Will there be enough parking for commuters when the new 32-mile rail system starts running next week? Capital Metro says there is plenty of parking, but some local businesses and residents aren’t so sure.
Talullah McColgin, 2, is visiting the Plaza Saltillo Rail Station in East Austin with her mom and dad. The family says they are looking forward to Monday's start date.
“I’m very excited,” said Rayah Christensen. “I think any city worth its salt has got to have a good public transportation system.”
“It’s a first step in what will become a citywide network,” said Sun McColgin.
But across the street at Method Hair, owner Shannon Hollis says she’s not looking forward to the rail start date. Hollis says there aren’t enough parking spaces for rail passengers at the station. She’s concerned the lack of parking will directly impact her business.
“They are going to start to cut into our parking, therefore, affect our clients and hurt business,” she said. “There are a lot of east side businesses in this area especially in this building that are hurting for parking right now.”
Residents living near the stations have concerns about parking as well.
“The lack of parking will make people park in the neighborhoods,” said McColgin.
Capital Metro says its goal is to reduce congestion so rail stations closer to downtown have limited parking.
“The more parking you provide the more cars you attract and that goes against our mission to try and help reduce congestion,” said Capital Metro’s Communications Director Adam Shaivitz.
Capital Metro officials say there are plenty of parking spaces for commuters at the three most northern rail stations. The Leander, Lakeline and Howard stations all have Park and Ride lots. Leander has the largest with 600 parking spaces, Lakeline has 500 and Howard has 200.
“That’s where we anticipate seeing the greatest demand from customers," Shaivitz said.
Still, Shannon Hollis sees it as a double edge sword that could hurt local small business owners.
“They maybe alleviating congestion on the streets, but if they are hurting small businesses who wins in that situation?” she said.
Capital Metro says the rail stations in the urban areas are designed with easy access from bus, bike and by walking.
