On June 18, CapMetro joins transit agencies nationwide to celebrate Dump the Pump Day, which encourages people to take public transit, helping you save money, skip the stress of driving and reduce emissions along the way.
With daily fare capping, you can ride all day for just $2.50, making transit more convenient and affordable than ever. Traveling through the city using CapMetro for an entire day will cost you less than the price of one gallon of gas in Travis County, where the average price recently reached $3.99 per gallon according to AAA.
Why Choose CapMetro?
Just using CapMetro once or twice a week can help you avoid the cost of filling up your tank, reduce wear on your car and spend less time in traffic. To decrease your monthly spending by taking transit, you don’t have to completely give up your vehicle or quit driving to work. If you own a car, consider taking CapMetro just for the little things or simple pleasures. Try occasionally taking the bus to pick up a few groceries instead of driving, hop on the Rapid 803 to quickly meet your friends and go paddleboarding, or skip the costly ridesharing after an evening out and catch the Night Owl.
Where Can CapMetro Take You?
With multiple bus routes that connect local neighborhoods throughout the city, CapMetro is the perfect choice for accessing popular destinations around Austin without facing the steep fees and hassle of parking. CapMetro’s Red Line train is also a great option because it operates between Downtown Austin and Leander, making it ideal for longer commutes. Using CapMetro service you can visit your favorite downtown restaurants, enjoy outdoor activities at Barton Springs, arrive directly on campus using a UT Shuttle, and even cheer on Austin FC as you take the Red Line to Q2 Stadium. Also don’t forget — kids always ride for free on CapMetro so the whole family can have fun across Austin this summer!
Paying your fare is even simpler and more flexible because buses now feature credit card Tap to Pay, but always remember to use the same card to take advantage of daily fare capping. The multiple ways to pay fares on CapMetro include: the Umo App, reloadable fare cards, Tap to Pay and cash. UT students and employees can ride for free by swiping their valid ID.
What Could You Save?
The typical cost of driving everywhere you need to go can add up quickly. Recent data from Central Texas’s premier transportation nonprofit, Movability, found the average local commute is more than 11.6 miles each way. For many daily drivers, simply replacing a few outings or brief trips with transit each week can result in meaningful savings over time.
You don’t need to become a full-time or daily transit rider to save yourself some money. Occasional use still pays off, especially during periods of high gas prices. In fact, riding transit just two days a week could save the average driver about $35 per week in transportation costs and more than $1,800 per year.
Calculate how much you could save with Public Transportation’s Calculator.
Don’t Dump Your Dollars at the Pump
Instead of wasting time and money on gas, parking, and traffic, use those savings to enjoy yourself around Austin. Whatever you decide to do this summer, remember CapMetro can help get you there for less than the cost of a gallon of gas.
Learn more about routes, fares, and trip planning at CapMetro.org.
