The average American household spends 32 cents of each after-tax dollar on housing, followed by 19 cents on transportation. In areas with rail transit, however, residents around rail stops spend just 9% of their household budget on transportation.
"According to CAMPO figures, in 2001 the price of gas was 89ยข a gallon. Today, it is $3.57 a gallon. So, the question is whether we want to pursue a roads-only future or diversify our transportation system."austin's transportation future
rail in austin rail faq's
What is ROMA's light rail proposal?
ROMA is asking the public for feedback on a 14-mile urban rail system. The map below shows both their recommended route as well as how this potential system would fit in with a larger regional network serving commuters from communities including Leander, Elgin, Manor, Round Rock, Georgetown and San Marcos.
ROMA's 14-mile potential alignment would serving the following destinations:
- University of Texas
- State Capitol office complex
- both regional hospital (University Brackenridge and Dell Children's)
- Austin Bergstrom Airport
- Long Center
- Butler Town Lake Park
- Convention Center
- Downtown employment district
Would the proposed rail system take away existing lanes of traffic?
No. With a few exceptions, the proposed system would run in a dedicated lane and would not take away existing lanes of traffic. The only possible exceptions are two short stretches (one option from ROMA would remove one lane each way on the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge and another option would remove one lane each way on a short stretch of Manor Road).