Some still wary of multi billion dollar transit overhaul

Cap Metro sign

A Travis County commissioner isn’t on board yet with Capital Metro’s vision of a multi-billion-dollar transit overhaul.

Some estimates have put the total cost of a transit overhaul at $12-billion.  Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty said Cap Metro’s ridership numbers have barely budged in 30 years, and he thinks the agency and the City of Austin may be overestimating the level of public interest in this. He said “[Capital Metro’s&#93 been in operation for 35 years, [they’ve&#93 collected $4.4-billion, and [they’ve&#93 got the same percentage ridership today, that you had 30 years ago.”

Estimates for the overhaul, including light rail and buses, have been as high as $12-billion.  Daugherty thinks the city could call a bond election for about $5-billion of that this fall. Cap Metro CEO Randy Clarke predicted a $3-$5-billion bond package on the ballot this fall.

(Photo:Capital Metro)

Travis County Commissioner Gerald Daugherty with Todd and Don:

Capital Metro CEO Randy Clarke with Todd and Don:

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