As a college student in Austin, getting around the city can be a challenge. With so many different neighborhoods, attractions, and events, it’s important to have a reliable and affordable mode of transportation. Luckily, Austin has a robust public transportation system that’s perfect for college students on a budget. Here’s a guide to navigating Austin’s public transportation system:
Capital Metro
Capital Metro is the main public transportation system in Austin, and it offers a variety of bus and train routes throughout the city. For college students, the most important routes to know are the ones that connect to the major universities in the area. These include:
- The UT Shuttle, which connects the UT Austin campus to various points throughout the city, including the airport and downtown Austin.
- The Red River/Dean Keeton bus route, which runs along the perimeter of the UT Austin campus and connects to several other Capital Metro routes.
- The 803 MetroRapid route, which connects the UT Austin campus to downtown Austin and other major neighborhoods in the city.
Ride-Sharing Services
In addition to Capital Metro, there are several ride-sharing services available in Austin that are popular among college students. These include Uber and Lyft, as well as smaller companies like Ride Austin and Fasten. Ride-sharing services can be more expensive than public transportation, but they offer the convenience of door-to-door service and can be a great option for late-night or early-morning rides.
Biking
Austin is a bike-friendly city, and many college students choose to get around on two wheels. There are several bike-sharing services in the city, including Austin B-cycle and LimeBike, which allow riders to rent bikes by the hour or by the day. Additionally, many of the major roads in the city have bike lanes, making it easy and safe to get around on a bike.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Austin’s public transportation system is a great (sometimes questionably clean) option for college students who are looking for a reliable and affordable way to get around the city. Whether you choose to take the bus, ride-share, or bike, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. So the next time you’re looking for a ride in Austin, consider using public transportation – your wallet (and the environment) will thank you!