Austin City Council Adopts Core Transportation Plan Alongside 2026 Local Mobility Annual Plan

Austin City Council adopted the Austin Core Transportation Plan in March 2026. The plan focuses on pedestrian safety, protected bike lanes and bus improvements downtown while directing a study on two-way street conversions. The City of Austin also released its 2026 Local Mobility Annual Plan, which lists more than 200 projects financed by the 2016, 2018 and 2020 Mobility Bonds.

These documents arrive as the city tracks traffic outcomes from the prior year. Preliminary 2025 data recorded 99 traffic fatalities and 301 serious injuries in Austin. Serious injuries declined 28 percent from 2024 levels, while fatalities rose 2 percent.

Transit service adjustments scheduled for June 2026

Capital Metro’s Board approved June 2026 service changes under Transit Plan 2035. Rapid lines will operate at 10-minute peak frequency and additional park-and-ride facilities will be added. A Title VI analysis concluded the changes produce no disparate impacts on minority or low-income populations.

Residents who rely on downtown streets for commuting, errands or transit connections stand to see changes in lane configurations, crossing locations and bus stop access once the Austin Core Transportation Plan projects advance. The 2026 Local Mobility Annual Plan projects funded by earlier bonds target safety and mobility upgrades across multiple corridors.

Light rail project advances toward federal funding

Austin’s light rail project completed the Federal Transit Administration’s final environmental impact review in January 2026. The $7.1 billion system remains on schedule for a 2033 opening and is positioned to seek federal grants.

City documents indicate the combined plans will guide project selection and service adjustments through the coming years. Implementation steps for the approved service changes and bond-funded initiatives are expected to proceed according to the timelines set in the 2026 Local Mobility Annual Plan and Capital Metro Board actions.