Transportation
BY HALEY MCLEOD
Capital Metro halts electric bus plans An underestimation of the logistics in implementing an all-electric bus route has led Capital Metro officials to halt converting the entire fleet to battery-electric buses. In 2021, CapMetro officials approved a $255 million purchase of 197 electric buses. However, the change in plans is a result of shipping delays and infrastructure issues. The largest producer of electric buses, Proterra, went bankrupt, so supply chain problems have led to long wait times to receive a bus. Additionally, there is not enough opera- tional charging station infrastructure and the time it takes to charge puts a bus out of commission. Officials are evaluating alternatives, like hybrids of electric batteries and diesel or hydrogen fuel systems.
Safety improvements headed to downtown Improvements to a series of transit options along San Jacinto Boulevard and Trinity Street in downtown Austin began this month. More details Enhancements will improve cyclist and pedes- trian safety as well as support bus efficiency and operations, thanks to a joint effort between the city and Capital Metro. Plans for the two roadways, running from East Cesar Chavez Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, include: • Adding bus-only lanes at 10 existing routes along this stretch • Adding protected bicycle lanes • Improving pedestrian crossings • Maintaining parking and vehicle access or other vehicle traffic
E. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD.
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Operational enhancements for bus routes in the area will support the Project Connect MetroRapid line, which is expected to begin service in 2025, according to CapMetro. Drivers should expect intermittent lane closures while crews are working in the area. Improve- ments are anticipated for completion by the end of the year.
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