MetroRail Suspends Downtown Austin Service

AUSTIN, TX — MetroRail this week stopped operating all the way to downtown as officials work to replace and amplify the train platform fronting the convention center with space for more trains and to accommodate more frequent service.

What this means for commuters is that the closest they'll be able to get to downtown is the Plaza Saltillo station, from where riders will either have to hoof it to their downtown destination or take a bus to conclude their trips.

The changes are part of a long-term vision for the service that includes eventual plans to have MetroRail trains running through East Austin to Manor and beyond, according to transportation officials. Until that vision is realized, however, construction on the new downtown MetroRail will take several months.

CapMetro officials said a shuttle exists taking MetroRail customers from Plaza Saltillo to 4th and Trinity streets. Read more about the Downtown Station.) Riders also are advised that in order to enable the Rail Operations team to focus on implementing the positive train control (PTC) system, MetroRail's weekend service is discontinued until the end of 2019.

But riders have options, CapMetro officials said, pointing riders to their added MetroExpress service and High-Frequency Network.

Image via CapMetro.