The First Commuter Rail Vehicle has Arrived!

email from Matt Curtis
Asst. Director, Business and Community Development
CapMetro

Hi folks!

Here is a link to the Commuter Rail testing information, where it will test and when.

You all represent many of the Central Austin neighborhoods, newsletters and community leaders. I felt this is a good way to help send some important information out about increased rail traffic on a rail line many of us have forgotten.

For those of you who haven’t heard some of the embarrassing stories, I grew up playing on this rail line up near where McNeil High School is now. So, this is an issue near my heart.

The first Commuter Rail vehicle has arrived, and part of the process is it will begin a series of tests. First, it will be only a selected area near the maintenance yard, but then expanding to an area from the McNeil general store to 47th street. But, as we get closer to opening day – late next year – the tests will increase to encompass the entire length of the track.

Capital Metro takes safety very seriously. We are working with the City of Austin and AISD to improve and increase fencing along this rail right-of-way. We also are using a federally proven, standard, effort called Operation Lifesaver. But, we are also doing something unique (we are in Austin); we have created a second-tier safety education program that will use Austin ’s creative community and volunteerism to aid in spreading the safety message to the community.

Please let me know if I can come to your group and speak with you. And, as always, please let me know if you see any opportunity where we can improve our efforts.

Thank you,

Matt

Matt Curtis
Asst. Director, Business and Community Development
512-389-7546
www.capmetro.org