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

transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →
AMF Bruns' new headquarters and parking lot.
Paratransitby StaffApril 28, 2026

Inside AMF Bruns of America’s New Ohio Production Hub [Photos]

Step inside AMF Bruns of America’s 41,000-square-foot facility in Stow, Ohio, where expanded manufacturing capacity, modernized operations, and a focus on next-generation mobility solutions are shaping the company’s growth in accessible transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Exterior image of AMF Bruns' new facility in Ohio.
Paratransitby StaffApril 22, 2026

AMF Bruns Opens New Ohio Headquarters, Expands U.S. Manufacturing Footprint

With expanded production space, local investment, and a growing workforce, AMF Bruns is scaling its U.S. presence. Here’s an exclusive look inside the new Stow, Ohio, HQ.

Read More →
Ribbon cutting photo celebrating SEPTA's new Ardmore Station
Managementby StaffApril 13, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station

The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.

Read More →
Nadine S. Lee
Managementby StaffMarch 26, 2026

DART's President/CEO Announces Departure from Agency

Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
paratransit bus
SponsoredMarch 16, 2026

Measuring the True Cost of Paratransit Fleets

What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.

Read More →
A next-generation HART paratransit SUV.
Paratransitby StaffMarch 3, 2026

Florida's HART Launch First Next-Generation Paratransit Vehicles into Service

The new HARTPlus SUVs — 2025 Ford Interceptor Utility models — represent a significant step toward modernizing mobility and enhancing service for paratransit riders throughout Hillsborough County.

Read More →
Webinar title over image of a transit van driving down the road
SponsoredFebruary 25, 2026

The Future of Paratransit: How to Thrive in an Uncertain Era

See how leading agencies integrate eligibility, operations, staffing, and rider access to protect service and public dollars.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technologyby StaffJanuary 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 →