Capital Metro
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) is the regional public transit authority for Austin and Central Texas, operating multi-modal Bus, Rail, on-demand Pickup, paratransit, Vanpool, and Bikeshare services across 7,200+ square miles, with digital fare payment via Umo app and Tap to Pay.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersAustin, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Capital Metro does
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority, operating as CapMetro, is the regional public transit authority for Austin and Central Texas, established under Texas state law and headquartered in Austin. The agency delivers multi-modal transit services across more than 7,200 square miles, including fixed-route Bus (Routes 1-499, 600-699, and 800-837 Rapid), the Metro Rail Red Line (Route 550) connecting Leander to downtown Austin across 10 stations, on-demand Pickup shuttles in 12 service zones, ADA paratransit Access service, Vanpool programs operated with Commute with Enterprise, and Bikeshare (currently suspended due to a facility fire). The technology stack integrates the Transit app for trip planning and real-time arrivals, the Umo app for digital fare payment with automatic daily and monthly fare capping, and Tap to Pay contactless payments accepting credit/debit cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay). A Reloadable Fare Card is distributed through the Transit Store and over 250 participating retailers including H-E-B, 7-Eleven, CVS, Walgreens, Dollar General, and Circle K.
Revenue is generated through passenger fares (single rides, day-capped payments, and monthly passes across Local, Commuter, Reduced, and Equifare tiers), transit advertising, Vanpool monthly leases with a 50% CapMetro subsidy, employer/school bulk pass programs, and—as a government authority—primarily through federal grants, state allocations, and local sales tax. Service is distributed directly to consumers with no intermediaries, reaching general commuters, university students and staff (UT Austin, ACC, Huston-Tillotson, St. Edward's ride free or at heavy discount), ADA-eligible riders, low-income households via the Equifare and Transit Empowerment Fund programs, and late-night/entertainment riders via Night Owl routes. The 251-500 employee range in firmographic data likely reflects a specific organizational segment; full agency operations across driving, maintenance, and administrative functions are substantially larger.
The agency's competitive positioning rests on its statutory monopoly as the designated transit authority, exclusive access to public right-of-way and federal transit funding, embedded university partnerships that lock in student ridership via ID swipe systems, and physical infrastructure (20 Park & Ride facilities, rail stations, docking stations) that constitutes a deep distribution moat. CapMetro is currently executing a multi-year modernization including the 2024 Bikeshare rebrand with PBSC equipment, the 2026 farebox replacement and retirement of magnetic stripe passes, and the Approved August Service Changes for 2026 that restructure routes to match demand in a rapidly growing metro.
Capital Metro firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Capital Metro
- Legal name
- Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority
- Website
- https://capmetro.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) is the regional public transit authority for Austin and Central Texas, operating multi-modal Bus, Rail, on-demand Pickup, paratransit, Vanpool, and Bikeshare services across 7,200+ square miles, with digital fare payment via Umo app and Tap to Pay.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Capital Metro industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Transportation Services
- NAICS
- Mixed Mode Transit Systems (485111), Commuter Rail Systems (485112), Special Needs Transportation (485991), Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems (485113)
- SIC
- Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Metro/Urban Rail Operators (Integrated Multimodal Agencies) (TLAFAEAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Commuter/Suburban Rail Operators (S-Bahn/Regional Metro) (TLAFAEAD), Park-and-Ride / Express Commuter Bus Operators (TLAFAGAF), Urban Rail Accessibility & Passenger Assistance Services (THAIABAK)
Keywords
Where Capital Metro is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Austin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Capital Metro business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Passenger Fares: CapMetro generates revenue through passenger fares for bus, rail, Pickup, Access paratransit, and Bikeshare services. Fares include single rides, daily caps, and monthly passes with different pricing tiers for standard, reduced, and Equifare programs.
- Vanpool Program: Monthly vanpool lease revenue shared among riders, with CapMetro providing 50% subsidy to groups with origin/destination in service area. Operators pay for vehicle, maintenance, fuel, and tolls collectively.
- Transit Advertising: Revenue from transit advertising opportunities on buses, rail vehicles, stations, and bus stops. Contact via [email protected].
- Employer/School Pass Programs: Bulk purchasing of transit passes through CapMetro for Business program allowing organizations to offer discounted transit passes to employees.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | Local Bus/Rapid/Pickup Standard |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | Commuter (Express/Rail) Standard |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | Local Reduced Fare |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | Commuter Reduced Fare |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | Equifare Local (Low-Income) |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | Equifare Commuter (Low-Income) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | CapMetro Access Paratransit |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Bikeshare (Currently Suspended) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Vanpool |
| Subscription | Annual | College Discount Programs |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels9 records
Capital Metro product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Capital Metro provides public transit services across Austin and Central Texas through a multi-modal network of bus (Local, Express, Rapid, Night Owl), Metro Rail Red Line commuter rail, on-demand Pickup shuttles, ADA paratransit Access, Vanpool, electric-assist Bikeshare, and rural connections via CARTS. The agency operates a digital fare ecosystem including the Umo app, Tap to Pay contactless payments, and Reloadable Fare Cards with automatic daily and monthly fare capping, alongside Transit app-powered real-time trip planning. Free and discounted fare programs support university students, seniors, military personnel, and low-income riders.
Product overview
Capital Metro is Austin and Central Texas' public transit agency offering a comprehensive multi-modal transportation network. The service portfolio includes fixed-route Bus and Rail services, on-demand Pickup shuttles, paratransit Access service, Vanpool programs, and Bikeshare (currently suspended). The system integrates digital fare solutions including the Umo app, Tap to Pay contactless payments, and a Reloadable Fare Card, all with automatic fare capping. Key service tiers include Local Bus/Rapid ($1.25 single ride), Commuter/Express/Rail ($3.50 single ride), and specialized services like UT Shuttles, Night Owl late-night routes, and Airport Service. The transit network covers Austin and surrounding areas including Leander, Round Rock, Manor, Lago Vista, and rural counties through CARTS partnerships, supported by 20 Park & Ride facilities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Bus Service Fixed-route local bus service with Routes 1-499 and 600-699 providing frequent-stop service throughout Austin, including flyer routes with fewer stops for faster travel. Open to the general public for daily commuting and routine transportation.
- Metro Rail Red Line (Route 550) Commuter rail service connecting Leander to downtown Austin with 10 stations including Highland (ACC) and McKalla (Q2 stadium), featuring free Wi-Fi and real-time digital signage. Serves outlying commuters traveling into Central Austin.
- Pickup On-Demand Service Shared shuttle service available in 12 limited service zones including East ATX, Exposition, Northeast ATX, Walnut Creek, Decker, Dessau, South Menchaca, Dove Springs, North Oak Hill, Manor, Lago Vista, and Leander. Provides on-demand transit to bus stops, appointments, and local destinations.
- CapMetro Bikeshare Public electric-assist bike rental system with docking stations throughout central Austin, providing 100% e-assist bikes for short trips and transit connections. Currently suspended due to facility fire. Operated jointly with the City of Austin using PBSC equipment.
- CapMetro Access Paratransit Door-to-door, shared-ride paratransit service for ADA-eligible riders who cannot always use accessible fixed-route buses. Includes Single Ride ($1.75), 10-Ride Booklet ($17.50), and Monthly Pass ($46.50).
- Vanpool Shared-ride program providing vehicles for groups of 4-12 riders commuting to and from work, operated by Commute with Enterprise under month-to-month leases with insurance, maintenance, and 24-hour roadside assistance. CapMetro provides a 50% subsidy for groups with origin/destination in its service area.
- CARTS (Capital Area Rural Transportation System) Regional transportation for rural areas outside CapMetro's direct service area, covering 7,200+ square miles across Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Travis and Williamson counties. CARTS routes connect into CapMetro's network to enable travel to and within Austin.
- Express Bus Service Commuter bus service for North Austin and outlying areas, with five Express routes serving Northwest Austin and Leander utilizing MoPac Express Lanes for faster travel.
- Rapid Bus Service High-frequency bus service with routes 800-837 providing faster travel times with transit-priority lanes and bus-first signal technology. Includes routes 800 Pleasant Valley, 801 North Lamar/South Congress, 803 Burnet/South Lamar, and 837 Expo Center.
- UT Shuttles Shuttle service for University of Texas campus and surrounding residential areas. UT students, faculty, and staff ride free with valid UT ID via swipe-at-farebox. Routes 640-672 serve various campus and residential areas.
- Airport Service Bus service to and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport via Route 20 Manor Road/Riverside (every 15-30 minutes) and Route 483 Night Owl Riverside (after midnight to 4 a.m.).
- Night Owl Late-Night Service Night Owl bus routes 481-486 operating from midnight until 3 a.m., running between popular late-night destinations and local neighborhoods to provide safe late-night transit options.
- Park & Ride Facilities 20 Park & Ride facilities throughout the service area, with locations such as Lakeline (935 spaces), Leander (619 spaces), and Tech Ridge (476 spaces). Provides free parking during service hours for commuters to park and connect to Bus or Rail.
- Transit App Integration Mobile app providing real-time trip planning, vehicle tracking, service alerts, and integration with Umo for digital fare payment for all CapMetro services. Includes GO crowdsourcing for real-time rider reports on crowding and accessibility.
- Umo App (Digital Fare Payment) Mobile application for digital fare payment. Riders load wallet balance, pay per ride via QR code scanning on buses and trains, and benefit from automatic daily and monthly fare capping. Supports Apple Pay and Google Pay for wallet loading.
- Tap to Pay Contactless Fare Contactless payment system allowing riders to tap credit/debit cards, phones, or smartwatches on bus scanners to pay fares. Includes automatic daily fare capping at $2.50 for standard fare, eliminating the need for paper passes or pre-loaded fare cards.
- Reloadable Fare Card Physical reloadable card for Bus and Rail fare payment with automatic daily and monthly fare capping. Available at the Transit Store and at participating H-E-B locations for purchase and reload.
- Equifare Low-Income Fare Program Discounted fare program for low-income riders and those enrolled in social services programs, offering reduced rates on Local and Commuter fares. Equifare Local: Single Ride $1.00, Per Service Day $2.00, Per Calendar Month $33.00. Equifare Commuter: Single Ride $3.00, Per Service Day $6.00, Per Calendar Month $77.00. Requires Umo app or Reloadable Fare Card; eligibility for households below 200% Federal Poverty Level.
- CapMetro for Business (Employer Pass Program) Bulk purchasing of transit passes through CapMetro for Business, allowing local employers and organizations to offer discounted transit passes to their employees as a workplace benefit.
- Travel Training Free travel training program for seniors and riders with disabilities to learn how to use CapMetro fixed-route services effectively. Accessible via [email protected] and 512-369-6083.
- Guaranteed Ride Home Program providing registered Express, Flyer, Rail, and Vanpool customers with reimbursement for taxi rides home in case of emergency. $5 annual fee with up to 4 reimbursed rides per year.
- Transit Advertising Advertising opportunities on CapMetro buses, rail vehicles, stations, and bus stops, sold via the CapMetro advertising team ([email protected], 512-826-5739) for brands and agencies targeting Austin-area audiences.
Companies that use Capital Metro
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles7 records
Capital Metro technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration11 records
AI capability1 record
Feature5 records
Capital Metro partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Commute with EnterprisecoreEnterprise operates the Vanpool program for CapMetro, providing month-to-month van leases for groups of 4-12 riders with insurance, maintenance, and 24-hour roadside assistance. CapMetro subsidizes 50% of monthly costs for eligible groups with origin/destination in service area.
- City of AustincoreCapMetro Bikeshare is a collaboration between CapMetro and the City of Austin. The bike share system equipment is provided by PBSC, a bikeshare industry leader. The City and CapMetro jointly operate and maintain the bikeshare infrastructure.
- Transit AppcoreTransit app provides trip planning, real-time arrivals, and vehicle tracking for CapMetro services. The app integrates with Umo for fare payment and connects to Pickup and Bikeshare services.
- PBSC (Urban Mobility Solutions)corePBSC provides the bikeshare equipment and technology platform for CapMetro Bikeshare, including e-assist bikes and docking station infrastructure following the 2024 equipment upgrade and rebrand from MetroBike.
- University of Texas at AustincoreUT students, faculty, and staff ride all CapMetro services free with valid UT ID. UT ID cards are swiped at fareboxes for validation. UT shuttle routes (640-672) specifically serve the campus and surrounding residential areas.
- Austin Community College (ACC)coreACC students and faculty ride most CapMetro services free through the Green Pass program. Students register for the pass and use the Umo app to board. ACC Highland station is served by Metro Rail Red Line.
- Huston-Tillotson UniversityminorHuston-Tillotson students and staff ride CapMetro buses and trains for free. Free passes are provided through a digital setup in the Umo app after application through the university.
- Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS)coreCARTS provides regional transportation for a 7,200-square-mile area in Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Travis and Williamson counties. CARTS routes connect to CapMetro's service allowing customers to travel to and within Austin.
- Transit Empowerment Fund (TEF)coreCapMetro contributed over $1 million as a founding partner of TEF. TEF provides deeply discounted and free transit passes to low-income riders through partnerships with over 230 local social service agencies.
- H-E-BcoreH-E-B locations serve as retail outlets for purchasing and reloading CapMetro Reloadable Fare Cards. Cards can be bought at H-E-B Business Centers and reloaded at checkout at over 250 participating store locations.
- 7-Elevenminor7-Eleven convenience stores throughout Austin and surrounding areas serve as retail locations for reloading CapMetro Reloadable Fare Cards.
- CVS PharmacyminorCVS Pharmacy locations in Austin and surrounding areas serve as retail locations for reloading CapMetro Reloadable Fare Cards.
- WalgreensminorWalgreens pharmacy locations throughout Austin and surrounding areas serve as retail locations for reloading CapMetro Reloadable Fare Cards.
- Albertsons CompaniesminorAlbertsons grocery stores in the Austin area serve as retail locations for reloading CapMetro Reloadable Fare Cards.
- Dollar GeneralminorDollar General stores in Austin and surrounding areas serve as retail locations for reloading CapMetro Reloadable Fare Cards.
- Circle KminorCircle K convenience stores in Austin and surrounding areas serve as retail locations for reloading CapMetro Reloadable Fare Cards.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Capital Metro competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART): DART is the largest multi-modal transit agency in Texas, operating bus, light rail, and commuter rail across the Dallas metro. Like CapMetro, it is a regional transportation authority under Texas state law funded by local sales tax, and serves a comparable role in another major Texas metro.
- Houston METRO: Houston METRO operates bus, light rail, and paratransit in the Houston metro under a similar Texas authority model. Comparable to CapMetro in being a major Texas urban transit operator with multi-modal services and a sales-tax funding base.
- VIA Metropolitan Transit: VIA operates bus and paratransit services in the San Antonio metro as a Texas regional transit authority. Directly comparable to CapMetro in operating model, funding structure (sales tax), and Texas-specific regulatory environment, though smaller and bus-only.
- Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD): Denver RTD operates bus, light rail, and commuter rail across the Denver metro with a similar multi-modal agency structure and sales-tax funding model. Comparable in scale and scope of multi-modal services to CapMetro's bus + rail + on-demand portfolio.
- TriMet: TriMet operates bus, light rail (MAX), and paratransit in the Portland, Oregon metro. Comparable to CapMetro as a mid-size multi-modal US transit agency with university partnerships (PSU, U of Portland) and a similar service portfolio.
Broad incumbents
- Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro): LA Metro is a much larger multi-modal agency operating bus, heavy rail, light rail, and paratransit across the LA basin. As a California state-created authority, it shares the public-authority model and multi-modal scope with CapMetro, though at a significantly larger scale.
- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA): WMATA operates Metrorail, Metrobus, and paratransit in the DC metro. As a multi-jurisdictional compact authority, it shares the public-authority multi-modal operating model with CapMetro, though at a larger scale and with a more complex funding structure.
- Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART): BART operates commuter and metro rail across the San Francisco Bay Area. Comparable to CapMetro in providing commuter rail service connecting outlying areas to a central urban core (Leander to downtown Austin parallels BART's suburban-to-SF service), though BART is rail-only.
- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): MBTA operates bus, subway, commuter rail, and paratransit across Greater Boston. As a multi-modal legacy transit authority, it shares CapMetro's broad service portfolio and fare integration requirements, though at a substantially larger scale.
- MTA New York City Transit: MTA New York City Transit operates the NYC subway and bus network, the largest US multi-modal transit system. Shares with CapMetro the integrated bus/rail/paratransit service model and digital fare modernization (OMNY) effort, but is an order of magnitude larger.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Capital Metro social profiles
Digital presenceCapital Metro compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Capital Metro financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Capital Metro leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Capital Metro funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Capital Metro M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Capital Metro
What does Capital Metro do?
Capital Metro provides public transit services across Austin and Central Texas through a multi-modal network of bus (Local, Express, Rapid, Night Owl), Metro Rail Red Line commuter rail, on-demand Pickup shuttles, ADA paratransit Access, Vanpool, electric-assist Bikeshare, and rural connections via CARTS. The agency operates a digital fare ecosystem including the Umo app, Tap to Pay contactless payments, and Reloadable Fare Cards with automatic daily and monthly fare capping, alongside Transit app-powered real-time trip planning. Free and discounted fare programs support university students, seniors, military personnel, and low-income riders.
Is Capital Metro a public or private company?
Capital Metro is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Capital Metro founded?
Capital Metro was founded in 1985. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Capital Metro based?
Capital Metro is headquartered in Austin, United States, in the North America region.
How does Capital Metro make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Passenger Fares are the primary driver. The others are vanpool Program, transit Advertising and employer/School Pass Programs.
Who are Capital Metro's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Houston METRO, VIA Metropolitan Transit, Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) and TriMet. Broad incumbents are Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and MTA New York City Transit.
Does Capital Metro have an API?
No public API is recorded for Capital Metro.
What industry is Capital Metro in?
Capital Metro's product category is Public Transportation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAFAEAG, Metro/Urban Rail Operators (Integrated Multimodal Agencies), with a secondary code of TLAFAEAD, Commuter/Suburban Rail Operators (S-Bahn/Regional Metro). Its NAICS code is 485111 and its SIC code is 4100.