Capital Metro released preliminary results of bus service study

Capital Metro released preliminary results of bus service study

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By Community Impact Newspaper Staff Friday, 21 August 2009

Providing more direct buses to Lakeline Mall and consolidating several routes in north Austin are among the recommendations of ServicePlan2020, a comprehensive analysis of Capital Metro’s bus service.

Capital Metro officials hope to use the study to offer better service, better distribute its limited resources and develop a plan for growth expected in the next 10 years, according to a press release.

Todd Hemingson, Capital Metro vice president, said the recommendations would help the transit agency design better routes and services for the region.

“We look forward to a dialogue with the community about the plan,” he said. “It’s important to note that the service ideas being presented are only starting points.”

Improvements are expected in the following areas: increasing frequency of buses within major travel corridors, improving downtown routes, increasing service to employment and retail destinations and reducing unproductive routes.

Perteet Inc. conducted the analysis after evaluating customer and bus operator feedback, considering ridership and commuting patterns and reviewing market research.

Open house events are planned for late August to share the initial service concepts with the public. A second round of public discussions will be scheduled for November.

Final recommendations from the study will be presented to the Capital Metro Board early next year.

Other preliminary recommendations include:

  • Consolidate routes on Jollyville Road
  • Connect Wells Branch with destinations throughout the Austin area
  • Integrate University of Texas routes with regular routes
  • Remove service from neighborhoods with low ridership
  • Offer flexible service in Tarrytown
  • Increase park and ride service
  • Offer better service to high-traffic areas, such as connecting South Austin with Barton Creek Square Mall and extending Route 300 to Wal-Mart and South Congress Transit Center

Meetings are scheduled:

  • North bus routes: 1L, 1M, 101, 325
    • August 24, 5:30-7 p.m.
    • Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Lane, Austin
  • Northeast bus routes: 20, 23, 37
    • August 25, 5:30-7 p.m.
    • University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Lane, Austin
  • Downtown bus routes: all downtown routes
    • August 26, Noon-1:30 p.m.
    • Transit Store, 323 Congress Ave., Austin
  • South bus routes: 1L, 1M, 201, 333
    • August 26, 5:30-7 p.m.
    • Pleasant Hill Branch, 211 E. William Cannon Drive, Austin
  • Southwest bus route: 333
    • August 27, 5:30-7 p.m.
    • Austin Community College Pinnacle Campus, 7748 Hwy. 290 West, Austin

For details, visit www.capmetro.org/serviceplan2020.

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