Project Connect

Overhead aerial view of CapMetro buses, both electric and diesel, neatly parked in rows at the North Ops Center.

CapMetro to shelve 46 new electric buses for a year after manufacturer bankruptcy

Nathan Bernier

Proterra's financial collapse is pushing Capital Metro to mothball more than a third of its electric fleet while the company's new owner figures out how to service and support the buses.

A collage of all five mayoral candidates' portraits edited together.

Transportation

Where do Austin's mayoral candidates stand on transportation issues?

Nathan Bernier

Five candidates on five topics: Project Connect, I-35, the airport, reducing single-occupancy vehicles and converting car lanes to space for pedestrians and cyclists.

A bus driver walks off of a bus in between routes at the Westgate Transit Center in Austin. The red Rapid bus says "803 Domain" on its destination sign. The bus is parked underneath two elevated highway lanes. Another blue CapMetro bus is partially visible in the background.

Transportation

Delayed CapMetro Rapid routes to launch next year with slower service and diesel buses

Nathan Bernier

The wheels on the bus aren't going round as planned on the $100 million project.

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

Class action lawsuit targets Austin taxes over Project Connect

Nathan Bernier

It's the second lawsuit filed by taxpayers opposed to the light-rail plan.

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.

Wheatsville Food Co-op on Guadalupe Street is pictured on May 22, 2024. A bike rack is out front along with some planters. A green and white Lime scooter is parked by the entrance.

Business

Wheatsville to close Guadalupe Street store that opened in 1981

Nathan Bernier

The co-op's general manager largely blamed Project Connect, but admitted the Guadalupe Street store has financial issues and the building needs major repairs.

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.

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.

Transportation

Austin confronts legal challenge to 10-mile light-rail plan

Nathan Bernier

The City Council and Austin Transit Partnership are not giving an inch in their response and are working to advance the project.

A cross-section illustration of what a subway station could look like. At the ground-level, a small structure is surrounded by trees. On the level beneath that is the "back of house" infrastructure needed to keep the station running. The second level down is a concourse and the bottom level is a station platform. Escalators are shown connecting each level.

Transportation

Project Connect opponents ask court to block funding for transit expansion

Nathan Bernier

The lawsuit alleges, among other things, that the city no longer has the power to levy taxes for the transit project because the light rail plans changed without voter approval.