We all know that traffic is a problem in Central Texas. That’s why municipalities and government agencies throughout the region have launched several different transportation planning efforts. But, with all of these plans, it can be hard to keep track of everything.

That’s why we put together this list:

1. Connections 2025 – this plan from Capital Metro was actually just completed and approved by its Board of Directors and will gradually go into effect over the next 10 years. The plan largely deals with ways to improve Cap Metro’s existing system, removing underutilized routes and replacing them with more frequent service on more popular routes. For a more thorough explanation of what Connections 2025 will mean for Austin, be sure to check out the latest Shades of Green podcast>>

2. Project Connect – this is another planning project out of Capital Metro, but instead of focusing on our existing bus system, Project Connect diverts its attention toward developing new high capacity transit projects that could affect the entire Austin region. Recognizing that a large amount of transportation plans and studies have already been conducted (but never actually funded), Project Connect’s approach is to gather all of those disparate studies and then to ask the community which they like best, as well as which corridors they prefer to see served with high capacity transit. That’s step one. 

Step two involves actually determining the technology that could be implemented along each corridor. That could be anything from trains, to bus rapid transit, to a high tech autonomous vehicle solution. The idea is that they move a lot of people as quickly as possible, without the use of cars.

Step three involves securing funding for the projects the community has chosen, which could come from the federal government, bond elections, or a variety of other creative sources. Austin Mayor Steve Adler has already indicated that he is ready for Austin to go big on planning (and potentially spending) on the city’s transportation infrastructure.

Right now, Project Connect is still in its first phase. They’ve just launched a public input tool on their website, so that you can begin to share your opinions. If you run a local organization or community group, you can also invite Project Connect to come directly to you, answer questions, and share information. You can arrange that by contacting Jackie Nirenberg at jackie.nirenberg@capmetro.org.

3. Austin Strategic Mobility Plan – And last but not least we also have the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, which is being developed by the City of Austin. The plan is designed to put the Imagine Austin vision into action for the mobility sector, as well as to replace the city’s current transportation plan, which is over 20 years old. Public input surveys on the plan should be available this summer and the final plan should be approved early next year. More info>>