Clear Channel Outdoor to Modernize Transit Advertising Across Austin

New partnership with CapMetro will transform advertising across buses and rail stations.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:17am

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Clear Channel Outdoor (CCO) has been awarded a multi-year contract from CapMetro, the main public transportation authority in Austin, Texas, to manage and grow ad sales across the city's 400+ buses operating on 71 routes and 10 rail stations. CCO will modernize CapMetro's advertising program with enhanced creative capabilities, a robust transition plan, and solutions to help brands connect with Austin's growing population of residents and visitors.

Why it matters

As Austin continues to experience rapid economic growth driven by technology, tourism and creative industries, this partnership will enable brands to engage with the city's influential, on-the-go consumers through high-impact transit advertising solutions across the entire Austin journey - from the airport to daily commutes.

The details

Under the exclusive media contract, CCO will transform CapMetro's advertising program into a modern, dynamic media network. Key components include enhanced creative capabilities, a seamless launch plan, and solutions to help brands reach Austin's combined audience of 2.3 million residents and 30 million annual visitors. The partnership coincides with the 40th anniversary of SXSW in 2026, providing an ideal moment for marketers to capture heightened activity across the city.

  • The new partnership between Clear Channel Outdoor and CapMetro will launch in 2026.
  • SXSW, a major event in Austin, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in March 2026.

The players

Clear Channel Outdoor

An American outdoor advertising company that is a subsidiary of iHeartMedia, Inc.

CapMetro

The main public transportation authority in Austin, Texas.

Michelle Costa

Regional President of Clear Channel Outdoor.

Ruben Batista

President of Clear Channel Outdoor's San Antonio and Austin divisions.

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What they’re saying

“Our partnership with CapMetro will help brands connect in even more meaningful ways with Austin's vibrant and growing community.”

— Michelle Costa, Regional President, Clear Channel Outdoor (PRNewswire)

“By reimagining the city's transit media network with CapMetro, we'll enhance how advertisers engage with Austin's influential, on-the-go consumers, helping brands show up in the moments that matter across a city that continues to draw increasing attention from businesses and visitors.”

— Ruben Batista, President, Clear Channel Outdoor – San Antonio and Austin (PRNewswire)

What’s next

The new partnership between Clear Channel Outdoor and CapMetro is set to launch in 2026.

The takeaway

This deal will modernize transit advertising in Austin, enabling brands to better connect with the city's growing population of residents and visitors through high-impact solutions across buses, rail stations, and other key touchpoints throughout the Austin journey.