CapMetro proposes fare increases for Jan. 10, 2027 and Jan. 2029—Sept. 28 vote

CapMetro is asking riders and other community members for feedback on a proposed system-wide fare update with two potential start dates: January 10, 2027 and January 2029. The CapMetro Board of Directors is set to vote on the proposal on September 28, 2026.

Because this is a proposal, the final prices and fare-cap levels depend on what the Board adopts. Still, CapMetro says the public engagement process is currently underway, and feedback gathered now will help inform recommendations the Board considers in September.

What CapMetro is proposing to change

CapMetro’s plan focuses on system-wide fare categories tied to how people ride most often: Local, Commuter, Reduced fare, and CapMetro Access monthly/pass options. It also includes updates to the Reduced Fare program.

Proposed single-ride prices and fare caps (if approved)

• Local (Bus, Pickup, UT Shuttles): single ride $1.25 (current) → $1.50 (Jan. 10, 2027) → $2.00 (Jan. 2029)
• Local fare cap: $2.50 / $41.25 (current) → $3.00 / $49.50 (Jan. 10, 2027) → $4.00 / $66.00 (Jan. 2029)
• Commuter (Local, Rail, Express): single ride $3.50 (current) → $4.00 (Jan. 10, 2027) → $5.00 (Jan. 2029)
• Commuter fare cap: $7.00 / $96.25 (current) → $8.00 / $110.00 (Jan. 10, 2027) → $10.00 / $137.50 (Jan. 2029)
• Reduced Local fares (50% discount): reduced single ride $0.60 (current) → $0.75 (Jan. 10, 2027) → $1.00 (Jan. 2029)
• Reduced Local fare cap: $1.25 / $20.60 (current) → $1.50 / $24.75 (Jan. 10, 2027) → $2.00 / $33.00 (Jan. 2029)
• Reduced Commuter fares (50% discount): reduced single ride $1.75 (current) → $2.00 (Jan. 10, 2027) → $2.50 (Jan. 2029)
• Reduced Commuter fare cap: $3.50 / $48.10 (current) → $4.00 / $55.00 (Jan. 10, 2027) → $5.00 / $68.75 (Jan. 2029)
• CapMetro Access (single ride / monthly pass): $1.75 / $46.50 (current) → $2.25 / $60.00 (Jan. 10, 2027) → $3.25 / $87.00 (Jan. 2029)

CapMetro also points out that Pickup trips are subject to fare capping, and Access would continue to be offered as a monthly pass.

Reduced Fare program updates (also proposed)

• CapMetro says the 50% discount would continue for seniors, riders with disabilities, Medicare card holders, and eligible military personnel.
• CapMetro says Equifare would be incorporated into the Reduced Fare program, with existing Equifare participants continuing at the 50% Reduced Fare discount.
• CapMetro says expanded enrollment could allow customers who qualify through veteran status or household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level to become eligible for the Reduced Fare program.

How fare caps work (and why it matters)

For riders using Umo or a Reloadable Fare Card, CapMetro says the fare cap is calculated so you never pay more than you should. When you’ve paid for 2 rides in a day, you’ve met the cap and the rest of your rides are free until the next service day (4 a.m. to 3:59 a.m.). CapMetro also says that when you’ve met the daily cap 17 times in a calendar month, the rest of your rides for the month are free.

Where to find today’s fares to compare

Before you estimate what the proposal could mean for your commute, CapMetro’s current fares page is the place to start—it lists the current Local, Commuter, Reduced fare, and CapMetro Access prices and monthly fare-cap amounts.

Timeline riders should mark

• Now through Sept. 28, 2026: CapMetro is collecting public feedback while the Board considers the proposal.
• Jan. 10, 2027: first proposed start date (if approved).
• January 2029: second proposed change (if approved); treat this as phase two, not guaranteed.
• Sept. 28, 2026: CapMetro Board vote on the fare proposal.

How to give input (public meetings, public hearing, and Board comment)

CapMetro says there are multiple ways to participate:

• Public hearing: September 16 at noon at the Rosa Parks Boardroom, 2910 E 5th Street. CapMetro says remote participation is available with prior registration. To speak remotely, speakers may sign up by emailing boardofdirectors@capmetro.org or by calling (512) 369-6040 and leaving a message with name and telephone number; the deadline to sign up to speak remotely is 8 a.m. on September 16, 2026. For in-person participation, CapMetro says to arrive at least 15 minutes before the hearing to sign up.
• Public meetings: CapMetro lists four sessions with evening hours (all from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.):
  • July 30 at Goodwill Career & Technical Academy/Henna Education Center (served by Routes 10, 325, and 339)
  • Aug. 6 at ACC Northridge (served by Routes 325, 466 and Pickup Walnut Creek)
  • Aug. 18 at ACC Riverside (served by Routes 20, 310, 311 and 350)
  • Aug. 19 at ACC South Austin (served by Routes 3 and 311)
• Board public comment (for the Sept. 28 vote): CapMetro says public comment is generally received at the beginning of Board and committee meetings. Speakers can register by completing the public comment form outside the board room before the meeting. If you want to comment remotely, CapMetro says to contact it by email or phone at least 2 hours prior to the start of the first meeting on the meeting day. CapMetro also says speakers generally get 3 minutes, or 5 minutes if discussing more than one action item or topic.

What riders should do now

• Check your current fare category (Local, Commuter, Reduced fare, or CapMetro Access) on CapMetro’s current fares page.
• Estimate impact using fare caps, especially if you ride frequently in a day or regularly across a month.
• Plan your participation ahead of the public hearing on September 16 and the Board vote on September 28—CapMetro’s remote sign-up deadline for the hearing is specifically set.
• If you rely on reduced fares, pay close attention to CapMetro’s proposed Reduced Fare program changes and eligibility expansion details—these are also part of what the Board will consider.

CapMetro’s proposal could change how much riders pay in two separate steps, but the final adopted schedule is not final until the September 28 Board decision.

Sources

• CapMetro: Proposed Fare Increase in January 2027 & January 2029 (official program page)
• CapMetro Board Fare Policy document (Resolution No. AI-2026-1751; Feb. 23, 2026) via Legistar
• CultureMap Austin: CapMetro proposes fare increase to $2 per ride by 2029 (secondary local reporting)

Look for updates to this story

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