CapMetro's board is expected to decide on September 28 whether to approve the Austin region's first fare increase since 2015.

The public comment period closed on August 31. Under the proposal, the price of a single local bus or Pickup trip would rise from $1.25 to $1.50 on January 10, 2027, before a possible second increase to $2 in January 2029.

No final decision had been made when this report was published. Riders should continue to check CapMetro's current fare information rather than treating the proposed prices as confirmed.

What CapMetro is proposing

The phased fare plan published for consultation would change single-ride prices as follows:

  • Local and Pickup: $1.25 now, $1.50 in January 2027 and $2 in January 2029;
  • Commuter: $3.50 now, $4 in January 2027 and $5 in January 2029; and
  • CapMetro Access: $1.75 now, $2.25 in January 2027 and $3.25 in January 2029.

CapMetro says it is also reviewing reduced-fare categories and prices. Existing reduced-fare customers would continue to receive benefits under the proposal, although the final structure is subject to the board's decision.

Why the agency says fares may rise

The transport authority says its operating costs have increased while the network has added services and infrastructure. Changes since the previous fare rise include new Rapid service in East Austin, higher frequencies on some routes, a Transit Police Department, more Pickup zones and a modernised payment system.

CapMetro also says local sales-tax revenue has helped limit the effects of inflation, but it wants fares to provide a more sustainable source of operating income.

The consultation included four in-person meetings during July and August as well as online comments. The agency said feedback would be used to shape the recommendation placed before directors.

The published proposal says CapMetro provides more than 83,000 trips a day across a service area of 543 square miles. Fare changes could therefore affect bus, rail, Pickup, commuter and paratransit users across Central Texas.

Residents can review the phased prices and the reason given for the change in CapMetro's official fare proposal. Austin Gazette will update this report after the board records a decision.