[Actual letter-to-editor sent because the idiots on the radio were anti-funding these folks:] More cars are never the solution. If you want to be a world class city, take off your training panties, put on big boy pants, and get more public transportation. It absolutely makes no sense a city of this size doesn't do better by mass transit. When I used to live in San Francisco (and when I visited "major" cities like Boston), every walk of life from the CEO to the janitor took mass transit. You'd be NUTS to drive your car. That's what major cities DO. Let's start with where you going to park? How much you gonna pay for that? More cars need more parking spaces. You're complaining about the cost of mass transit:try the cost of more pavement in a city that needs much more water. What about all the drunks produced by our "live music capital"? If there was sane public transit out of the 6th Street district late night, we'd have far fewer incidents. What of the tourists this city claims to attract? They're not all renting cars: if you want more tourism, give them a way to get around. And why don't you just close every bar and restaurant on Sunday while we're at it. The city won't raise the minimum wage, ran Uber and Lift out of town, and there is NO WAY HOME for a lot of us that work the service industry on a Sunday night. For a "major" city, that is fucking pathetic. PATHETIC. If you want to sit in I35 traffic all day, keep building roads. If you want to get around without road rage, added pollution, drunk drivers, profits for the oil war machine, you should support more public transportation. read more

I ride an express bus route that has two trips downtown in the am and two out in the pm. At least once a month, they have cancelled all the pm trips with no notice. The rest of the time, the pm trips are almost always late. How do they expect to get people out of cars if they are not reliable? read more

I have been waiting for my bus since 4:59pm. It normally runs everyday at 5:04pm. When I called dispatch to complain this bedder on the phone told me I could be a little more patient. Ma'am this bus didn't get here until 5:42pm which is 43mins late. I've been patient asf rn. Then when the bus got here Operator #321870 rushed me to hurry up and get on because he was running late. No sir I waited on you now you can wait on me. The customer service is piss poor on a good day dealing with these drivers. Regardless of the bus you catch they're rarely on tim. They either come early or late but NEVER on time. read more

I worked at Capitol Metro as a bus driver recently quit the job because it was horrible management, horrible benefits expensive, hostile work environment! I've had my CDL for 20 years I would not suggest working here go somewhere else! read more

Tremendous issues with route symmetry. You may be able to get there, but not return back from whence you came. Even after the recent schedule changes, the "15 minutes" soundbite is a bold faced lie. Let one crosstown bus run a minute late at a transfer point, and you're cooling it for 30 minutes or more. The more they try to fix the system, the more they break it. It was far more reliable--if a bit more "cowboy"--years ago when it was Austin Transit. Management needs a complete overhaul, because they don't understand that an effective mass transit system is more than putting buses and drivers on the roads. This bus system is a joke at best, and a bad one at that. read more

To Rebecca at the Metro rail took the time to help me find the right train to Leander on Friday thank you for kindness.

I think Cap Metro goes out of its way to be unhelpful, especially to new riders or visitors. Can you imagine a modern bus system in any city that does not electronically or audibly announce what the next stop is and/or does not stop at every stop? If you don't already know the route very well, how do you know when to pull the wire to get off? Apparently you need to fly by it, realize you passed it and then get off at the next stop. As a protest I think everyone should pull the wire for every stop until Cap Metro updates it's technology to the bare minimum standard of a modern transit system. Not to mention the bone jarring bouncing on every pothole and that inevitable homeless person / creeper / ranting person that really needs to meet you right now. read more

I *heart* CapMetro! I take the bus to and from work to save on gas $, not hassle with parking and in order to just sit back, relax and read a book. $10 a month to ride all you want - can't beat that! I have bus passes for me and all three kiddos and we love it! YAY for saving money YAY for someone else driving YAY for there being a stop right in front of Campbell's Hole!!!! read more

I want to ride the bus more often because... It saves moolah. It saves hassle. You can read or people watch. If you happen to live within a bus line you can pretty much get within mere steps of any spot downtown. Yay for no DUI'S! (It had to be said!) read more

When I was in college I was left to fend for myself without a car. Now sometimes when I come back to visit town I hitch rides with friends, and left without my own transportation. Or you got really really drunk and hopped into a car with that not so hot chick and woke up and looked around grabbed your pants and went running to the bus stop... YEAH... good times, and because of YOU, I got home. Now they've added a metrorail. The times are pretty on track so using google public transportation you can estimate your trips accordingly. read more

What a sweet ride I had this morning. I did not have to deal with the stress of sitting in traffic, I did not spend a cent on gas, I got a little workout riding my bike to the station, best of all: I did not have to deal with the stress of sitting in traffic. The good: 1. Super clean (But, this is the first week that Metro Rail is up and running so only time will tell if the cars will turn into public restrooms) 2. I was able to get from Wells Branch Parkway to Downtown in about 30 minutes. (It takes me the same amount of time to drive the same distance. 3. The SWEET YouTube video that Cap Metro made: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz2J1lNiG_o 4.There is a policeman at every station and on every train 5. You are able to take your bike onto the train (Very cool, I am sure I will be sharing a seat with Lance Armstrong soon) 6. The plush bucket seats that every person gets 7. If you get off at the Downtown station you are only two blocks away from Frank's which serves Intelligensia coffee. AWESOME They have a pour-over bar which makes a wicked cup of coffee. The Bad: 1. Only 2 bikes can fit on one car (Come on this is Austin, we love riding bikes and we need more!!!) 2. The bike rack barely fit a mountain bike tire (26x2.3). I struggled to get my bike hung up. Maybe Cap Metro could change that. 3. The plush bucket seats. I would rather be a little less comfortable and be guaranteed a seat than ride in first class. Let's cram into the cars like sardines and make sure that no one is late for work. Screw comfort--let's make the train functional. The Ugly: 1. The schedule--it sucks. What about the drinkers that want to take the train downtown to get blitzed? http://www.capmetro.org/MetroRail/schedules.asp The last train leave at 5:23 going south and 6:40 going north. Lame! read more

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$1 from the airport to downtown hotels and back. Can't beat that. Capital Metro = Austin's public transit system. After landing in Austin, I went to the information desk at baggage claim/ground transportation and asked what my options were for getting to the Marriott Residence Inn on 4th St. They were: 1. Taxi cab for $25. 2. Shuttle for $14. 3. City bus for $1. The bus leaves the airport every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour. The trip from the airport to my stop, 4th and Trinity, was approximately 25 minutes in traffic. My return trip, with no traffic, was about 20 minutes. $1 each way and the bus stop was right next to my hotel. The bus was clean and never got crowded. The middle of the bus had luggage racks for travelers to store their bags. If you're visiting Austin and staying downtown, Capital Metro is definitely the way to go. Pick up a bus schedule from the information desk at the airport. Be sure to take the #100 bus and bring exact change -- all you need is a one dollar bill. read more

Clean, on time, and expanded service during festivals and special events. And that there are my 3 stars for my private ride share from CP to downtown and back. I really wish they could make the necessary arrangements to have service on Saturdays before 4PM and service on Sundays. Oh and having later service from downtown during the week would be nice. I understand that Cap Metro shares the rails with the big commercial trains but the limited service makes no sense. As others have noted public transportation in this area is lacking. It seems the answer to our transportation woes is to build more vehicle tolls lanes/roads which really does not solve the traffic/congestion issues. read more

I love the mix of free entertainment of people watching and the fact that you can safely get downtown and back home after a night of fun time downtown! Some drivers aren't as friendly as others and the timing of the buses can be unpredictable but hey what do you want for a two dollar round trip ride? read more

Gee we told them that 'remap/connections' would never work....Linda even jumped the sinking ship with Todd right behind her (which I honestly did not expect!!) Unlike Houston Metro, Clarke did not rise through an organization's ranks--he was a lobbyist who had no idea what running a public transit agency itself actually was like--let alone a badly disorganized and mismanaged one which wages war against public transit riders. Yes he had lived in the heavily public transit oriented Washington D.C. so he 'should have' understood the necessity of public transit for mobility. There should have ben no debate. And he 'should have' been wary about taking a job where the planners were excited about removing access to basic infrastructure.....or at least asking for a moratorium while he studies the impacts/potential impacts on the supposed 'effectiveness' on a rapidly growing city. Being far too willing to bend to people who did not like public transit wasn't a good omen. He was then put in the awkward position of having to go back and add routes/stops--and explain why Austin NEEDED more transit....yes after his predecessors had insisted on 'removing everything. He just should have removed them read more

I love public transportation, my friends actually tease me about it too. Hey, why waste good money on cab fare if you don't have to; really, the less I spend on transport the more I can spend on drinks! I found the whole bus system in Austin to be a bit confusing and here's why: * Cap Metro v Dillo's - what's that all about? I just don't get it. * Bus stops. In Chicago the signs for the stops are right by the curb, here they are about 5-6 feet off of it. Also, with the exception of one stop there was no description of the routes, names of the routes, or maps posted so I knew what went where. * Website. Tourists on the buses at home drive me nuts holding up the bus by asking a zillion questions. I was determined not to be one so I went to the website to do a little research. I found fare info easy enough, but the trip planner was deactivated due to the strike. Since my BlackBerry wouldn't pull up the route maps I hopped on a bus and hoped for the best. * Drivers. The first bus driver didn't know what route he was driving. I know it's a strike, but really talk about the blind leading the blind. The second bus I was riding refused to let some riders on because it was at capacity! What!?!? First of all 5 people got off and 3 wanted to get on - where's the problem? Second, the bus wasn't that crowded, we could've fit them and another 6-7 if we had to. Third, the driver told those riders the next bus would be by in 30 minutes; I was shocked no one opened up a world of hurt on this guy. Seriously, I can only imagine what someone at home would do in response to a comment like that; a bus is only full there when you've got people practically sitting on the drivers lap. I'm not complaining, but I found it curious that rides were free during the strike; I guess as a consolation for limited service. But, if your drivers are striking for more money (I assume) why would you let people ride for free? Not complaining, just sayin... Bottom line: Due to the limited service I probably didn't get the normal Cap Metro experience. I did get to ride for free so that was definitely a plus, even if I hadn't the regular rates are a steal compared to back home. read more

Took the Metro Rail downtown for St. Patrick's Day. Learned that you can no longer use a credit card to purchase a ticket. It's cash only at the machine or you can download their app to pay by phone. I personally think that reducing the purchasing to cash or phone only promotes persons to ride for free (a.k.a. without purchasing a ticket). I never saw anyone checking riders for tickets. Ride did not take too long, however the time waiting for a return ride was too long IMO. read more

What a absolute joke of a public transportation system. I've lived in many "cities" if you can really call Austin a city, and CapMetro is by far and away the worst transportation system ever imagined. They are constantly cutting service, buses don't keep consistent schedules, the buses are dirty and unregulated. I've never felt unsafe on a bus until I started using CapMetro. I'll be waiting for the "Rapid" 803 (surely they call it Rapid in jest because it's anything but rapid) at Republic Square, there will be 8 801 buses in a row arriving at the same stop and 45 minutes later an 803 will finally roll up, packed to the gills with people, when the 803 and 801 are supposed to have the same frequency. CapMetro is deplorable. read more

Waited 30 minutes on a route that was advertised as being every 15. When it finally came it was full and drove on past. Instead of keeping my girlfriend in the freezing cold for another half hour we just got a Lyft. COMPLETE waste of time and money. read more

The bus system in Austin is below average. I'd like to see the frequency and number of stops increased. In addition, the light rail system favors the suburbs, but I truly believe it would have been more effective running from the airport to downtown. They system is clean, but people don't know how to share space. It's common to see one person using two seats and causing more people to have to stand or look elsewhere. read more

Wow Austin you have really special bus drivers who deserve a 5 star salute!! My daughter and I decided to buy a 7 day pass and be adventurous and see the "real" Austin. "Y'all" are genuine, kind and respectful folks. We jumped on Route 1 and took a tour of Austin with driver Michael Pina (like pineapple) who gave us tips on where to eat, shop and have fun. He dealt with a few riders with mental health challenges with complete grace. Capital Metro be proud of your hard working fleet! Thanks Austin for your wonderful city! read more

I took the morning train, did not work from nine to five and then, took another home again...butchered Juice Newton lyrics aside, I do like the new commuter rail system BUT I think they are missing the boat BIG time by not providing service in the evening and weekends. The last train leaves downtown around 6:30 pm. Maybe they could experiment by providing service until 10 or so on say, Thursdays and Fridays, for those who might want to stay downtown for dinner or happy hour after work? There are several stops. Let's see how good my short-term memory is: Leander, Lakeline, Howard, Kramer, Crestview, Highland, E. MLK, Plaza Saltillo, and Downtown... Riding from the Lakeline station to downtown (drops off right by the convention center on 4th St.) on this super new, super clean, two-car train takes about 45 minutes and costs $6 (same price for two-way trip or 24-hour all-you-can-ride day pass). Not having to worry about traffic and a chance to get in some extra shut-eye are huge benefits. Not to mention saving on the hassle and cost of parking downtown. read more

You're crafty Capitol Metro. You convince the population at large that Austin has decent public transportation. Maybe downtown Austin does. But the crosstown routes? Someone gave a blind 2 year old a bunch of crayons and said "just make look prettyish. I'm gonna go get wasted". Way back in 2007 going from Riverside to Wal-mart took three transfers and around 1.5 hours, if I recall. Get this - we're talking 4 miles. It's faster to just walk. So, you're gonna end up walking, and you're probably going to end up a little pissed that you can't have a stupid bus that goes from one of the most densely populated parts of town to one of the busiest shopping locations in Austin. The best part? You tell all the little school children to do well in school, so they can slave away at "prestigious expensive big ass university" and get a little pass that lets them use the busses "free". Everyone talks about how wonderful we have it. You know what's interesting though? Capitol Metro is compensated $4.2 million/yr from student fees to provide service to students. Student fees, you say? Ahh yes. just to vent - flat rate tuition is bulls*it. If you dig deep enough, you can find information on where that flat rate tuition goes. I'm not sure students would like to find out that they are spending a couple of hundred every semester that goes directly to Capitol Metro, regardless of whether you actually use the service. A few hundred for RecSports/Gregory Gym. etc. read more

NEGATIVE STARS!! I'm getting SICK of Capital Metro!!!! Wait... Pause Rant: I will say the only saving grace are the bus drivers, train operators and other staff. They are awesome. Sure I've come across a few coconuts. But overall top notch. Continue Rantapocolypse: urrg ...me angry.... Ok first off the train is reeeallly nice.... But where does it go? Exactly. It's a joke. The bus stops downtown are spaced a few blocks apart but once you get to North Austin they're spread out by miles. Makes no sense. I've seen people beg the driver to let them off near their house so they don't have to walk two miles in the blazing heat of Summer - Of course they can't, breaks the rules I get it but wtf we need more stops!! To go southbound on the 383 you either have to walk a few miles to the nearest stop or take the bus Northbound. Super convenient. Moving the bus stop from DIRECTLY in front of the Great Hills Park and Ride lot to .25 miles down the road... Freaking brilliant. Anderson Mill, 183, Parmer and Pond Springs need an extended service area, more stops and frequent service. We really need 24 hour service. Metro Rail desperately needs to be extended to areas surrounding Austin. People who don't use public transportation need to stop pussyfooting around and blocking bills crucial to Austin's growth and expansion. It's gonna happen. It has ALREADY happened. People who RELY on transit whether you have a car or not need to speak up, vote for initiatives you care about and be vocal otherwise people who don't even use Cap Metro will have a freakin FIELD DAY just like with Uber and Lyft. Sick of this ish!!!!! I'm pissed. AND is anyone else frustrated that Cap Metro stopped taking credit & debit cards at ticket machines??? Because they're trying to bring us "advanced" technology? Tell me on any given day what are you more likely to have 80% of the time, cards or cash? Pfft. Up your game Capital Metro. Up your friggin game. read more

While riding the northbound 1L bus, I was looking for the station/transfer center where I was supposed to catch my next bus, the 243. It's called the Tech Ridge station. I notice that we're pulling into a station (as opposed to a regular bus stop), so I ask the driver: "Is this the Tech Ridge station?" (I ask this even though the clock in the bus says it's 3 p.m. and the schedule says we arrive at Tech Ridge at 3:20 p.m.) Driver: "Tech Ridge, yes." Me: "Okay. I need to get off here, please." Knowing that the buses are never on schedule and that the clocks in them are usually wrong, I think nothing of it and turn around to grab my backpack. While I do, the driver starts to pull away from the stop and get back on the streets. Me: "Um. Like I said, I needed to get off back there. But I guess I can get off at the next stop." We finally get to the next stop, I get off and grab my bike and start pedaling quickly back to the station. The schedule says I had only seven minutes to make my transfer, and getting off at the wrong stop is going to mean I'm cutting it close. Good thing I have my bike, right? I get back to the station and look around. There is no stop for the 243. I find a system route map (luckily, this is one of the few stops that has one) and learn that I am not at the Tech Ridge station at all. I'm at another station at 183 and Lamar, the North Lamar Transit Center, and Tech Ridge is several miles to the north. I ask the next few drivers if they are going to Tech Ridge. "No, you have to take the 1L for that," they tell me. Yeah. The bus I was just on? Thanks. Awesome. Good thing it's only 102 degrees out here. read more

I lost a job once do to the erratic schedule of the bus route near my house. I drive my own car now thank god. Maybe it had something to do with the operators driving and reading the newspaper? I caught this picture the other day while driving down Guadalupe. It just reminded me how much I hate Capitol Metro. http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u242/jclaytonatx/0409091259-1.jpg read more

Although my first Metro Rail ride was a complete and utter disaster, I wanted to try it again because I would love to have an alternative way to get downtown that doesn't involve fighting traffic, maneuvering between the pedestrians and hunting down a parking spot. I took advantage of the extended weekend hours this month, and I'm happy to report that it went very smoothly. There are still a few things that aren't so great. There is no parking at the Kramer station. The office parks and warehouses chose to tow rather than open their lots up, so we ended up parking on a side street. Luckily, there was a few spots left, but if they want the metro to be a viable solution, they will need to have a parking plan. After we parked and walked over, a friendly Cap Metro employee helped me purchase my ticket. The machines aren't very intuitive, but with her help I figured it out. It would be nice if there were instructions on the machines for people that are easily confused like I am. The southbound train arrived right on time, and we were on our merry way! The trip was smooth and comfortable and we arrived at our downtown destination promptly at 7:23. From there it was a quick walk to the Ghost Room for the Yelp party. The Capital Metro employee at the Kramer station had warned us that the last train would probably be overcrowded, so if we wanted to ensure we got back we might want to consider either taking a bus or leaving before the last train. We planned accordingly and took the 10:27 train home. Again, a quick and smooth ride back and all for only $2 round trip! It was so nice to be able to relax on our way home rather than deal with driving and parking. Hopefully this was as much of a success for Cap Metro as it was for us, because I'd love for them to permanently offer weekend and late night hours. If they did, I'd be a regular rider. read more

"THIS TRAIN IS BITCHIN'!!!! HOW COME NO ONE RIDES THIS TRAIN???" "Because it doesn't go anywhere anyone wants to go" "OH. DAMN." - Overheard on a Friday night train ride. Good concept, flawed execution. Extra star because the train cars are really nice. read more

Having moved away from Austin to Odessa, I have experienced better mass transit. Granted, I'm originally from NYC, which has the most advanced mass transit system in the world and that could've spoiled me quite a bit, but c'mon! Every bus showing up late if at all? Drivers who refuse to acknowledge you when you ask for directions but are more than happy to scream at sleeping passengers? Nothing connecting to anything anywhere in town so you end up having to take 3 buses to go 2 miles? And don't get me started on the city limits issue. I mean, there are no jobs in Austin and the bus won't take you to Round Rock no matter which god you offer rum and meat to. To add insult to injury, there was even a Cap Metro bus strike! You know what, I didn't even notice. I've known people who lost jobs because of the bus or were late to very important things such as court dates. The people in Austin who are so proud of this worthless system are the ones who've never left Austin to visit a city that had better transit or a real downtown. And, yes, I AM implying that the T in Boston is superior. Hell, you try to make sense of the routes with the drivers themselves and they look at you like you're speaking some sort of Hindi/Tagalog ghettonomics. If I wanted to wait 80 minutes in the sun on a patch of grass and debris so I could pay to get lost somewhere in the Arboretum, I would've just walked because it's better exercise. read more

Cap Metro should seriously consider hiring adults to drive their buses instead of children. This morning, while trying to make a right turn the bus next to me decided it would be hi-lar-ious to block my view of oncoming traffic. Every time I inched forward to try and see around the bus, the driver inched forward to block my view, laughing the whole time. I have no idea what I did to offend this guy but he ended up blocking not only my visibility but the crosswalk for pedestrians too, all so he would play games while he had bus load of passengers on board. Real professional. read more

I'm a UT student who gets to ride Cap Metro for free, AND I don't have my own car, so I'm catching the bus at least once a day during the week. I come from a city with a truly AWFUL public transit system that everyone but crack dealers is too frightened to ride, so Cap Metro is like the frikkin Magic Schoolbus to me. If you can ever take the Express buses, do so. They're the big tall ones that go from the 'burbs past downtown on weekdays (the 980s). These are so much quieter, cleaner and, because of limited stops, faster. If you get one of the really tall ones that looks like a charter bus inside, there's free WiFi, too. And most importanly, THE CRAZIES DON'T GET ON THESE BUSES! I'm not sure if it's because they cost a bit more than regular routes or what, but every Express I've ever taken has been totally crazy-free. And for someone who rides the 3 bus several times a week, that's a welcome relief. read more

Bite me, Capital Metro. Riding the bus? Does not save hassle. Riding the bus? Is not relaxing. Riding the bus? Pretty much blows. Okay, I'm sorry for the harshness of that. But I've spent two years now using the bus to get pretty much everywhere. I live south and work above 183 - that's a 3 hour round-trip on the bus, folks - not even counting delays because the bus was late or the driver didn't feel like stopping for you. Versus an hour & 30 minute round-trip drive. That bus commute? Blows. I really liked it at first - it was convenient, it was cheap, and before I realized how much more relaxing it was to drive, I really thought the bus was less stressful. But after two years of walking to work in pouring rain, or in 100-degree heat, carrying a bag full of shit to do on the bus (because I got bored) and getting passed by my co-workers in their big-ass trucks (who would later mock me at the office because they do not understand public transit)... I am over the bus. I am SO over the bus. The drivers are rude 50% of the time (I saw one yell at a blind guy once for daring to ask for directions), frequently the non-express routes are up to 40 minutes late, the buses are filled with creepy guys who like to rub up against me or hit on me (one guy once tried to strike up a conversation about naked laundromats, and another groped my ass)... and I've had buses drive right past me when I was standing at the stop, tired and exhausted, more times than I can count. IT BLOWS. Just to be a little less flippant, yeah, it was really nice to save money. And I felt really good about doing my part for the environment. It was safer when I was sick or extremely tired. And probably some of this comes from the fact that I've spent most of my life up north, where public transit is much more reliable. But I'm still very glad to be leaving my Crapital Metro riding days largely behind me. read more

As a commuter, I shudder at the prospect of depending on Cap Metro to get me anywhere in a timely fashion. I experienced enough of that with the UT shuttles back in college (nothing like leaving two hours early and still being late for a mid-term). As a downtown pedestrian, I shudder at the prospect of these great, wallowing beasts every time I approach an intersection. They're as bad as that small minority of inconsiderate cyclists when it comes to respecting right of way. And, as someone who has ears, I shudder at the prospect of being anywhere near one a Cap Metro bus when it accelerates from a standstill. Next to leafblowers and fire alarms, that high-pitched diesel death-wail may just be the most aggravating sound on the planet. read more

So here's the deal - I ride the Express bus every weekday to UT and back from the Pavillion Park and Ride. I love riding the bus! I do Sudoku, I take naps, I talk to other riders, I study. The bus is very pleasant for the most part. Lately it's a little more crowded than usual. But guess what - CapMetro responded within a week by adding more buses to the route. That's pretty quick in my opinion. If you're affiliated with UT, you ride free with your ID - don't worry - I'm convinced that it's somehow taken out of my ever-inflating tuition. But it's still super cheap to buy a monthly pass from the HEB ('cause you're there anyways). That's what's really nice is saving so much money by not driving my car. What's even nicer is that the bus drivers are pretty consistent and are totally awesome. They are very nice for the most part, and if you ride at the same time everyday on the same bus - chances are the driver will notice and may even look out for you at your stop. Believe me - try out an Express Bus if you live north just for the week. Then think about how relaxed you are and how it doesn't take but maybe ten minutes more to get to your destination. read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. Seriously, Austin is a large Texas city and has the absolute worst transportation system of anywhere in this country. As citizens of this great city, (I have lived here for over 25 years), we should be appauled that Austin, that claims to be environmentally friendly, has the worst public transportation of any city in Texas. Worse than Houston. San Antonio and definitely Dallas. Who has a rail system that only has one route and leaves Downtown at 630pm during the week? Really...that is the best you have? You already have the infrastructure... expand the times and the routes. The buses run the same routes, unnecessarily stop at the same stops and are expensive. I lived in Amsterdam for 2 years and NEVER needed a car. This would be impossible in Austin. It is almost like the city council wants us to drive our cars and use the tolls they have so proudly set up across the city. We as citizens should demand more and require that qualified people are recruited that know how to manage mass transportation. Otherwise, we can all look forward to sitting in the parking lots of I 35 and Mopac while the city collects our dollars and does absolutely nothing about the problem. Please hire someone soon that has a clue what they are doing. read more

Metro Fail! The two times I've had to go downtown in the early AM the train is too full for anyone to squeeze on. But then its empty at 8:30 when I see it go by. Its kind of a joke, theres no way to know when you can actually take it or not. They need to make it free during the slow times to get people to ride it! I mean its only a dollar already but, something's got to be done. I live RIGHT BY the Kramer station but I never think of taking the train cause I dont know if I"ll be able to even get on it. :( I have used the buses to get downtown before and they're fine - take forever but that's the bus. They are clean and the drivers friendly. read more

I would give them 5 stars if all the busses in the city were as easy to use and catch as the ones running up and down Lamar. I would give them 5 stars if they could invest in a little air frshener. I would give them 5 stars if they started charging UT students to take the bus instead of raising the bus fares for everyone else. I would give them 5 stars if they empowered the bus drivers with a bullhorn to shut up the idiots jabbering on their cell phones that distract the bus drivers from driving. I would give them 5 stars if the after hours computer system would recognize 9th and Congress or Congress and 9th as an intersection instead of repeatedly telling me "that intersection does not exist". I give them 4 stars because a $10 monthly transportation budget ain't bad at all. I give them 4 stars because they have made a ton of improvements in services and modes of transport over the years that I've lived here. I give them 4 stars for the friendly and safe ride home. I give them 4 stars for being on time 99% of the time. I give them 4 stars for the express, dillo, and Night Owl services. I give them 4 stars because it's always an ego boost to look down at a dreadlocked hippy in an SUV from the window of a bus. read more

My quickest ticket to enjoy some SXSW this year! I took the rail Saturday night during their "special weekend services in March" It worked out perfect! From my starting point at the Crestville Station, I made it downtown in 15 minutes flat, dropped off next to the convention center, and bam! I was enjoying me some SXSW quicker than you can say 'spank the monkey balls'. Ok, maybe the ride wasn't that quick but it sure felt like it. In my whole Austin lifetime, that was the easiest, coolest, and not to mention, greenest way I've ever gotten to downtown. Take that expensivo downtown parking! And no circling the whole downtown grid for parking or having to park far and walking a ways to get to where I want to be. I arrived downtown safely and completely devoid of the usual traffic/parking stress. I LIKE. So besides all this plus factors, it would be a capital idea, if only Capital Metro would extend their schedule into the weekends and with some later hours. The rail would definitely increase its ridership and start to make sense. Just a friendly suggestion from a fan. read more

Austin's Cap Metro is embarrassing compared to other cities. That being said, I'm glad that there's something in town to get me around since I do not have a car. But not having a car in other cities (well cities north of the mason-dixon line) usually doesn't feel like such an impediment. + Cheap cheap cheap. $10 for a monthly pass is hilariously cheap - Long waits between buses (20 -40 minutes) - Late buses (I've waited 2 cycles of supposed stops before) + Free Dillos - Weird-ass routes Actually, let's talk about that last one....why are the routes so convoluted? I've never seen more twisty bus routes before. I understand that neighborhoods need service, but I don't think it makes sense to have a bus swerving around narrow neighborhood streets on its way to major streets. Why is there a bus stop on one side of the street, but not on the other because the bus takes a completely different route going the opposite way? Ugh frustrating. I would love to see less people driving (one person in a car) and more people on trains or buses, but I don't see that happening with the weird service that cap metro provides (and the sick attachment people seem to have to their cars here). I wish Austin would take a clue from other cities that have excellent public transportation. Until then, I'll just suffer in the heat waiting and waiting and waiting. read more

This review is for Capitol Metro RAIL only. The train is a wonderful thing. It's fast and clean and comfortable (when its not overcrowded and you get to sit down)and it has free Wi-Fi. It's a great relief not to have to drive and park in downtown. BUT... The trains are often very overcrowded. There is not nearly enough parking available at the various stations, and the trains are equiped with an EXTREMELY loud warning sound which they use whenever they approach intersections. Sitting at the front of train can be an almost painful experience because of the horns. Finaly, it would be nice if the service could run later on week nights. Not everyone gets off work by 6 PM. read more