Monday, December 15th, the Transit Working Group gave a unanimous thumbs up for the project description of the Green Line (aka The Sausage Link) and rail service linking downtown Austin, Manor and Elgin. The Transit Working Group is now looking for a more detailed analysis of how the project could be paid for. Even though Capital Metro owns the existing rail corridor and providing service is relatively inexpensive, there are still many steps required before service could begin. Capital Metro will have to conduct more detailed environmental reviews, engineering/design and formalize funding agreements with the cities, Travis County, and possibly other agencies.

Even so, Jeff Coffee City Manager for Elgin and Transit Working Group member, is enthusiastic. “This gives the City of Elgin more certainity that rail may happen someday in the forseeable future,” says Coffee. “Now we can begin to talk seriously about transit oriented development in Elgin and pursue economic development that is more robust, more sustainable.”

The Transit Working Group will take up the City of Austin’s urban rail proposal next beginning Monday, January 12th from 9:00-11:00 am in Council Chambers.

In addition to the Green Line and the Urban Rail proposals there are other rail projects in various stages of development including rail on the current Union Pacific line extending from San Antonio to Geogetown and a line connecting the Red Line (Leander to Austin) parallel with I-45 and then north to Round Rock.

Goodness, Central Texas may get the core of a rail system yet.

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