Capital Metro says its long-awaited commuter rail line will start carrying passengers on March 22.
Testing on the 32-mile line from downtown Austin to Leander has been going on for months.
Inspectors with the Federal Railroad Association found various glitches and deemed improvements were necessary before it would give the green light to the commuter rail line.
But the FRA is now satisfied. So more than a year after the proposed start date, Capital Metro's red line will finally go online March 22.
“We're here to announce that we are finally ready to open the Red Line, and you know I think that many folks in this town are very excited about this first step, but you know we are not going to tear a rotator cuff patting ourselves on the back. We're going to get back to work tomorrow. We're going to make sure that all of our services run efficiently and on time, but then we're going to start working on the next phase of transportation for Austin because this isn't it. This is one component of creating a true world class multi motto system in a world class city,” said Mike Martinez, Capital Metro board chairman and city council member.
Real commuters, not just Capital Metro employees, have been taking part in these test runs.
Capital Metro's commuter trains will run on weekdays, every 35 minutes during the morning and evening rush hours.
The line runs 32 miles from Leander to the Austin Convention Center in downtown Austin with a total of nine train stations.
It's split up into multiple zones.
A one-zone trip will cost you $2. Traveling the entire way will cost $3. A monthly rail pass is available for $70. The rail line was originally scheduled to open in late 2008.
