New public transit services roll out in Elgin, La Grange

CENTRAL TEXAS (KXAN) — The cities of La Grange and Elgin have new transit services now available, following a partnership with the Capital Area Rural Transportation System (CARTS).

Cities debuted CARTS NOW, an on-demand transit system that will offer curb-to-curb rides within both cities, CARTS officials announced this week. Both CARTS NOW in Elgin and La Grange launched Tuesday, with rides free for the first 90 days of operations, officials added.

Those utilizing CARTS NOW services can select the point-to-point route within their respective cities, per CARTS. Those who book the on-demand service should be picked up for their ride within roughly 15 minutes, officials added.

The La Grange Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting event with CARTS on Sept. 10, while Elgin's ribbon-cutting will take place in tandem with the Elgin Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 13.

CARTS specializes in offering transit services to non-urbanized communities within Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Travis and Williamson counties. CARTS NOW services are available for $2 one way, with that specific service offering available in Taylor, Marble Falls, Bastrop and Lockhart alongside the new additions of Elgin and La Grange.

Beyond CARTS NOW, other transit options include:

• Interurban Coach: Regional, intercity route linking the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with various communities throughout Central Texas along with Texas State University. Connection points are also available between the interurban coach and Greyhound, CapMetro and Amtrak services
• Country Bus: Rides available with connections to local and neighboring destinations, with services specifically catered to older residents, those with disabilities and those who might require additional assistance. Reservations must be made in advance of a ride
• Metro Connector: Available in Elgin, the metro connector provides bus services between downtown Elgin and downtown Austin for those commuting into the Texas capital for work or other purposes. The CARTS Elgin Station is located at 200 Central Ave.

More details on the programs are available online.