Howdy Y’all and Welcome to the Live Music Capital of the World!

DOTTIE WATKINS
President and CEO
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro)
Austin, TX

Chances are, when you arrive in Austin, you won’t get far before you’ll start to hear musicians playing their favorite tunes, and that’s just one piece of what makes Austin, Austin! There’s no better place for a conference focused on the future of mobility than in a city that’s vibrant, innovative, and always on the move.

Austin is known for its eclectic energy, as I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase “Keep Austin Weird.” Whether you’re exploring the trails around Central Texas, catching a live band on Sixth Street, or grabbing some BBQ, this city is always alive. And the best part? You’ll find that Austin’s transportation options are just as diverse as the city itself.

CapMetro’s comprehensive network connects Austin and the surrounding Central Texas region through an integrated system of 71 bus routes, 12 innovative Pickup Zones offering on-demand neighborhood service, 32 miles of commuter rail, and over 70 Bikeshare stations—all designed to connect our communities to opportunity. Enjoy your ride on CapMetro next to Austinites from all walks of life traversing to all corners of our community, like a concert, school, or the grocery store. This is public transportation at its best—not just moving people, but building community connections.

We’ve been moving our region for 40 years, and we have no plans on stopping. CapMetro, just like the region itself, is undergoing a significant growth spurt. In 2020, voters approved a big initiative to expand and transform public transportation in Central Texas. Since then, we’ve expanded our Pickup network, added new Rapid routes, and improved our commuter rail system. We’re also working with our partners to bring Austin Light Rail to life. Big things are on the horizon for us, and we can’t wait to show you as you maximize your experience here.

As you stay in Downtown Austin, we encourage you to get outside and explore our mild climate, exceptional green spaces, and historic streets. Here are some of my top favorites, and how you can best get there by CapMetro!

• Bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge: There are up to 100,000 bats present year-round, and you can view hundreds of them come to life at dusk under the Congress Bridge. It’s a short walk from the hotels, or you can take Bikeshare! Just download our Bikeshare app to create an account.
• Barton Springs: If you’re looking to take a dip in the water, head to this natural pool that’s kept at 68 degrees year-round! Take a short walk to Republic Square, one of the city’s green spaces that’s been around since the birth of Austin, to catch bus route 30 to get you there.
• The Broken Spoke: If you’re ready to put on your dancing shoes, take Rapid 803 down to the Broken Spoke for a true Texas dancehall. Some of the biggest country legends have been known to play here, like Willie Nelson and George Strait.
• South Congress Avenue: Hop on the Rapid 801 to get to this vibrant neighborhood shopping district! SoCo is known for its boutiques, restaurants, and music venues that both locals and tourists love to explore.
• Breweries and wineries: This city is also home to several different breweries and wineries. Our commuter rail can take you from Downtown up north to explore all the different hot spots. Just plan your trip at capmetro.org or on the Transit app!

We’re so excited to welcome you to our great city and we hope to see y’all on board in between conference sessions!