Pflugerville Approves 'Pickup' Transit Pilot Program

PFLUGERVILLE, TX — City council members on Tuesday approved an interlocal agreement with Capital Metro to operate a pilot of the transit agency's "Pickup" program in Pflugerville.

The pilot program will run for 12 months with one vehicle designated to serve the Pflugerville service area that covers a 3.5-square-mile service area along the Pecan Street corridor, officials said in an advisory. A second "Pickup" vehicle may be added to cover peak demand, officials added.

The project will cost $510,392 while utilizing $200,157 in 5307 Federal Transit Authority Federal funds, city officials explained. The transit service supports Pflugerville’s Transit Development Plan which was adopted in August 2018 and recommended a demand-response transit program.

The project’s goals include:

• Provide a safe, reliable, efficient, and accessible transportation option for residents and visitors to Pflugerville.
• Address the mobility needs of the residents of Pflugerville.
• Develop a local transit system that operates effectively and continues to develop regional transit options connecting the local community to the region.
• Maintain a regional transportation presence to ensure connectivity between emerging destinations and centers both within and external to Pflugerville, and maintain a voice in regional transportation and planning cycles.

The project goals will be measured through myriad metrics, including response times; on-board time; accident rate; passengers per hour; Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle use based on population; ridership; customer satisfaction ratings; cost-effectiveness; and number of connections to Tech Ridge used.

The response time for "Pickup" is typically within 15 minutes of the on-demand request, officials said., adding that Capital Metro anticipates between 36 to 50 riders per day. Rides will cost $1.25 each way.

Upon launch in early 2021, residents in the program's can visit the Pickup by Metro website or call to arrange their pickup from (512) 369-6200.