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Getting Around Austin
The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides bus service on flexible, convenient schedules at more than 3,000 bus stops throughout Central Texas, providing riders with an average of 140,000 one-way trips each day. Capital Metro's fixed route bus service includes 66 metro and flyer routes, seven free downtown circulator 'Dillo routes, seven express routes and 22 UT shuttle routes. It also offers 30 AISD school routes, van and carpooling coordination, shuttles to special events and special transit services for the disabled. Capital Metro maintains the highest per capita ridership in Texas.
Capital Metro is responsible for the region's long-range transit plan. The purpose of the plan, All Systems Go, is to provide citizens transportation options and to help address regional population growth, estimated to double in the next 25 years. The plan includes expanded local and express bus service, new Rapid Bus Service, and a commuter rail starter line along Capital Metro's existing freight tracks, as well as hike and bike trails along portions of rights-of-way adjacent to those tracks. Urban commuter rail service begins in fall 2008 and will run 32 miles between Leander and Downtown Austin with 9 stations along the way. When Capital MetroRail service begins, local and special shuttle buses will connect riders from rail stations to key destinations. Manor, Elgin, Round Rock and Georgetown are anticipated to be served by Capital MetroRail in the future.
General Aviation Airports
General aviation services are available at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport from two fixed base operators. Municipal airports in Georgetown and San Marcos offer corporate jet access with runways of 5,000 feet and over. There are eight general utility airports in the metro area handling smaller planes (Kittie Hill in Leander holds the distinction of being the longest grass airstrip in the country).
Interstate System Near Austin
In addition to I-35, running north-south through the center of the metro, and I-10, running east-west on the southern edge, Austin is served by four federal highways: U.S.-79, U.S.-90, U.S.-183, and U.S.-290.
Railroads Serving Austin
The Austin MSA is connected nationally by Union Pacific-owned and operated rail lines with Burlington Northern Sante Fe trackage rights. Rail-serviced real estate is currently available in Taylor and Bastrop on the UP/BNSF lines.
Class 1 Railroads
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway
Union Pacific Railroad
Regional Railroads
Georgetown Railroad
Austin Area Terminal Railroad
Passenger Rail Service
Amtrak's Texas Eagle (Chicago-San Antonio) serves Austin daily and travelers can connect in San Antonio with the Sunset Limited (Orlando-Los Angeles).
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