CapMetro proposes first fare increase since 2015 for Austin riders

CapMetro is considering its first system-wide fare increase since 2015, but no fare change has been approved. The transit agency is asking riders and the public to weigh in on a proposal that would raise single-ride prices in two phases beginning in 2027.

If approved, the first proposed changes would take effect January 10, 2027. A second phase would begin in January 2029. The proposal covers Local, Pickup, commuter and CapMetro Access services across the Austin-area and Central Texas transit system.

What the proposed fares would be

For Local service, which includes bus routes, Pickup and UT Shuttle service, a single ride would increase from $1.25 to $1.50 in January 2027. Under the second phase, the proposed fare would rise to $2 in January 2029.

Commuter fares, which include Local services along with rail and express service, would increase from $3.50 to $4 in 2027 and then to $5 in 2029.

CapMetro Access fares for eligible paratransit riders would increase from $1.75 to $2.25 in 2027 and then to $3.25 in 2029.

Those figures are proposed single-ride prices. They should not be confused with daily or monthly fare caps and passes, which are listed separately in CapMetro’s fare materials.

Who could feel the increase most

Regular bus and Pickup riders could pay 25 cents more per single ride during the first phase and 75 cents more than today’s price after the proposed 2029 increase. Riders who use commuter rail or express services would face larger dollar increases, while CapMetro Access passengers would also see a higher proposed fare.

CapMetro is also proposing changes to reduced-fare eligibility. The proposal would continue 50% discounts for seniors, riders with disabilities, Medicare card holders and eligible military personnel. It could also expand eligibility to qualifying low-income riders and veterans, although those changes remain part of the proposal and are not final.

Why CapMetro says it is considering the change

CapMetro says rising fuel, maintenance and operating costs are putting pressure on the system. The agency also cites service reliability, transit operations and continued investment in vehicles and infrastructure as reasons for seeking a fare adjustment.

Those statements describe CapMetro’s rationale for the proposal, not a guarantee that higher fares would produce specific service improvements or prevent service cuts. The board has not yet acted on the plan.

How Austin-area riders can weigh in

Public comments are open through August 31, 2026. CapMetro has scheduled a public hearing for noon on September 16 at the Rosa Parks Boardroom, 2910 E. Fifth St., and the agency expects its board to vote on the proposal September 28.

Until that vote, the proposed prices and eligibility rules could change. Riders who depend on bus, Pickup, rail, express or Access service should review the final board materials and public-hearing information before assuming the new fares will take effect.

Sources

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