Transportation
BY AMANDA CUTSHALL
CARTS boosts metro-bound Bastrop County routes to cut tra c, emissions
A closer look
CARTS ocials said the expanded services are intended to maintain mobility as the area grows and construction continues, while also improving air quality, trip reliability and congestion along highways 71 and 290 and Interstate 35. More transit options are expected to roll out near Elgin in June with the expansion of routes along Highway 290. “These routes are about getting cars o the road and giving people a smarter way to commute. One bus can replace dozens of single-occupancy vehicles. If you’re tired of sitting in trac, this is your exit ramp.” DAVE MARSH, CARTS GENERAL MANAGER
it is the “perfect opportunity to leave the car behind and try a more relaxed commute.” Riders can park at CARTS Park & Ride locations and take coach buses into Austin, o ering an alternative to driving and downtown parking, according to the release. The initiative is part of a broader plan tied to Austin’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program and is supported in part by a $47.9 million award from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Bastrop County commuters gained new transit options March 2 with the launch of two regional bus routes culminating in downtown Austin: one connecting Bastrop and Smithville and the other connecting Georgetown and Round Rock. The launch coincided with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the remodeled Smithville Station. According to a news release from the Capital Area Rural Transportation System, rides will be free for a limited time to encourage commuters to try the system. O cials noted
Bastrop-Smithville to downtown Austin
Elgin
290
Downtown Austin
130
Austin
21
290
How it works
Cedar Creek station
95
290
183
35
MOPAC
71
Bastrop station
An all-in-one transit app, called CARTSNow, launched in September 2025, providing riders with access to a range of services, including: • CARTSNow, on-demand microtransit • Interurban Coach, regional intercity • Metro Connector, weekday commuter • Country Bus, reservation-based rides Marsh said the app was launched to streamline access to services.
Bastrop
45 TOLL Residents can book rides online, by phone or through the app.
21
Cedar Creek
512-478-7433
304
Smithville
Smithville station
CARTSNow app
71
130
95
www.ridecarts.com
N
SOURCE: CAPITAL AREA RURAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMCOMMUNITY IMPACT
IT’S YOUR TIME Find Your Future With ACC
Large Enough for Real Insurance, Small Enough for Real Service
Auto | Home | Commercial Boat | RV | Travel Trailer | & More
Let us help you protect what matters most to you
Connect with us today insurance4texas.com 512-303-3008
austincc.edu
Anthony P.
10
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Powered by FlippingBook