The Thin Red Line

The new Capital MetroRail, known as the Red Line, now has two completed rail cars in its hot little hands and trials have begun on the route between Leander and downtown Austin. Along the light rail project is expected ---

In autumn 2008, six new cars manufactured in Switzerland Austinites will move up and down the red line in a modern comfort. The zero-emission, diesel-electric cars can carry 200 passengers with wheelchair access, bike racks, high back seats with pull-down trays and overhead luggage storage. Trains slick-looking red and silver exceed the safety standards of European and American operate more quietly than buses and can stop overnight. The cars are also equipped with free WiFi access for commuters who can not stop to check their e-mail. "Wifi to go" is available on express buses Austin since 2006.

The itinerary includes nine steps and take a little less than an hour to travel from end to end. When launching a new service, trains run every half hour during peak hours on weekdays. The nine steps proposed along the line are the Downtown Convention Center, Plaza Saltillo, MLK Jr., Highland Mall, Crestview, Burnet, North MoPac, Lakeline and Leander.

Choose stations include park and ride (Leander, Lakeline and MoPac) while others will respond to cyclists and pedestrians. All stations will be connected by a bus service improved. The current plan also includes new buses in the capital to get Metrorapid commuters bound for 15-20% faster than regular buses. Buses about traffic lights in order to have priority at intersections and stop signs that show will include the exact time the next bus will arrive.

Station designs were approved last month with a few stations with glass art in glass. The long-term plan for stations extends to areas that receive them. Following the best practices for transportation oriented development (TOD), the city plans to increase the density of homes in the proposed stations and produce people friendly walkable neighborhoods in these areas.

The estimated project cost MetroRail is 90 million, which is relatively cheap for something that will promote growth and prosperity to the city. Piggybacking on the labor market of our ancestors, the red line employ 32 miles of existing freight tracks that have been used for over 100 years.

SPEED IN THE FUTURE

The population of Austin is expected to double over the next 20 years and planners are preparing. Capital MetroRail Red Line is a piece of a larger long-term vision to keep the city moving. Although the new extensions to the system of light rail must be approved by referendum, plans are well advanced and include a plan for commuter rail service between interregional San Antonio, Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock and San Marcos using existing freight tracks MoPac.

Tracks and trails is another promising project that hopes to expand world-class city network of hiking trails for urban construction and bike paths along several rail corridors.