Public hearings on the draft environmental impact statement could be held in the summer of 1998. The study includes toll road feasibility. The Austin-San Antonio Commuter Rail Feasibility Study was released in March 1999. The study finds that passenger rail in the Austin-San Antonio Corridor is both technically and financially feasible. Passenger rail service on the UP line would offer an alternative to the automobile for intercity travel in the congested and fast-growing IH 35 corridor.
Public involvement is a significant element of the feasibility study.
Six public meetings have been held throughout the Austin-San Antonio Corridor to give interested citizens a chance to participate in the planning process. The final three meetings will be held in April. For more information see the Texas Department of Transportation webpage. Based on annual traffic monitoring data, the CMS identifies problems related to the performance of the existing transportation system. Commute options include ridesharing, riding the bus, walking, bicycle riding, staggered work hours, compressed workweek, and telecommuting.