A commuter rail line stretching from Austin to San Antonio has taken another step forward.
The Lone Star Rail District -- formerly, the Austin-San Antonio Commuter Rail District -- has been a long time in the making. Twelve years ago state lawmakers authorized the train service.
“We need alternatives to driving our cars on congested highway and especially on Interstate 35. For many years our regional transportation plans included an Austin-San Antonio rail line, and it is frankly a key element as far as having a comprehensive multi-model transportation system that we need in Central Texas,” said State Senator Kirk Watson, (D)-Austin.
Monday morning leaders announced that LSTAR will receive funding for a required federal environmental impact study. There’s also new funding to create the official design.
LSTAR will run from Georgetown to the south side of San Antonio along the I-35 corridor.
“People feel chained to their cars (on that route),” said Mary Briseno of San Antonio’s Metropolitan Transit. “Rail will offer travelers independence from I-35.”
LSTAR will make up to 16 stops, including Georgetown, downtown Round Rock, the McNeil junction, Braker Lane at the Domain, 35th and MoPac, downtown Austin, Slaughter Lane, Kyle/Buda, San Marcos at Texas State University, New Braunfels, Schertz, Loop 1604, Loop 410/Airport, Downtown San Antonio/UTSA, Port San Antonio and City South/TAMU.
LSTAR is expected to serve roughly 4 million people across its five-county region.
“It means easier commutes for downtown employees and more travel options for people who live near here. It means more visits from travelers and tourists coming to Austin. It means good things, great things for our environment as we provide more sustainable mobility options,” said Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell.
Altogether, officials say getting the line on track will cost $3 billion. The expense includes finding new lines and re-routing the two dozen Union Pacific freight trains that already use the tracks on a daily basis.
The State Legislature has granted nearly $200 million so far. There's also federal funding coming in for the line.
“We’re closer than we’ve ever been to offering travelers some independence from I-35 traffic,” said Senator Watson.
The line’s environmental impact study will begin early next year. It's required by the federal government.
