Community Partners

United States Department of Transportation (USDOT)

The USDOT administers funding provided by the federal government for transportation projects across the country, including in Texas, through their Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The USDOT maintains oversight of FHWA which coordinates highway transportation programs in cooperation with states and other partners to enhance the country’s safety, economic vitality, quality of life and the environment. Through the USDOT and FHWA, federal financial assistance is provided to the States to construct and improve the National Highway System, urban and rural roads, and bridges. The departments help fund transportation projects, but do not actually design, construct or operate any transportation facilities or systems.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

TxDOT uses federal funds combined with state gas tax revenue and other funding sources to implement the statewide transportation program. TxDOT oversees more than 100,000 lane miles of state roads and is responsible for most major transportation projects in the state including operation and maintenance of the interstate highway system.

The Toll Operation Division (TOD) is a division within TxDOT charged with implementing a statewide, toll-based urban mobility program. TOD has developed an electronic toll-collection device known as TxTag, which can be used on toll roads throughout the state. TOD has been closely involved in development of the Central Texas Turnpike System (CTTS), which includes the following roadways in the Austin area: SH 130, SH 45 North, SH 45 SE and Loop 1 North, and is responsible for the collection of tolls on these roadways.

Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO)

CAMPO is a federally mandated regional planning agency responsible for studying transportation trends, identifying long-range transportation needs, and creating short- and long-range transportation plans, which ensure the region implements transportation improvements in a coordinated manner within established funding limits. The agency’s Transportation Policy Board, comprised of state and local elected officials, both adopts the region’s long-range transportation plan and authorizes the construction of projects needed to implement that plan. This includes projects by many different agencies, including the Mobility Authority, TxDOT, Texas Transit Asociation (TTA), the cities and counties, Capital Metro and other transit providers.

Transit Agencies

Capital Metro is Austin’s regional transit agency, providing bus, vanpool and car pool coordination services. The agency also implemented a 32-mile commuter rail line service that runs from downtown Austin to Leander. Rail ridership has grown steadily every year, so the agency recently initiated the process to double the frequency and capacity of service in order to expand its commuter rail services. Capital Metro services have been 100% accessible to persons with disabilities since 1992, helping customers with the greatest needs remain mobile and independent.

Transit services outside the Capital Metro service area are provided by the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS), which provides regional transportation for the non-urbanized areas of Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Travis and Williamson counties in the Central Texas region, as well as the city of San Marcos urbanized area.

Local Government

Travis County, Williamson County and their cities are responsible for building and maintaining local roads including residential streets. Cities also have primary authority for regulating land use and development along transportation corridors. The Mobility Authority is working with local jurisdictions to ensure that new toll roads and lanes support economic development that is consistent with local growth management plans.

Travis County Cities

• Austin
• Jonestown
• Lakeway
• Manor
• Pflugerville

Williamson County Cities

• Cedar Park
• Georgetown
• Hutto
• Jarrell
• Leander
• Liberty Hill
• Round Rock
• Taylor

Hays County Cities

• Buda
• Dripping Springs
• Kyle