Project Connect: Orange Line Project

In 2016, Capital Metro began development of the Project Connect Vision Plan;
In December 2018, the Capital Metro Board of Directors approved the Project Connect Vision Plan;
In 2016, the Austin City Council approved the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, which established a policy goal to quadruple the share of commuters who use transit to achieve a 50/50 mode split by 2039; and
In November 2020, Austin residents approved funding for the project

The Orange Line was identified as one of the dedicated-pathway High Capacity Transit (HCT) corridors. Originally, the proposed Orange Line follows a 20-mile corridor currently served by Capital Metro's MetroRapid 801 and extends from the Tech Ridge Park and Ride on the northern end of the corridor to just north of Slaughter Lane on the southern end of the corridor along Lamar Blvd and Congress Avenue.

Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) is currently working on preliminary design and engineering, environmental review, delivery planning, and completing key steps to fulfill federal funding requirements.

A detailed map of the Austin Light Rail alignment and proposed design options. The map outlines different phases of the light rail route, extending from Crestview in the north to the airport in the southeast. Several design options are noted with callout boxes, including potential station removals, new station additions, and bike/pedestrian facilities. A small inset map highlights downtown Austin and possible station relocations, such as moving the Cesar Chavez station off-street for joint development. The legend at the bottom right distinguishes between different transit routes, study areas, and proposed infrastructure changes. The map includes major roads, the Colorado River, and key districts to provide geographic context.

Map of Austin light Rail Alignment and Priority Extensions dated January 2025. It shows the light rail route starting at 38th Street on Guadalupe Street, running through downtown, and ending to the south au Oltorf Street on Congress Avenue, and to the east at Yellow Jacket Lane on East Riverside Drive. Map also snows oriont extensions.rom Crestvey to soun and from Yellow Jacket to the airport. Site selection of the end of line park and ride facilities at 38th street, Oltorf and tellow Jacket are under cons ceration. In accition To tne evaluation or an Coeratons and Maintenance facility study area in the proximity of the Yellow Jacket station.

Want to get more information?

Implementation Plan (May 2023)

Community Engagement Report 2023

Austin Transit Partnership Light Rail Fact Sheet (March 2023)

Visit https://www.projectconnect.com/get-involved

Send your feedback to [email protected]

Files

Austin Light Rail Community Engagement Report Spring 2023

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Virtual Open House, Feb. 22nd, 5:30 PM - 7 PM, www.atptx.org/events

PREVIOUS MEETING

Project Connect Open House Tuesday, April 11 2:00 to 5:00 PM AWC 2nd Floor

Project Connect is:

a dynamic new public transportation vision
the long-term vision plan includes state of the art technology, electric powered fleet, greater urban and regional connectivity and dedicated pathways
community inspired plan

Orange Line Work Group:

South Congress Stakeholders
- South Austin Water Front Project
- SoCo Business Leaders
- SoCo Neighborhood Associations
- Downtown Austin Alliance

Implementation Plan (May 2023)

Orange Line Fact Sheet

Orange Line Fact Sheet (Spanish)

Concept Design: South Congress Presentation (July 2021)