CapMetro to implement temporary service changes due to coronavirus

Changes to CapMetro’s schedule

Capital Metro is making some temporary changes to its service.

AUSTIN, Texas - Capital Metro will be implementing temporary service changes this week due to the coronavirus.

CapMetro says the changes will go into effect on Wednesday, March 18 and are designed to "protect employees, promote public health and ensure that we continue to provide service to all parts of our community."

Services including MetroBus, MetroRapid, MetroExpress, and MetroRail will all operate on a modified schedule. The following schedule changes will go into effect Wednesday:

Most MetroBus and MetroRapid services will operate their normal Sunday schedules. Detailed route information can be found here
MetroRail will operate its Monday-Friday daytime schedule, with no Saturday service and no Late-Night trips on Friday
Some MetroFlyer and MetroExpress routes will operate reduced versions of their weekday schedules
The on-demand Pickup service will operate between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The following routes will operate on their normal weekday schedule:

Route 214 Northwest Feeder
Route 228 VA Clinic
All Round Rock routes
Route 491 Allandale
Route 492 Delwood
Route 493 Eastview
Route 990 Manor/Elgin Express

CapMetro says customers should board buses through the rear door to protect the health and safety of bus operators and other customers. Those paying with cash must use the front door, but all others can enter through the rear door.

CapMetro says these new measures are aimed to improve social distancing for employees and customers, while still providing necessary transit so people can get to critical services.

CapMetro says it is following guidance from Austin Public Health and continues to monitor the situation. In addition to daily cleaning procedures for all CapMetro vehicles and transit facilities, CapMetro is applying a disinfectant to common hand contact areas such as poles and handrails, armrests, door handles and stop request buttons. Later this week, CapMetro says it will install special signs encouraging social distancing on vehicles.

City of Austin highlights services being offered to community during COVID-19 pandemic

Austin Assistant City Manager Chris Shorter and Veronica Briseno, Director of Austin's Economic Development Department, spoke on the range of services during a press conference on Tuesday, March 17.

Along with these efforts, CapMetro is asking riders to:

Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
Maintain good hygiene
Limit non-essential travel as much as possible, especially to locations with many people
Limiting contact with others is the best way to stay healthy

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CapMetro says anyone who thinks they might be getting sick should stay home and contact your healthcare provider.

To see all the changes to CapMetro's services, visit their COVID-19 page.

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