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Board authorizes Capital Metro to apply for TxDOT transportation set-aside to upgrade 87 ADA bus stops
Summary
Capital Metro’s board authorized staff to apply for TxDOT transportation alternatives set-aside funds to upgrade 87 priority bus stops to ADA-compliant standards and add amenities at 17 stops, with a project budget of about $6.9 million.
Capital Metro’s board on May 19 approved a resolution authorizing the agency to apply for Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) transportation alternatives set-aside funds to support the agency’s ADA transition plan for bus stops.
Project details
- Total project cost presented to the board: $6,926,190. - Requested federal share (up to 80%): up to $5,500,000 (amount to be determined during application). - Local match commitment requested from the board to enable the application: $1,385,238 (approximately 20% of the total project cost as presented). - Scope: Construct 87 ADA-compliant priority transit stops and equip 17 stops with passenger amenities per recommendations from Capital Metro’s ADA transition plan. Staff indicated most improvements will be upgrades to existing stops.
Why it matters
Board members and staff said the project will improve accessibility and customer experience for riders with mobility needs and the broader community. The TxDOT transportation alternatives set-aside uses FHWA funds for multimodal, pedestrian and bicycle and transit-supportive elements; the agency said the project fits program priorities and regional goals.
Board action
The board voted to approve the resolution authorizing the president and CEO or designee to apply for the TxDOT transportation set-aside program and commit the local match if awarded. The motion passed unanimously.
Clarifying details
- Staff said the 87 stops under consideration are primarily existing stops identified in the agency’s ADA transition plan; the full list is under review with the City of Austin.
- The resolution authorizes staff to pursue the grant; the exact federal award percentage and final project scope will be determined during the application and award process.
Quote
“This program speaks to collaboration and community consensus to support local needs,” Sharmila Mukherjee, EVP and Chief Planning and Development Officer, said in her presentation.
Next steps
Staff will submit the grant application and, if awarded, bring back necessary contract and funding authorizations and proceed with design and construction of prioritized bus stop improvements.
