School districts across Central Texas will welcome students back to campuses over the next few weeks, which means a bump in traffic congestion.

According to the City of Austin, travel times on the city's street network increased during last year's back to school period by 8-10% during the morning peak period, mid-day, and evening.

Central Texas traffic volumes have been increasing steadily after a sharp drop in 2020 and are now...

"Policymakers in Washington are promoting electric vehicles as a solution to climate change," Jack Ewing wrote for the New York Times this week. "But an uncomfortable truth remains: Battery-powered cars are much too expensive for a vast majority of Americans."

While individual...

Sometimes it can be hard to leave your car behind and try new transportation options - especially if you're worried you might need to get somewhere quickly in case of an emergency. That's why Movability is introducing the Emergency Ride Home program as part of Get There Central Texas.

When Central Texans join the Get There platform - either individually or as part of your workplace - you're eligible to be reimbursed for emergency rides...

With high gas prices showing no signs of easing soon, it's a great time to switch out drive-alone trips for other modes that can save you money.

Transportation demand management, or TDM, simply means using the the transportation infrastructure we already have in ways that spread demand across different modes. Not sure where to start? Using...

Movability is thrilled to welcome Alex Vogt as our new Program Manager! Alex will be working with our members to help them find the best commute options for their employees, design and implement mobility policies, and learn how transportation demand management (TDM) can help them save money and boost recruitment and retention.

Alex was most recently the Transportation Demand Coordinator at Texas State University in San Marcos, where he...

For almost as long as the COVID-19 pandemic has been upturning daily life, people have been making predictions about a return to commuting routines.

There have been a few false starts, but more and more people who had been working exclusively remotely are now returning to in-person workplaces. If you're feeling the frustration of...

Cap Metro has introduced a new pilot program and is also holding community engagement meetings to get feedback on a proposed new fare program.

1. The Courtesy Stop pilot lets you request a drop-off in between regular stops and is in effect each day after 9 p.m. on all MetroBus and MetroRapid routes. It's designed to give riders a chance to select safe, well-lit spots to exit the bus closer to their destination....

May is Bike Month! Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a complete beginner, there are lots of opportunities to get around on a bike. And we want to reward you for your bike trips!

During the month of May, post photos of yourself with the bike you're riding in any Central Texas location (safely, please!), tag Movability on Instagram (@movabilitytx), and use #BikeMonthCenTX to be entered into weekly prize drawings for $50 Amazon gift...

It's hard to miss the steep climb gas prices have been taking lately, a trend that is predicted to continue. Yet the conversation has focused on how to find cheaper gas instead of looking at ways to eliminate or reduce vehicle trips.

What if communities - from policy makers to employers - took this opportunity to provide more transportation options beyond vehicles? Transportation demand management (TDM), which gives people more...

Movability’s members are employers and transportation service providers who are committed to improving the mobility landscape in Central Texas and helping shift the culture from moving cars to moving people. This saves money on parking costs, reduces stress for employees, and takes time back from traffic.

Welcome to our newest members:

CP&Y...

Movability is excited to introduce our two newest interns, Alex Terrazas and Sophia Amstalden.

Sophia is originally from College Station, Texas and is attending the University of Texas at Austin where she is a first year student. She plans to major in marketing and minor in management information systems at the McCombs School of Business.

"Because I am a first-year student, I am most excited about trying lots of different things...

After going virtual last year, it was a pleasure to gather on February 9 for the Mayor's Mobility Breakfast.

Among the highlights of that event (aside from breakfast tacos and doughnuts!) were remarks from Mayor Adler, Travis County Commissioner and Capital Metro Board Chair Jeff Travillion, and Chris Ivarson, Google's Facilities Manager and Movability board member. We also had a chance to recognize 2020 and 2021 GoGrant recipients and...

Dirt is turning on a few projects that will bring more transit options to Austin.

Capital Metro held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, December 15 to celebrate the MetroRapid Expo Center groundbreaking. That groundbreaking is part of the Project Connect program of projects, which includes four new MetroRapid routes that enhance frequency and quality of service. The new Expo Center Route will connect East Austin to the University...

Movability’s members are employers and transportation service providers who are committed to improving the mobility landscape in Central Texas and helping shift the culture from moving cars to moving people. This saves money on parking costs, reduces stress for employees, and takes time back from traffic.

Welcome to our newest members:

...

Don't miss Central Texas' biggest mobility event of the year!

Join us to hear from keynote speaker Chris Ivarson of Google, celebrate employers large and small that are leading the way toward better mobility in Central TX, and enjoy networking.

Register here

Movability is thrilled that our Program Manager Anton Cox was recognized as a 40 Under 40 winner by the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) for his work in transportation demand management (TDM)!

ACT's 40 Under 40 awards celebrate a diverse cross-section of professionals working to improve transportation options for commuters. Awardees include individuals working for private sector employers, city and state governments,...

Last week Movability and Ghisallo Cycling Initiative held a Mobility Camp for Capital Metro employees. This fun bike clinic included a basic city cycling safety overview and a bike ride with MetroBikes on protected paths near Capital Metro's office. Capital Metro employees all get access to...

Austin's City Manager approved a revised version of the Transportation Criteria Manual, or TCM this month, a change that prioritizes vulnerable street users and provides consistent guidance on safe street design to engineers, planners, consultants and developers.

The TCM is one of nine criteria manuals included in the land development code. The new TCM changes include narrower street sections to create safer crossings for pedestrians,...

Movability members signed up for the Get There Central Texas program have been participating in the Return to Work, Not Traffic challenge this fall by logging their trips and earning points. We're excited to announce the first winner of the largest prize, a $150 gift card, is a Samsung Austin Semiconductor employee. Way to go,...

Join Movability and Capital Metro at an event geared toward the business community to learn about Project Connect and what it means for Central Texas employers. The discussion will include information about the design and timeline of the new transit lines being built as part of Project Connect....

This September, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated its recommended limits for almost every pollutant. "The new global air quality guidelines reflect an overwhelming scientific consensus that countries need to more...

Capital Metro is offering free fares for all customers throughout October. So tell us - now that you have a free ride, where are you taking transit to this month? Drop us a line with photos and information about your October transit adventures at info@movabilitytx.org and we may feature your story in next month's newsletter.

The fare suspension is offered as a thank you to customers as they address the effects on service of staffing...

Movability’s members are employers and transportation service providers who are committed to improving the mobility landscape in Central Texas and helping shift the culture from moving cars to moving people. This saves money on parking costs, reduces stress for employees, and takes time back from traffic.

Welcome to our newest members:

...

Does your business, university, or building offer outstanding commuter benefits?

Whether it's teleworking, bike facilities, shuttles, or other benefits you can gain recognition that boosts recruitment and retention through Best Workplaces for Commuters. Movability offers help with the application to our...

It's one thing to read about the benefits of riding a bike, taking transit, walking, or using other alternative travel modes - but sometimes a hands-on experience is even better.

Movability will begin holding Mobility Camp for our members to provide just that. Mobility Camps will take small groups through guided mobility experiences, from bike riding to transit adventures and more.

This fall we will work with...

Capital Metro will begin holding virtual Community Design Workshops this week that will give you the opportunity to discuss preliminary station concepts with Project Connect designers.

The first Community Design Workshop is on September 16 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, focused on the Pleasant Valley/Riverside station on Project Connect’s Blue...

Commute options are one of the most desired benefits for job seekers. At the Better Commute Expo, a virtual tabling event, you will meet providers who can help you attract new employees by building a strong commute program.

This FREE online event will put mobility providers from bicycle programs and micro-mobility to commute management software and shuttle solutions in one virtual room. Employers can come and go as their schedule...

The start of a new school year usually means a big jump in traffic congestion. Start the school year off right by creating new habits that don't add to traffic!

Here are some great ways to build healthy mobility habits for students and their adults. Use these modes to get to school and work:

• Follow Arthur P.'s example and beat the back-to-school traffic by riding bikes to school and work. He's an Austin ISD student who made a...

Capital Metro has lots of news to share!

• The agency has returned more of its services to pre-pandemic levels and also increased the frequency on some routes. See route updates, including frequency on routes, late-night service, and Express Route changes here.
• Project Connect is hosting on-demand virtual open houses where...

TxDOT’s I-35 Capital Express Central Project is a massive, $4.9 billion project that will run through the heart of Austin, and citizen input is crucial! A virtual, online public meeting is available through September 8 on...

Get There Central Texas is a program that helps Central Texans find ride matches, and rewards them when they log their trips and commutes - whether they're teleworking, taking the bus, riding a bike, or carpooling with someone they found on the platform! (Yes, teleworking too! When you telecommute, you're keeping a vehicle out of rush hour traffic on that day. We count that as a ride. So log all of your telecommutes in...

We're thrilled to welcome Priscilla Takyi to the Movability team for the summer and next two semesters!

Priscilla attends the University of Texas at Austin, where she is a rising senior majoring in Corporate Communications. At Movability, she is helping us with communications and marketing. In her free time, she likes to run, read historical fiction novels, and try different taco places in Austin.

Say hi if you see her in a Zoom...

Even though Central Texas has been spared brutal summer heat, this is a time of year when Ozone Action Days happen more frequently. That means ozone levels are expected to reach levels that are "unhealthy for sensitive groups" or higher. For more information on regional air quality, visit Air Central Texas.

By cutting down on the number of drive-alone...

Smart City Policy Group will be hosting a Mobility Innovation & Policy Summit on Tuesday, August 31 followed by a Short-term Rental Innovation & Policy Summit on September 1. Both events will take place at the Austin Central Library Conference Center and will bring together policymakers, stakeholders, and industry leaders.

Let's Go News...

Austin's first professional soccer team, Austin FC, is holding their first match on June 19. There are lots of ways to get there without the headaches of driving and parking!

• Bus: Capital Metro is increasing their transit frequency on game days, and will also offer Park...

Join Movability and our panelists on June 24 from noon to 1:00pm CST for a webinar looking at how shared mobility can boost sustainability, cost savings, and workplace health.

Register here

The Association for Commuter Transportation has named the week of May 10-14 as TDM Week to spread awareness of how important TDM is. Unless you're in the transportation industry, it's probably an acronym you haven't heard of.

TDM stands for Transportation Demand Management, and it simply means spreading the demand - people who are traveling - to more than...

Traveling the world might not be a possibility yet, but you can satisfy that wanderlust right here at home this May with the Bike ATX Passport from Movability! What better way to celebrate Bike Month than seeing your town on two wheels, and supporting local establishments while you're at it?

Here's how it works:...