin. MetroExpress is a comfy commuter bus service whose routes service outlying areas, great for those who work in the city center and live in the ‘burbs. The MetroRapid runs until 12:30 AM.
Check out the CapMetro website for a full list of available services, including accessible options, UT campus shuttles, and on-demand pickup service.
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Photo via CapMetro
Planning Your Route
You’ve decided to take the leap and use public transportation to get around Austin. Congratulations! The hard part is over. We don’t know how people used to do it, but these days, planning your transit route is incredibly easy thanks to your phone. If you want to, you can check out CapMetro’s specific routes and schedules - but we recommend using their online or in-app Trip Planner (or even Google Maps) for customized, step-by-step directions to your destination. Just hop on over to the app store for your Apple or Android devices. Using the Trip Planner, you can set your departure address, destination, arrival or departure time, and receive a list of options that match your request. You can also use this feature to find upcoming departures from stops near you or nearby routes, making it a helpful tool for on-the-fly planning as well as building a route in advance.
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Photo via CapMetro
Getting Your Ticket
CapMetro offers several convenient ways to get your hands on a ticket to ride, both online and in-person. Transit pass options range from a single ride ticket to a month-long pass; choose whatever works best for the way you ride. Click here for information on fares. Pro-tip: kids 18 and younger can ride CapMetro for free!
In-App or Online
If you haven’t already, download the CapMetro App - it’s the fastest and easiest way to instantly buy a public transit ticket you can display to the driver or scanner on your phone. On a computer, you can use the Online Marketplace to buy a ticket and it’ll be sent directly to your phone or mailed to your address.
In-Person
No access to a smartphone? No worries. Head to the Transit Store (209 W. 9th Street) on weekdays during business hours, or visit a participating retail store near you (H-E-B, Randall's and other local grocery stores) to get your hands on a pass. MetroRail passes are available for purchase from vending machines on rail platforms.
On-Bus
If you don’t have time to plan ahead, you can also buy a Single Ride or Day Pass from your driver with cash when you get on the bus. Make sure you have exact change to avoid losing any money.
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Photo via CapMetro
Riding CapMetro Like a Pro
We’re going to round out this guide with a few suggestions for how to master Austin’s CapMetro system:
- Be respectful. Don’t camp out across four handicap seats, y’all. Let folks who need the seat more than you have it - you’ll get hella warm fuzzies in return.
- Be prepared. Have your ticket or bus fare in hand when you hop on board to make the ride as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Remember to have exact change to avoid losing money.
- Stay in the know. Check the app, the website &/or subscribe to MetroAlerts notifications for updates on delays and service alerts.
- Don’t miss your stop. Pay attention - your driver can’t pull over between stops. Press the buttons on the bus walls or pull the yellow cord to alert your driver when your stop is next.
- Don’t be a jerk. Public transportation is, well, public. If you’re going to cuss out your ex over the phone or practice your yodeling...do it elsewhere.
- Enjoy the ride! Taking public transportation means saving money and gaining time. Sit back, relax, and take up knitting or finish that poetry collection that’s been collecting dust on your nightside table all year.
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