If you saw Capital Metro trains running on Thursday outside the hours of regularly scheduled service, it was only a test. The tests, however, could lead to permanent changes.
Capital Metro is studying how new midday service on the hour could work, along with a new Friday night run. Because the agency shares track with freight trains, the practice was needed to ensure there could be enough room for everyone.
“Expanding the service is something that people have been asking for,” said spokeswoman Misty Whited. “We are looking to see what we can do about that.”
Whited said the results of Thursdays tests will be presented to Cap Metro’s board within the next few weeks. Should the board vote to expand service, the changes would go into effect in January.
Passengers, in the meantime, are eager for changes. Cheryl Keighley and her husband Terry moved from California five months ago, and they say that access to public transportation was important. They live near the Lakeline Station in North Austin, and would like to see more trains.
“I would prefer if it was here every hour,” Cheryl Keighley said. “I think it would work out for a lot of people better.”
Capital Metro trains currently run Monday through Friday during morning and evening commute times only.
