With the summer festivities kicking into complete swing, Austin's Capital Metro is offering a special treat for the city’s residents and visitors looking to partake in the patriotic celebrations this Fourth of July at Auditorium Shores. As reported by CBS Austin, CapMetro will be offering free rides starting after 5 p.m. on Independence Day to help attendees get to and from the Star Spangled Fest without the hassle of parking and traffic.
The public transit agency has planned to run its buses on Saturday-level rail service and Sunday-level service, with adjustments expected to be made to accommodate detours from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. due to the planned fireworks display. Those interested are encouraged to visit CapMetro's website to easily find detailed information on the detours and services available.
This isn't the only time CapMetro has stepped up to provide convenient travel options during major public celebrations. As revelers ring in the upcoming New Year, the agency has similarly planned to suspend all fares post-5 p.m. on New Year's Eve. According to KVUE, the last train on New Year's Eve will depart from the Downtown Station at the somewhat ungodly hour of 2:22 a.m., extending the service well into the early morning to safely ferry party-goers back home.
While bus services will maintain their regular Sunday schedule, the Night Owls bus service is specifically set to operate from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. However, with the Auditorium Shores' fireworks expected to light up the sky, several routes will surely be rerouted — a full list of which can be found on CapMetro's Service Alert website. CapMetro has also made it known that they will operate a reduced service on New Year’s Day, with no rail, Night Owls, Express, or pickup services available on that day. Getting around during the holidays might take some planning, which is why CapMetro is urging riders to use its Trip Planner or call their Customer Service GO Line for the best transit options.
Whether it's celebrating the birth of the nation or the start of a new year, CapMetro's initiatives are making it easier for the people of Austin to join in on the festivities without worrying about the ride home. Those planning to attend the events are encouraged to take advantage of these complimentary services for a stress-free and safe holiday experience.
