Project Connect

A red light-rail vehicle traveling through a busy streetscape with tall buildings in the background.

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.

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

Transportation

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.