The Capital Metro commuter rail -- called the Red Line -- is in service.
After numerous delays, the rail launched Monday morning, picking up its first passengers just after 5 a.m. in Leander.
“I've been waiting since they said it was going to start. I really have because this is going to save me money and time and allow me to get some work done on my way to work,” said Rick Hollar, passenger.
Capital Metro and city officials boarded the first train along with a few passengers.
“I'm a real believer in public transportation. I was excited,” said Don Bridges, passenger. “It's a way for me to save money. But it also it gives me a way to do things en route when I go downtown to do other things: check e-mail, read a book or whatever I want to do.”
The train left the station at 5:25 a.m., traveling the 32-mile track into downtown Austin. Throughout the ride, the train stopped at seven additional stops before arriving at the downtown station. More passengers boarded the train along the way.
“I'll save about 40 miles round trip a day from where I work. The cost is phenomenal by the time I fill up,” said Wally Shaw, rail passenger . “This is going to be economical, be a time saver. I can work on my laptop when I'm on my way to work, read -- whatever I want to do.”
The ride from Leander to downtown Austin lasts about an hour, including the stops. Most passengers say it’s worth riding over driving through morning traffic.
“I look forward to the money I'll save. When you pay for the tolls, you're not on the toll road that far, but yet you still pay a pretty good price, so instead of paying tolls and gas now I'll just buy a ticket,” said Meri Hanks, passenger.
The trains can accommodate 200 people. In all, they can shuttle about 2,000 people in and out of downtown Austin every day, compared to the estimated 67,000 who work in downtown Austin. Capital Metro officials are hopeful to expand service in the future.
Capital Metro has staffed its rail stations for the first two weeks of rail service to help passengers figure out the system.
The first week of service is free to everyone. After that only seniors and disability card holders, University of Texas and ACC students and faculty, police and firefighters with proper identification and uniformed military personnel will be able to ride for free.
For others, tickets will cost anywhere from $1.00 to $3.00.There are also day and month passes available.
