AUSTIN -- Capital Metro’s new schedule for its Metro Rail line comes after higher-than-normal service disruptions this year -- when trains were sometimes behind schedule and, in some cases, not running at all.
CapMetro said on-time performance used to be 96 percent or higher. The last few months, that fell to 89 percent.
"We've had some ongoing construction activity on our rail line that involves slower speeds, due to safety of personnel on our right of way,” said CapMetro CEO Randy Clarke. “That is why we've had some issues. And so we've worked as a team, have a new schedule and we've delivered great service for the last three days."
Logan Gregg takes CapMetro's rail often from the Domain area to work downtown.
"I typically catch the train just because ... I don't have to deal with MoPac as far as traffic is concerned,” said Gregg.
He, like other riders, were becoming frustrated with CapMetro's service disruptions.
"Just recently it's been a little iffy,” said Austin Brightly, a CapMetro customer.
Since the schedule change Monday, CapMetro's had near-perfect on-time performance.
The agency said the reason why is better timing and coordination between operations and planning.
"We took a lot of customer feedback as well,” said Clarke. “So we took that, some modeling based on train speeds and passing areas, and what we could do with FRA safety regulations, to put together a schedule that we know will deliver consistent, reliable service."
The trains now run about 10 minutes earlier. So far, riders are pleased.
"It's been positive, it's been good,” said Brightly.
"Now I kind of have more time to plan beforehand and it just gets me right to work,” said Gregg.
The new schedule remains in place until June, when CapMetro will implement system-wide changes.
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