MetroRail line at least a month away

AUSTIN (KXAN) - It will be at least another month to month-and-a-half before Capital Metro's rail line is open for passengers. Capital Metro spokeswoman Misty Whited confirmed Monday morning the transit agency has not even started the prerevenue service, which is running trains without passengers exactly as they would run on regular routes. That process takes anywhere from 30- to 45 days.

The announcement comes after Capital Metro canceled a planned celebration for this weekend to kick off the service. Capital Metro President Fred Gilliam is blaming its rail contractor, Veolia Transportation, for this latest delay.

The Federal Railroad Administration and the Texas Department of Transportation notified Capital Metro of violations Friday against Veolia Transportation. Gilliam called for the immediate firing of Veolia's safety director.

"Capital Metro is deeply disappointed over this delay, but under no circumstances will we jeopardize safety by rushing this process," said Gilliam.

Veolia Transportation shot back saying Capital Metro's signals are not functional, grade-crossings are out of service and the control system has multiple problems. The rail line has been plagued by delays and cost overruns.

Back in 2004, officials promised the rail line would cost only $2 million per mile. That cost estimate is now at $3.3 million per mile, with the overall project cost now slated at $105 million. That cost could continue to increase as Capital Metro brings in representatives from the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority to oversee the start of the rail service.

Capital Metro's Board of Directors met Monday to discuss the upcoming budget, and problems that have plauged the opening of its MetroRail system because of safety concerns.

Board President Margaret Gomez said there is no one person to blame for the delays.

"No one is more disappointed than I am," said Gomez. "That’s OK," she said. "I’ve waited 30 years, to try to get a rail here. I can wait a couple more weeks a couple more months, however long."

Board Member John Cowman said he is concerned about safety. "We’re going to start the line, when we’re ready," Cowman said.  "It is expensive," he said. "But in the long run, we’re probably going to be saving money. People are going to be saving money having more expendable income."

Amalgamated Transit Union President Jay Wyatt, who represents bus drivers and mechanics, continued to call for an outside audit. He also blamed poor planning for the costly delays.

"They got the vote passed in 2004," said Wyatt. "All those things should have been done immediately so you don't take care of things at the last minute."

Capital Metro also plans to keep testing the rail's signal system, though it has not reset a date for the start of the MetroRail system. Leaders plan to report back to the community by May 15 about the safety-testing progress.