Heres Capitol Metro's proposed schedule for the Red Line: http://allsystemsgo.capmetro.org/capital-metrorail-schedule.shtml
Indeed. It appears Capitol Metro is going for the one-way morning and evening only schedule. The Altamont Express in Northern California is the best example of a limited rush-hour service that Capitol Metro is proposing http://www.acerail.com/schedules/train-schedule.htm
Several reasons why this doesnt work in Austin. The ACE uses high capacity FRA compliant commuter coaches. These provide way more passenger capacity than Capitol Metro's 2-strung Stadler cars. And easier implementation (aka, no FRA waviers). The ACE connects a string of suburban cities to San Jose, CA versus a the suburban to inner-urban areas around Austin. Travel will be continuous and through all directions within the City of Austin. Compare this to the one-way rush commute between San Jose and Stockton.
It seems the red line should match that of Sprinter service near San Diego....http://www.acerail.com/schedules/train-schedule.htm This rail service uses similar DMU rail cars to Capitol Metro, but an increased schedule allows for higher passenger capacity and more inner-urban travel. I fear Capitol Metro will have a massive morning and eveing overcrowding problem with a complete lack of mid-day service. This will deter any future users off the system.
Its sad to say, but in my opinion, the Leander line should of never been built. Continuous BRT with HOV would be sufficient for the US183 corridor. During the last 10 years, Capitol Metro should of focused on upgrading poor bus service, implemnting HOV lanes SOMEWHERE in Austin, preferably Mo-Pac Freeway or I-35, and planning Austin's portion of the ASA commuter rail.
We'll see how this plays out.
