City and F1 finalize race traffic plan

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Capital Metro said Monday that it has finalized its transit plan for the Formula One weekend and is prepared to move thousands of additional riders in and around Austin for the event.

• Photos: Formula 1 gets wheels going

To handle the influx of visitors to the city, as well as meet the needs of Capital Metro’s regular local riders, the agency plans to expand its services Nov. 15-19. This will include increased frequency and extended hours on some services, a free downtown circulator route, and the launch of the new Capital Metro More Mobile app that will turn a rider’s phone into a transit pass.

"Formula One is going to be an exciting event for our area, but also a significant challenge to our local infrastructure and mobility,” said Capital Metro President Linda Watson. “That’s why we’ve spent months working with the city, the event organizers, and other stakeholders to ensure we have the best plan in place for moving this volume of people efficiently and safely around the city."

• ATX Grand Prix traffic information

In addition to its regular bus and rail service, Capital Metro will offer the following additional options to help riders:

Increased frequency on MetroAirport – Route 100 will travel to and from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and downtown every 15 minutes from Nov. 15 – 19.

Expanded hours on MetroRail – Hours will be expanded on Nov. 17, and for the first time, Sunday service will be offered on Nov. 18. The additional service is sponsored by Herzog Transit Services, Inc. and Capital Metro. During F1 weekend, trains will run:

• Friday, Nov. 16: 6 a.m . – midnight
• Saturday, Nov. 17: 10 a.m . – midnight
• Sunday, Nov. 18: 10 a.m . – 8 p.m .

Free Downtown Loop – This free bus service will help riders get around downtown Nov. 16 – 18. The Downtown Loop will operate from 7 a.m . to 2:30 a.m ., every 15 minutes (may be delayed due to traffic). It will circle 15th St., San Jacinto, 7th St., Red River, Cesar Chavez and Lavaca on a continuous clockwise loop. The Downtown Loop is sponsored by Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Austin Hotel & Lodging Association, Community Impact Newspaper, New Flyer and Capital Metro.

More Mobile App – With this free app, visitors can purchase multiple 1-Day or 7-Day Passes on their phones, use the trip planner to plan trips via transit, access route maps, learn about detours, and find other helpful F1 and city event information. The application will be available for download starting Oct. 31 in the App Store or Google Play, and can be used for mobile payments from Nov. 10 – 24. Capital Metro partnered with Bytemark to develop the free app.

Interactive bus and street-closure map

View Formula 1 Cap Metro Plan in a larger map