MetroRail $15M more than expected

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The final price tag for the Capital Metro commuter rail is millions more than what planners proposed back in 2004. Planners originally said the system, which runs from Leander to Downtown Austin, would cost $90 million. However, the total cost comes out to $105 million.

Capital Metro said there are three major reasons why costs increased.

1. First, during construction, Capital Metro decided to build a permanent rail maintence facility rather than a temporary one. 
2. Adding to the grand total was building a bridge over the Union Pacific line so the commuter rail would not have to stop to wait for a train.
3. Finally, Capital Metro chose to go with an upgraded signal system, a system Misty Whited with Capital Metro said will make it safer for passengers.

The $15 million increase from 2004 means the total cost of the project is about $3.3 million a mile. Yet, when you compare the $3.3 million price tag to other rail transit authorities that average $9 to $22 million a mile, $3.3 million sounds like a steal.

"We're all about quality and safety, and I don't think our passengers would be too upset to know that we're trying to provide the best system we possibly can," said Whited.

The rail officially starts running March 30.