AUSTIN, Texas — There is a clear consensus amongst Austinites: the city's public transit could be better, with some residents asking for additional, quicker routes.
"There's a ton of places to go and if the train doesn't go there, you gotta Uber," Shaquile Noor said.
"Just over the last couple of years, it's just become a pain, traveling everywhere. I chose to live kind of close to downtown because it was easier for me," Will Reid said.
Project Connect aims to expand transit options in the city, including a downtown subway, expanded bus system and light rail lines.
A few weeks ago, residents had their voices heard about the core light rail plans during an open house where the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) showed five new "scaled down" light rail options, including on-street routes from North Lamar to Pleasant Valley, 38th- Street to Oltorf Street to Yellow Jacket Lane and 29th Street to Airport Boulevard.
Additionally, there's a partial underground route from the University of Texas to Yellow Jacket Lane and a partial elevated route from 29th Street to Oltorf Street to Yellow Jacket Lane.
ATP is implementing Project Connect and is still collecting feedback on the five options. So far, 836 community members have participated in the process, leaving 2,794 comments.
"[The] 29th to Airport [route] would instantly click for me. It's such a very long drive – man, that would just be a dream to have," Michael Brizendine said.
"Honestly, they all pretty much go past Riverside from what it looks like. So yeah, I'm basically right there. It would definitely help a lot in terms of coming downtown," Reid said.
If you would like to submit feedback on the routes, the deadline is May 2. You can review the plans online and submit your feedback. You can also email input@atptx.org or mail your comments and questions at 203 Colorado Street., Austin, TX, 78701.