Unlike other rail systems around the state, including Houston's METRORail and Dallas' DART, which runs service during weekends, Capital Metro's newest form of travel has yet to extend its hours of operation. Weekday trips are also limited and only run in the morning, afternoon and evening for business commuters going to and from work.
Many riders believe weekend service will benefit Austin, its economy, and downtown businesses including restaurants and bars because it's a convenient way to get to the heart of the city. "Thanks to the MetroRail Saturday service, I'm at the Pecan Street Festival downtown," said Hope Doty via Twitter. "[I] would never have come otherwise."
According to users of the weekend rail, the train cars were packed to capacity, leaving only enough space for standing room only. The train began running at 11 a.m. and continued through 11:30 p.m. Various downtown events made the red line a welcomed commodity. Mayor Pro Tem and Capital Metro Board Chairman Mike Martinez noted there is not a shortage of events.
"Want something to do today?" Martinez asked via Twitter. "There's plenty - Cinco de Mayo Fest, Pecan Street Fest, Farmers Market, March for Immigrants Rights and more."
Capital Metro officials have not said whether Saturday service will become a regular part of MetroRail's schedule. Judging by the turnout, however, leaders may consider offering the rail as a commuting alternative on the weekends so Austinites can enjoy what the city has to offer without the headache of using the infamous cluttered highways.
Pictures courtesy Twitter user @Hopedoty (Hope Doty)
1 comments:
Nice story! However, Metrorail is a commuter rail, not a light rail. The light rail system failed to pass the voter test in 2000, so we opted for this approach instead.
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