Capital Area Rural Transportation (Carts)

The Board conducted its annual officer elections and reviewed financial reports and grant updates. New policies were approved regarding seatbelt usage in agency vehicles and an update to the drug and alcohol policy to maintain federal regulatory alignment. The Board authorized the purchase of electric vans and received updates on ongoing vehicle procurements, recent project submittals for TxDOT funding, progress on express route services, the Bastrop Mobility Hub development, and construction updates for the Eastside Bus Plaza and various station planning projects.

The board meeting agenda includes the adoption of the Annual Report on Finances for the 2025 fiscal year, a presentation of financial reports, and a comprehensive review of various TxDOT and FTA contracts, grants, and agreements. Key discussion items also include a report on project submittals for the TXDOT Biannual Coordinated Call, updates on pre-authorized bus procurements, and departmental reports from the Directors of Community Engagement, Operations, and Special Projects. The latter covers topics such as the City of Austin Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, commuter routes, mobility hub proposals, San Marcos Urban Operations, and the Bastrop Station Park and Ride expansion project.

The board reviewed financial reports, open contracts, and grants. Discussions included upcoming grant opportunities with CAMPO and TxDOT, the resolution to apply for federal funding for bus replacement, and an update on current bus procurements. The board received reports on service expansions such as new express routes and mobility hub projects, as well as progress updates on various construction and planning initiatives, including facility site improvements and station design.

The board accepted the Annual Report on Finances for the 2024 fiscal year and reviewed agency financial reports. Key actions included the approval of amendments to the procurement policy to align with FTA and TxDOT regulations, and the formal approval of a pre-authorized purchase of four interurban buses. The board also received updates regarding community engagement initiatives, participation in the City of Austin Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, status reports on facility and construction projects, and operational developments concerning microtransit services.

The meeting addressed financial reports, contracts, and grants. A key decision was made to authorize the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for CARTS employees, based on a 2.7% CPI-U increase. The board also approved a pre-authorized procurement for six vehicles to be used in the Manor Pickup service. Updates were provided on CPRG projects, community engagement, operations, and special projects, including the Eastside Bus Plaza Phase 4 construction and Flatonia Station Planning.