We are taking a fresh look at what might be available to help link people, places and things. We are engaging with our residents to determine if transit services are desired and if so what solutions may be most cost efficient and effective for Cedar Park. Additionally, there are emerging technologies and new transit options that have become available in the last few years.
Study goals are:
- Understand the level of public interest in transit options
- Identify transit needs and preferences
- Evaluate a range of options to meet different transportation needs
- Evaluate options based on cost efficiency and effectiveness in Cedar Park
The City of Cedar Park has engaged a team of consultant (Nelson Nygaard) who specialize in transportation systems. The consultant team will:
- Study local and regional travel patterns and demographics
- Review existing public and private transit options as well as emerging technologies
- Review transit options that have been tested and implemented in cities similar to Cedar Park
- Detail the costs and benefits of each option
No, this study will not determine whether the City of Cedar Park will opt back in to Capital Metro. This study is to gauge public interest in transit options, and if there is interest, what are the potential cost efficient and effective solutions.
From 1985 to 1998, Cedar Park dedicated one cent of the City’s two cents of sales tax to Capital Metro. In 1998, Cedar Park residents voted to withdraw from Capital Metro and to dedicate those funds to economic and community development. At the time, the population was around 22,000. While our population has since grown to almost 80,000 (2018), we must emphasize that this transit study is not about whether to opt in to Capital Metro.
*In 2018 Cedar Park residents voted to redirect a portion (1/8 cent) of that economic development sales tax funding to a stormwater drainage program.
No, the study will not include changes to existing and planned roadway improvements. Those projects will be covered in the City’s Master Transportation Plan. However, results of this study are expected to be included in future updates to the Master Transportation Plan.
No, this study assumes no particular outcomes or actions. We are exploring the level of public interest in transit and the feasibility of new and emerging mobility options that may provide a cost effective and efficient solution for Cedar Park.
No. More detailed study and analysis will be needed to identify any potential provider or providers (public or private) if any of the options are selected.
Yes, the City has explored and revisited the issue of transit needs over the years. Listed below is a brief history:
1985: Cedar Park residents voted to join Capital Metro and allocated 1 cent sales tax for services. (The City collects two cents of sales tax from every dollar spent in Cedar Park. One cent was dedicated to transit, and the other cent was dedicated to the General Fund to fund basic city services)
1998: Cedar Park conducted a Capital Metro ridership study, and found few resident users per week, with an estimated cost of $160,000 per rider per year.
1998: Cedar Park residents voted to withdraw from Capital Metro and to redirect the one cent of sales tax funding to economic and community development.
2002: The City entered into a Participation Agreement with the Capital Area Rural Transportation Service (CARTS) for a Transit Study.
2007 – 2008: The City approved an agreement with Capital Metro and entered into a contract with Goodman Corporation to study continued Para-Transit services (special transportation services for people with disabilities) and potential fixed route services and the development of transit-related facilities for the greater Cedar Park area.
2010: In December, the City considered a one-year pilot project with Capital Metro for a new fixed bus route with five stops within the community. The pilot project cost was $80,000/year. The motion failed with a 3-3 vote.
2017: The City Council included a transit study in the City’s FY18 budget.
2018: In June, City Council approved an agreement with the consultant group Nelson Nygaard to conduct a transit study. See study goals in FAQ #2.
There are a variety of options available including: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Medicaid Medical Transportation Program, Drive a Senior Northwest – a Faith in Action Program, Commute Solutions and United for the People.
More information may be found here: https://www.cedarparktexas.gov/departments/engineering/transportation-options.
Study data is derived from a comprehensive market analysis using Census American Community Survey and U.S. Census Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics to understand regional and local employment travel patterns.
Additional data sources include resident survey results and approved City comprehensive and master plans.
There is no agreement between the City and Capital Metro to provide additional services to Cedar Park.
The City of Cedar Park is paying for this independent study.