Light Rail

How would Austin's light-rail system be any different from riding the bus?

Nathan Bernier

The city's first modern light-rail system would run in dedicated lanes on city streets with priority at traffic signals.

An aerial view of the intersection of Guadalupe and 29th Streets. A cluster of businesses in this area would be displaced, although not 99-year-old Dirty Martin's Place hamburger restaurant, which would have been forced to relocate under earlier plans.

Transportation

ATP wouldn't say which businesses would be pushed out by light-rail. So we found out.

Nathan Bernier

More than 60 homes and businesses could be demolished during the massive public transit expansion. As KUT worked to confirm the locations, many business owners and property managers learned about the plans for the first time.

An artistic rendering of a child looking out the window of a light-rail train crossing the planned bridge over Lady Bird Lake.

Transportation

Austin unveils how light-rail could change the city in new report with detailed maps

Nathan Bernier

After years of waiting, a clearer picture of the largest transit project in Austin history is taking shape in a 16,000-page government document.

A red and white Capital Metro Red Line train traveling along train tracks in Leander next to some utility poles. The sky is overcast. The foreground is an empty field of parched grass.

Transportation

CapMetro to build second set of train tracks in East Austin

Nathan Bernier

The $32 million double-tracking project includes new sidewalks, bike paths, safety equipment, train crossings and changes to East Fifth Street. But the improvements won't be fully installed till 2028.

An aerial view of Third Street with tall, modern office buildings on both sides. The street has several cars parked along the curb and a few vehicles driving. Red sidewalks where bikes can ride are on either side of the street. Trees are planted at intervals along the sidewalks.

Transportation

As Austin's light-rail trial begins, an AG appeal could signal delays

Nathan Bernier

A crucial legal battle over funding for Project Connect kicks off Monday, but is expected to be stalled by a dispute over whether the case can even be heard.

An illustration showing light-rail on 3rd Street. The sidewalk is busy and a blue light-rail train is traveling down the street.

Transportation

Legal showdown threatens to end Austin's light-rail plans

Nathan Bernier

Attorneys clashed in the courtroom over the Austin Transit Partnership's authority to issue bonds for the city’s multibillion-dollar light-rail project.

Ken Paxton is standing in a blue suit and has a closed-mouth smile as he looks upwards. He is surrounded by men in dark suits.

Transportation

Texas Attorney General Paxton targets Austin's light-rail plans

Nathan Bernier

Paxton is trying to block the Austin Transit Partnership from borrowing hundreds of millions of dollars needed to build out the system.

A MetroRail train crossing is pictured near Kramer Station on Nov. 4, 2021, in North Austin. A sign says "STOP Look for trains." A car is passing by in the background. The train track gate is open.

Transportation

CapMetro 'misspoke' and now says North Austin quiet zones won't be ready until April

Nathan Bernier

The transit agency is also apologizing for sloppy service during the first Austin FC home game of the season.

Dirty Martin's, an Austin burger joint since 1926, is pictured on April 13, 2022, off of Guadalupe Street. The words "Martin's Kum-Bak Hamburger" are visible on a wooden white fence in front the building. Several signs, like a Coca-Cola sign and one saying "Cheeseburgers, French Fries, Onion Rings, Shakes, Fresh Limeade" are on the side of the structure.

Transportation

Dirty Martin's would be spared under new concept for light-rail

Nathan Bernier

The early plan to reroute bus and bike lanes down neighboring streets could spare five businesses from the bulldozer.

A photorealistic illustration of a lively urban street scene. On the left, a blue light-rail vehicle with the destination "Northbound" is in focus. The middle of the image features shows people walking and conversing. On the right, there's a large H-E-B. The clear sky suggests a pleasant, sunny day.

Transportation

Fresh details on Austin's light-rail plans emerge as officials chase federal cash

Nathan Bernier

Train stations could be added, merged or deleted. A pedestrian path down the middle of Riverside Drive is possible. There are two considerations for a new bridge over Lady Bird Lake.