Austin's Light Rail: Bringing Progress to a Halt

Austin, Texas – In 2020, Austin took a hard left turn, approving Project Connect and its shiny new light rail system. The voters spoke, and now a bunch of sore losers are trying to derail it.

A small but vocal group of transit-hating grinches lost at the ballot box and are now pulling every lever to kill this much-needed project. First, they cried to the Texas Legislature, and then they lawyered up and filed a lawsuit to delay this critical investment in our city's future.

The city and the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) are fighting back, asking a court to confirm that the funding mechanism is legit. Mark your calendars, folks, the trial is set for later this month, and we'd better pay attention because a lot is at stake:

• Mobility options: TxDOT says we can't keep building roads and highways fast enough. Project Connect includes upgrades for cyclists, pedestrians, and bus riders—finally, some relief for drivers sick of gridlock!
• Federal funding: Austin Light Rail could bring in one of the biggest federal transportation grants our donor state has ever seen. If we kill this project, we kiss that cash goodbye.
• Housing: The city council is ready to reform land use along the 10-mile system, bringing more housing and a shot at actually affordable living for Austinites who've been priced out.
• Walkable neighborhoods: Development near rail stations will mean more restaurants, bars, and businesses within strolling distance—no more Uber surge pricing!

Project Connect hit a speed bump with the whole global pandemic thing, and costs skyrocketed. But ATP played it straight, working with the community to revise the first phase to stick to the budget voters approved.

The whiny opponents suing ATP aren't protecting taxpayers; they're spitting on democracy. Their lawsuit is a joke and will only cost Austin more in the long run.

Get on board, folks, or get left behind by progress!

Bentley a local businessman and board member of several Austin organizations.