This week's topic: The new Urban Rail Alternatives Evaluation: 1st phase of exploring options for an urban rail system

Austin Transportation Department presented their Urban Rail Alternatives Evaluation to the Austin City Council. This is the first phase of an ongoing planning effort to explore Austin's options for a rail system serving key urban destinations and adding connections to the regional transit and mobility network.

The evaluation looks at:
• Need and Purpose
• Routes
• Transit Options (bus, rapid bus, and rail)
• Return on Investment
• Preferred Alternative
• Other Implementation Issues

The purpose of a new transit investment is to improve mobility, connectivity, and the sustainability of Central Austin.

New higher‐capacity transit service can offer a safe, reliable, and efficient alternative to existing traffic congestion; to relieve roadways with little room for expansion. By connecting Downtown, the Capitol Complex, and the University of Texas to each other via the emerging regional rail network, new added transit can improve mobility and help manage Austin's inevitable growth.

Read More: All 6 topics and their respective studies. #snappatx will be breaking down the Urban Rail Alternatives Evaluation study all week and asking you questions about the outcomes. Be heard. Tell us what you think on Facebook and Twitter.