We didn’t want to wait to introduce our new Rapid service, and riders didn’t want to wait to ride. This blog breaks down our decision behind introducing early service, how ridership is faring, and when you can expect the next set of improvements.
In February 2025, CapMetro introduced the initial phases of two brand-new Rapid bus routes—Rapid 800 (Pleasant Valley) and Rapid 837 (Expo Center)—to expand fast, frequent, and reliable transit options across Austin.
What do we mean by “initial phase”? Glad you asked. We made the strategic, community-centered decision to open these lines before construction was complete on two new Park & Ride facilities, before all the stops were completed, and before they were able to run at 10-minute frequencies. Why? Because something is better than nothing.
Like transit agencies nationwide, we’re operating in a transportation landscape that continues to evolve. Travel patterns have changed, and flexibility matters more than ever—we’re keeping our eye on the ball, and for CapMetro that means being customer and community-focused.
We knew investing in bringing Rapid to the East side would, in turn, improve access and connectivity across the region. These corridors serve communities that have long needed faster, more frequent connections. Introducing this service before every element was fully complete allowed customers to start using the lines, build new routines, and become familiar with a service designed to grow stronger over time. It also allows us to observe how the routes are used and make informed improvements as we continue building toward the full vision launch in mid-2026. We chose this approach because we believe it better serves our customers to put new mobility options on the street sooner rather than asking them to wait longer while additional enhancements are finalized.
While work continues to strengthen these lines, the initial service has already proven to be a meaningful and beneficial step forward, and there’s so much more to come.
Rapid Growth in Rapid Ridership
CapMetro’s overall ridership continues to grow and the Rapid network, now four routes strong, is one of the fastest-growing parts of the CapMetro system. In the past 12 months, overall Rapid service (4 routes) saw 4.3 million total boardings, an increase of 486,500 riders compared to the previous year. That’s a 12.7% jump in overall ridership.
The two newest routes are also showing steady increases:
- Rapid 800 (Pleasant Valley): 300,000 boardings in the first 10 months
- Rapid 837 (Expo Center): 200,000 boardings in the same period
While these two lines are still in the initial phase, current ridership trends show that customers are beginning to integrate this service into their daily travel, and ridership on the routes is growing steadily. As service enhancements continue and the full Rapid experience for these lines come online in 2026, these routes are well positioned to drive even greater growth.
What’s Next
CapMetro is committed to making Rapid service even better for current riders and all other customers discovering it every day.
A lot of hard work has been done this year, including:
- Building our new Park & Ride facilities in the Goodnight Ranch neighborhood and at the Travis County Expo Center,
- Improving our stops and stations with better lighting, signage, and rider amenities,
- Further strengthening of our electrification infrastructure,
- And adding more zero-emission vehicles to support our long-term sustainability commitments.
We’re expecting to be ready to fully launch in mid-2026, with 10-minute frequencies and finished amenities.
A Rider’s Perspective: Daniela’s Story
The Rapid vision resonates with Daniela Valle, a regular customer on Rapid 837:
“Austin’s working on getting better,” she added. “People need to get out there, try it, and be part of their community.”
For many Austinites, Rapid service is more than just a way to get around; it’s a key part of their lifestyle. Daniela says that choosing to live near a CapMetro station was a deliberate decision for her and her husband.
“We told our real estate agent that we wanted to live very close to a CapMetro station since we were not going to be owning a car,” Daniela said. “We actually love it. Now with the new Rapid routes, it’s been so easy for us to get downtown in 10–15 minutes.”
Before Rapid 837 launched, Daniela relied on Route 20, which could take 30 minutes or even up to an hour in heavy traffic. Now, she says, her commute is smoother and quicker.
For Daniela and many others, Rapid isn’t just about work commutes. She and her husband use it for evenings downtown, trips to Barton Springs, and connecting with friends.
In the coming months, you’ll continue to see CapMetro staff out there adding to these lines and making them better every step of the way. We’re confident that this phased approach, introducing service now while continuing to improve, will deliver lasting value for our community.
We are grateful to the customers who are already choosing Rapid, and to those who will join us along the way. Building great transit is an ongoing journey, and we’re proud to take it together.
