<p>My distance to UT is pretty far, and I was wondering if anyone knew when the metrorail train would open. Are there other alternatives until it opens (other than driving with a car)?</p>
<p>Any info is appreciated.</p>
<p>Metrorail is a pipe dream. It’s not opening for several years if it ever opens.</p>
<p>There are shuttle routes all over Austin, so I’d suggest finding one near you. If you still can, I’d suggest moving to an area closer to campus.</p>
<p>I haven’t heard much new about the metrorail’s development/opening date, but there is the option of busing + biking. I’ll be living in far south Austin and plan to bus to riverside and bike the last 2 miles to UT instead of spending an additional 30 minutes taking the bus in downtown, with half the time devoted to waiting for a transfer. Go to google maps and play around with the transit feature to see what you can work out for yourself.</p>
<p>I actually went to the AsaRail website several months ago and asked a question about when they had originally projected to begin service, and here’s the reply I got: </p>
<p>“Thank you so much for your interest in the Austin-San Antonio regional passenger rail project. To date we have completed Phase 1 of project development – feasibility studies, alternatives analysis, conceptual engineering, station location studies, and financial planning. This summer we hope to kick off Phase 2 – preliminary engineering and environmental clearance. Our goal is to begin initial service in the 2011-2012 timeframe. We are still on track to meet our goal, but two key actions must occur this spring: the state legislature must fund the Rail Relocation Fund (approved by voters statewide in Nov. 2005) in the upcoming legislative session, and we must reach an agreement with Union Pacific for early access to their existing rail corridor. We are confident we’ll have a positive outcome on both fronts.”</p>
<p>I think it’s pretty much regarded around Austin as a pipe dream, like theloneranger said. They even made fun of it when I went to Esther’s Follies last month.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input everyone. I really wish it would open though.
Government run projects are always delayed :(</p>