Austin CapMetro: Bus Changes & New Maps – Next Week!

CapMetro Announces Major Bus Route Changes for Austin, Effective January 11

Austin commuters will see notable adjustments to two key CapMetro bus routes starting Sunday, January 11, as the transit agency implements the first of its thrice-yearly service updates. The changes, unanimously approved by the CapMetro board in October, aim to improve efficiency, connectivity, and responsiveness to ridership demands amidst ongoing infrastructure projects.

Did you know? – CapMetro adjusts its bus routes three times a year to better match rider needs and seasonal changes, like school schedules. These updates are typically in January, May, and September.

Night Owl Route 485 Shifts to East Seventh Street

The Night Owl route, officially designated Route 485 and known as the Cameron, will undergo a ample realignment. Operating between midnight and 3 a.m., the route will now prioritize service along East Seventh Street instead of Rosewood Avenue.This shift will bypass Central East Austin, but will instead serve the Govalle neighborhood, the Eastside Bus Plaza, and the Mueller neighborhood.

According to a senior planner, the realignment is designed to enhance late-night transportation options to and from the Sixth Street entertainment district, as well as provide a connection for early morning Greyhound departures.The change also eliminates underutilized overnight service in Central East Austin, streamlining operations. “This realignment provides a near-term possibility to close the gap, support the city’s entertainment district and improve regional connectivity,” the planner stated.

A map shows the new alignment of CapMetro Route 485.

Tech Ridge express Route 935 to Utilize MoPac Express Lanes

Commuters utilizing the Tech Ridge Express (Route 935), which connects the Tech ridge Park and Ride in North Austin with downtown and the University of Texas, will experience reduced travel times thanks to a change in route. The bus will now utilize the MoPac express lane, bypassing the heavily congested Interstate 35 corridor, which is currently undergoing a major expansion.

The move is expected to mitigate delays caused by construction on I-35. A senior planner explained that the change will “assist with transportation demand management and reduce congestion associated with the I-35 project.” CapMetro intends to return the route to I-35 once construction concludes and High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes become operational.The realignment also eliminates service to the now-defunct TxDOT Riverside Campus, which saw minimal ridership.

A map shows the new alignment of CapMetro Route 935.

Pro tip – Check CapMetro’s website or app for real-time bus locations and schedule updates. This is especially helpful during route changes or construction delays.

Additional Service Adjustments and On-Demand Zone Expansions

Beyond the major route realignments,CapMetro has implemented several other adjustments to improve service. In October, the agency expanded its on-demand pickup zones in both Lago Vista and manor. The Lago Vista zone now encompasses the area bounded by boggy Ford road, Newton Drive, and MacArthur Avenue, while the Manor pickup zone now includes The Darby and The Grand at Manor apartment complexes.

Further changes taking effect next week include increased afternoon trips on

Why: CapMetro is making these changes to improve efficiency, connectivity, and responsiveness to ridership demands, especially in light of ongoing infrastructure projects like the I-35 expansion. The changes also aim to streamline operations by eliminating underutilized service.
who: The changes affect commuters using the night Owl (Route 485) and Tech Ridge Express (Route 935) bus routes, and also residents in Lago Vista and Manor utilizing the on-demand pickup zones. The CapMetro board unanimously approved the changes in October.
What: The primary changes include realigning the Night Owl route to prioritize East Seventh Street, utilizing the MoPac express lane for the Tech