CapMetro riders speak about first trip

LEANDER (KXAN) - Convenience was the keyword for passengers on the inaugural day for the Capital MetroRail.

"Going back and forth on I-35 everyday, it's a chore," said Brian Watts.

He sat among a group of downtown Austin workers in a commuter corner of a car headed north.

"They have free wireless on the train, which is perfect," said Anna Tallent. "I just really enjoy not having to sit in traffic."

Sometimes though convenience can get a little cluttered. Pearl Hinojosa sat across the aisle from her nine-year-old son, Austin, relaying her tardiness over the phone to the person picking them up at the station.

"I've been at school," Austin explained. “She came to pick me up.”

Confusion over the schedule was a big complaint on this car.

"We had to wait at the stop on Howard for 30 minutes," Hinojosa laughed. “Guess we should pay attention to the schedule better next time.”

There was also an unscheduled stop a quarter mile from their final destination, due to a slow train ahead.

Another passenger, Andre Guerrero, joked, "I may have to change my work schedule."

Still, most said they would be back the next day ready to give in another try.

Watch the KXAN video above shot entirely with an HD FlipCam to more easily maneuver along the trip and speak to as many passengers as possible.