January 29, 2014 by Kate Harrington

Capital Metro is planning to make its first major improvements to the MetroRail system since that commuter rail started running in 2010. With the help of an $11.3 million federal grant, Capital Metro plans to spend $27 million over the next two years to add a second track at three of its stations, improve signal and crossing equipment, make track modifications to increase speed, and make some changes to the trains themselves to make them sturdier. The grant money, as well as the agency’s general revenue, will also go toward bridge and track repairs.

A separate $4.3 million federal grant will help Capital Metro shift the MetroRail track between IH-35 and Plaza Saltillo. The agency plans to develop that land. Capital Metro officials have said that will be the first project to take shape.

The changes could shave a few minutes off rush hour commutes and increase weekday boardings by about 10 percent, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

Capital Metro also plans to eventually purchase up to six more train cars, but doesn’t currently have the funding to do so.

What improvements should Capital Metro make to the public transit system? Dou you currently use the MetroRail trains? Leave your comments below.

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