Texas’ Austin Transit Partnership (ATP), the local government corporation responsible for building Austin’s first light rail system, initiated procurement of the multibillion-dollar final design and construction contract it plans to begin awarding next year. 

Austin Light Rail Phase 1 will transform how people move around Austin with all-electric trains running reliably every five to 10 minutes most of the day and connecting people to major job centers, education hubs, and iconic destinations. 

Designed to expand as the city grows, the project includes 15 stations along a nearly 10-mile alignment, miles of new pedestrian and cycling paths, and a new bridge across Lady Bird Lake. 

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.

ATP’s Request for Information

As a first step in the procurement process, ATP released a request for information (RFI) for industry feedback on the project’s largest procurement, which will seek partners to provide design and construction services for the project’s transitway, tracks, systems, stations, bridges, traffic signals, utilities, drainage structures, and streetscape. 

The contract is expected to extend through the duration of design, construction, and opening for service, which is planned for 2033.

“Today marks an important milestone for Austin Light Rail as we begin to transition to the final design and construction phase of the project,” said ATP Executive Director Greg Canally. “Working closely with ATP, the partners selected for this contract will help shape and deliver nearly every aspect of Austin’s first light rail system and play a critical role in the project’s success.”

Austin’s Light Rail Phase 1

ATP will build Austin Light Rail Phase 1 using a progressive design-build delivery model that enables the organization to closely collaborate with industry partners through: 

Innovation of design solutions that balance technical requirements with Austin’s unique needs. 

Design with constructability at the forefront to keep Austin moving while the project is being built. 

Integration of latest construction costs into design development to align with the project budget. 

The RFI seeks industry feedback on the draft solicitation and contract documents. The early engagement is designed to strengthen competition for the opportunity and provide potential partners with more information to assemble the best teams in their pursuit of the work.

Businesses have until March 19 to provide feedback to the RFI. 

Austin Light Rail is expected to create or support hundreds of thousands of jobs, and data show that more than 2,000 Texas businesses across the state can provide the goods and services needed to build Austin Light Rail and could compete to do business with ATP.