Cap Metro board OKs plan for streamlining

Agency would increase bus frequency on key corridors, drop some lightly traveled routes.

Buses would run more often on routes through Austin’s core, and less popular routes would be cut.

Capital Metro’s board of directors on Monday unanimously approved the framework to overhaul the region’s bus system, which aims to boost sagging ridership by increasing frequency on key transit corridors through the city.

The vote came after nearly two hours of sometimes passionate public comment from opponents, who charged that the plan could take some lightly traveled bus routes away from riders who depend on them. However, dropping those routes would allow Capital Metro to increase the frequency of buses along more popular routes, which supporters said would make public transit more convenient for many.

“This could be a watershed moment for Capital Metro,” said Wade Cooper, chairman of the transit authority’s board. “The idea of implementing these high-frequency zones is very exciting.”

Tuesday’s vote does not mean instant changes to bus routes or schedules. Instead, Capital Metro will be required to seek public comment, prepare an impact report and seek board approval before axing routes.

“What we’re voting on today doesn’t mean tomorrow the service is cut,” said Austin City Council Member Ann Kitchen, who sits on the board.

Capital Metro’s Connections 2025 plan provides the framework for a massive overhaul of the region’s bus network. It aims to increase bus frequency through the city’s core and simplify its routes to make the service eas-