City Updates Residents on Status of Project Connect

Austin's mass transit project is moving forward with key milestones reached.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The City of Austin provided an update on the status of its major mass transit initiative, Project Connect, at a recent Movability breakfast event. Officials from Capital Metro and the Austin Transit Partnership discussed the project's progress, including receiving a Record of Decision, pursuing federal grant funding, and bringing on key contractors for construction.

Why it matters

Project Connect is a critical infrastructure project for the growing Austin metro area, aiming to expand the city's public transportation options and reduce traffic congestion. The update provides residents with a clear timeline on when construction is expected to begin and the project's next steps.

The details

According to Jennifer Pyne of the Austin Transit Partnership, Project Connect recently received a Record of Decision, which is a key milestone that allows the project to advance to further design and utility relocation work. The city is also pursuing a grant from the Federal Transit Administration's New Starts program to help fund the light rail project, with an agreement expected in the next two years. Construction is anticipated to begin around 2027 after the city brings on construction contractors and a vehicle manufacturer later this year.

  • Project Connect recently received a Record of Decision, clearing the environmental impact statement process.
  • The city is pursuing a grant from the Federal Transit Administration's New Starts program, with an agreement expected in the next two years.
  • Construction on Project Connect is anticipated to begin around 2027.

The players

Dottie Watkins

President and CEO of Capital Metro, the regional public transportation provider.

Jennifer Pyne

Representative of the Austin Transit Partnership, the organization overseeing the Project Connect initiative.

Movability

The region's transportation management association that promotes connectivity in Central Texas.

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What they’re saying

“It's really a green light to take the project to the next level, to do further design, to really advance the work. We are in a position to start to do utilities relocation. So, it's really moving to the next phase.”

— Jennifer Pyne, Representative, Austin Transit Partnership (Patch.com)

“We are bringing on some of our key partners, the construction contractors, and the final designers, coming on this year. We will be identifying a vehicle manufacturer later this year and getting ready to actually turn dirt.”

— Jennifer Pyne, Representative, Austin Transit Partnership (Patch.com)

What’s next

The Austin Transit Partnership is currently in three active solicitations, including one for the light rail track, systems, and stations, and another for operations and maintenance facilities. The city is also actively seeking a railcar manufacturer to be brought on later this year.

The takeaway

Project Connect is making significant progress towards becoming a reality for the Austin metro area, with key milestones achieved and a clear timeline for construction to begin in the coming years. This update provides residents with reassurance that the city is actively advancing this critical public transportation initiative.