Timeline released for Austin light rail project

AUSTIN – Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) has announced a 2027 kickoff for construction of the 9.8-mile Project Connect light rail system. Trains are projected to begin running by 2033.

ATP plans to secure all federal funding by 2026. It will cover half of the project’s expenses.

ATP expects the Project Connect light rail to cost $7.1 billion. The budget includes $3.19 billion for construction and engineering, $1.86 billion for professional services, $1.11 billion for trains and maintenance, and $937 million for real estate acquisition.

This fall, ATP will put out its environmental impact statement, which will include details on where specific stops and stations are located.