Details of Austin's Big 'Project Connect' Transit Plan Emerge

The public got its first taste of the ambitions of the Project Connect transit plan in the state capital of Texas.

2 minute read

January 16, 2020, 6:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Capital Metro Metrorail

Michlaovic / Wikimedia Commons

"After months of speculation and rumors, officials Tuesday offered a glimpse at a massive transportation plan — which includes a downtown subway — aimed to usher in a new generation of transit for a growing city," reports Alyssa Gourd.

It was the first time potential details of the Project Connect transit plan were made public, according to Gourd.

The plan is currently under development by the Austin City Council and Capital Metro Board. "The transit plans these groups are looking at range from $3.2-$10.2 billion, depending on the features they select," according to Gourd. "CapMetro explained they believe they can pay for 40% of this amount through federal grants." A public vote is one option for the remainder of funding.

A separate article by Paul Livengood and Hank Cavagnaro summarizes the scope of Project Connect, at this early point in the planning process, thusly: "Capital Metro announced its Project Connect transit system on Tuesday, which includes more MetroRail options and the construction of an underground tunnel housing a light rail system in the Downtown Austin area."

"The tunnel is a portion of one of two proposed transitways designed to alleviate downtown traffic and prevent cars from getting stuck behind a transit vehicle, according to city documents," according to Livengood and Cavagnaro.

The Project Connect website lists four primary visions for the plan: transitways, better bus service, improved commuter rail, and new transit centers.

Planetizen first picked up news about Austin's intentions to complete a big, ambitious transit plan in November 2019.

Tuesday, January 14, 2020 in KXAN

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog