The first week of service for Austin’s first commuter rail is finished with more than 14,000 people taking advantage of the new rail system.
Capital Metro Interim President Doug Allen has already learned what's working well and what isn't.
“The only issue has been too many people on the train and that’s something we are trying to manage,” said Allen.
On Friday, dozens of people waited to ride the train at the Downtown Station near the Austin Convention Center. The train platform was packed with mostly sightseers wanting a free ride.
“It’s pretty ridiculous, but I guess overtime it will slow down. As more people ride and it will be purely for commuting,” said Heather Tabor. Tabor lives in South Austin, but wanted to take the train north to Leander with her two year old son.
Allen says Capital Metro is already evaluating how to add room for more riders.
“Anytime you have a lot of people wanting to use a train that can only hold 230 people that’s the situation. We are doing our best to manage it, but it’s a big crowd that wants to use the system,” said Allen.
Capital Metro is also addressing other problems like major traffic congestion near the intersection of Airport and Lamar near the Crestview Station.
Some drivers complain the commuter rail line is only adding to congestion here.
“We will be looking at ways to optimize it, but there’s a lot of movement of cars through that intersection, so there are delays anyway,” said Allen.
Starting Monday, passengers must pay to ride Metro Rail. One way fares cost two or three dollars, depending how far you ride.
