CapMetro plans more frequent service in Northeast and Southeast Austin as rapid lines expand in 2026

Service changes concentrate on higher frequency and new transfer hubs

Capital Metro is preparing a new round of service adjustments that increase transit frequency in parts of Northeast and Southeast Austin while tying nearby routes more tightly to two new CapMetro Rapid corridors.

The frequency increases are part of a broader, phased effort to reshape the region’s bus network and deliver near-term elements of the long-range Transit Plan 2035, which was approved in October 2025. The plan reduces the number of bus routes while prioritizing higher-frequency service, later hours and additional east-west connections, with changes introduced in stages through the agency’s regular service-change process.

June 2026 changes center on Rapid 800 and Rapid 837

CapMetro Rapid routes 800 (Pleasant Valley) and 837 (Expo Center) began service in February 2025 with initial service levels, with the agency linking future frequency upgrades to the completion of new Park & Ride facilities and supporting charging infrastructure for an expanded zero-emission fleet.

For June 2026, CapMetro has outlined a major service change package that raises Rapid service to 10-minute peak frequencies on weekdays, with additional frequency tiers outside peak periods. Under the planned schedule, Rapid service is expected to operate as follows:

• Weekdays: 15-minute service early morning, 10 minutes from morning through late afternoon, then 15 minutes into late evening, with 20 minutes late night.
• Saturdays: generally 15 to 20 minutes during the day, with 20 minutes in early morning and later evening.
• Sundays: 15 minutes mid-day, with longer waits early and late.

New Park & Rides are designed as transfer points for nearby routes

The June 2026 package is also structured around two Park & Ride facilities intended to function as new transfer hubs on the expanding Rapid network:

• Goodnight Ranch Park & Ride (Southeast Austin): planned to become the new terminus for Rapid 800, with local routes realigned to connect at the facility. CapMetro has described this site as having 64 parking spaces and multiple electric-bus charging bays.
• Expo Center Park & Ride (Northeast Austin): planned to anchor the Rapid 837 corridor and provide new transfer opportunities; CapMetro has described this site as having 159 parking spaces and additional charging bays for electric buses.

CapMetro has indicated the June 2026 Rapid upgrade depends on completion of both Park & Ride facilities and successful testing during spring 2026, with the option to adjust timelines to maintain operational reliability and safety.

January 2026 adjustments set the stage for broader changes

Earlier service changes took effect in January 2026, including a realignment of the 935 Tech Ridge Express away from IH-35 to respond to construction and congestion and minor schedule adjustments aimed at reliability across several routes. The January package also added afternoon trips on Rapid 801 to address passenger loads and adjusted select feeder and Night Owl trips.

CapMetro’s long-range rollout continues to prioritize higher frequency on key corridors in Northeast and Southeast Austin, with more detailed route-level adjustments expected to be adopted through subsequent board-approved service change cycles.