All articles tagged with #capmetro
Traffic is expected to be heavy in Austin and Central Texas on April 8 due to the solar eclipse, with popular viewing locations along U.S. Highway 290 and 281. Drivers are advised not to stop on the highway to view the eclipse and to plan ahead for potential delays. CapMetro is offering a special MetroRail service to Leander for eclipse viewing, with an "Eclipse-nic" event including complimentary eclipse glasses and lunch.
CapMetro's CEO publicly apologized for the massive delays and crowded trains experienced by passengers during Austin FC's home opener and the inauguration of the new McKalla station. The delays were initially attributed to signal issues, and the CEO promised to make amends by offering fare-free rail rides on March 9. The new station was intended to provide more convenient options for fans attending Q2 Stadium events, and the apology comes amidst criticism on social media.
The extreme heat in Austin, Texas, has caused railroad tracks on Capital Metro's Red Line to warp, posing a potential danger of derailment. A short stretch of tracks near Cherrywood Road and Clarkson Avenue was found to be warped earlier this month. An engineer operating a train detected the issue and slowly drove over the warped tracks, following standard procedure. Passengers on later trains had to be transported by buses between stations. This is the first time a deformed track has been detected on the Red Line since September 2021. Extreme heat is causing trains to slow down nationwide, and the alternative to slowing down is expensive and time-consuming track repairs.
A pedestrian was hit and killed by a CapMetro train near I-35 and Airport Boulevard in Austin. The victim was not in a crosswalk at the time of the incident. The tracks remain closed and rail delays are expected. APD and TxDOT are assisting with traffic in the area.