CapMetro begins testing new MetroRapid bus lines

CapMetro has begun testing two new MetroRapid bus lines in Austin.

The 800 Pleasant Valley Line and 837 Expo Center Line buses will be out on the streets in the coming days, but will not pick up passengers and will have signs notifying people they are not in service.

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The new lines are part of Project Connect and an effort to improve mobility in East Austin and Southeast Austin. CapMetro says they broke ground on the new lines in the winter of 2021-22.

The buses will begin taking passengers in the spring.

RELATED: Project Connect MetroRapid Lines coming to East Austin next year

CapMetro says while some infrastructure, including stops and Park & Rides, is still under construction, temporary stops may be used.

Rapid Route 800 - Pleasant Valley Line

Rapid Route 800 will run from Berkman/Mueller to the temporary end of the line at Vertex/Slaughter Lane in southeast Austin. 

The line will end at the Goodnight Ranch Park & Ride once construction is completed, says CapMetro.

Rapid Route 800 will connect commuters to destinations such as:

  • Mueller
  • The Springdale Shopping Center
  • ACC Eastview
  • Austin Lighthouse for the Blind
  • Dove Springs
  • Easton Park
  • Goodnight Ranch

CapMetro says that Route 800 will eventually connect to the new Austin Light Rail and Green Line commuter rail.

Rapid Route 837 - Expo Center Line

Rapid Route 837 will provide service from the temporary start of the line at Loyola Lane/Decker Lane in northeast Austin to Republic Square. 

The line will start at the Expo Center Park & Ride once construction is completed. 

Rapid Route 837 connects customers to medical, university, residential and commercial areas, including:

  • Downtown CapMetro routes
  • Red Line at Downton Station
  • Rapid 801 and 803
  • Mueller
  • UT Campus
  • Decker

Route 837 will eventually connect to the new Austin Light Rail.

The Source: Information in this report comes from CapMetro.

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