METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

CapMetro marks accessibility milestone with achievements

Agency was first in Texas to achieve 100% vehicle accessibility. Took delivery of its first lift-equipped buses in 1986.

July 27, 2015
CapMetro marks accessibility milestone with achievements

Photo of the ADA Legacy Tour bus stop at Capital Metro’s Crestview Station March 2, 2015. (Pictured left to right: Capital Metro President/CEO Linda Watson, ADAPT of Texas Representative Nancy Crowther and Capital Metro Accessibility Specialist Martin Kareithi).

2 min to read


Photo of the ADA Legacy Tour bus stop at Capital Metro’s Crestview Station March 2, 2015. (Pictured left to right: Capital Metro President/CEO Linda Watson, ADAPT of Texas Representative Nancy Crowther and Capital Metro Accessibility Specialist Martin Kareithi).

As the first fully accessible fixed-route bus fleet in Texas, Capital Metro has achieved many milestones since taking delivery of its first lift-equipped buses in 1986. Since then, every Capital Metro vehicle put into service has been 100% accessible, with lift, ramp access and “kneeling” capabilities to lower buses to facilitate boarding.

All vehicles provide convenient access and securement areas for passengers who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices, and seating in the front of vehicles is reserved for seniors 65 and over, persons in wheelchairs, or other passengers with disabilities.

MetroRail trains offer level boarding, spoken onboard announcements and station ticket vending machines featuring Braille and audio features. MetroRapid Route 801 and 803 vehicles are also fully ADA-compliant, with push-button annunciators at stations and wheelchair securement areas, equipped with companion seating. Braille signage is now also available at all Local bus stops.

“As the greater Austin area continues to grow, Capital Metro will continue to hold accessibility as a top priority to ensure our community, regardless of ability, has access to high-quality transportation solutions,” said Capital Metro President/CEO Linda Watson.”



In March of this year, Capital Metro hosted the ADA Legacy Tour "Road to Freedom" bus at the Crestview MetroRail Station during its nationwide tour in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Act.

The full list of Capital Metro accessible features include:

Local Bus:
•         Fully accessible fleet
•         Service animals welcome onboard
•         Tether strap program
•         Travel training program
•         Equipped lifts or low-floor ramps
•         Braille at all bus stops
•         Priority seating area

Ad Loading...

MetroRail:
•         Ticket vending machine audio feature
•         Station platform tactile markings
•         Annunciator on train stating all stops and safety information
•         Level boarding at all stations
•         Priority seating area

MetroRapid:
•         Fully ADA compliant
•         Push-button annunciator button at all stations
•         Braille at stations
•         Braille placards with vehicle ID numbers are located at both front and rear entrances
•         Extra “stop” chord
•         Wheelchair securement area with companion seating
•         Priority seating area

More Paratransit

BusJanuary 22, 2026

Biz Briefs: BART, Uber Launch Partnership and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Read More →
RailJanuary 15, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom Supplying TTC Subways, SilverRide Lands California Contracts, and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 5, 2026

Forest River Working to Redefine Reliability, Responsibility in the Bus Industry

As the transportation landscape continues to evolve in the wake of the pandemic, few manufacturers have faced, or embraced, change as decisively as Forest River Bus.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 5, 2026

New York MTA Marks Record Year for Ridership, Performance in 2025

The subway, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North Railroad all recorded record-highs for on-time performance in 2025.

Read More →
A white and blue graphic with text reading "Milwaukee County Transit Plus Riders Join WisGo in 2026."
Paratransitby StaffJanuary 5, 2026

Milwaukee County Transit Plus Riders Join WisGo in 2026

Transit Plus riders gain access to WisGo cards and mobile fare payment through the Umo app in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technologyby StaffJanuary 5, 2026

Vancouver's TransLink Taps Spare to Improve Paratransit Service

Starting next week, HandyDART will also extend its hours to 2 a.m., improving service availability for customers and aligning more closely with SkyTrain operating hours.

Read More →
New Mobilityby Staff and News ReportsDecember 19, 2025

Biz Briefs: Spare, Nova Bus, and More!

Biz Briefs covers the latest supplier news in the motorcoach and public transit industries.

Read More →
New Mobilityby StaffDecember 15, 2025

Florida's JTA Greenlights Major Fare Cuts for Bus, Paratransit Services

The JTA board also approved making Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation service complimentary, effective December 15.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New Mobilityby Staff and News ReportsDecember 12, 2025

Biz Briefs: Fare Collection, Motorcoach Orders, and More

Biz Briefs covers the latest supplier news in the motorcoach and public transit industries.

Read More →