AECOM Selected as Delivery Partner forAustin’s 1st Light Rail System
The AECOM company will act as the delivery partner for the Austin Transit Partnership, offering program management and a range of technical services for the first phase of a nearly 10-mile light rail system in Texas’s capital.
AECOM (NYSE: ACM), a global leader in infrastructure, has been chosen as the delivery partner for Phase 1 of Austin’s first-ever light rail transit system. Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) has selected AECOM to oversee a wide range of responsibilities for the project, including program management oversight, environmental services, design management, rail activation, and operational readiness. The Phase 1 light rail project will introduce an approximately 10-mile system with 15 stations, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and mobility within the Austin metropolitan area.
“We are proud to be a part of this transformative project for the city of Austin,” said Lara Poloni, president of AECOM. “As the global leader in transportation infrastructure, we’re excited to contribute our expertise to the development of Austin’s light rail system. Across the U.S., cities are making unprecedented investments in rail infrastructure, and Austin’s project is no exception. This light rail system will not only change the way Austinites move around their city, but it will also drive economic growth, protect the environment, and promote sustainability for future generations.”
As the delivery partner, AECOM’s role will include working closely with a team of highly specialized subconsultants, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms. This collaboration aims to provide opportunities for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to actively engage in the development of the project, ensuring that the benefits of the project are widely distributed within the community.
“The Austin Light Rail is poised to be a game-changer for one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S.,” said Drew Jeter, CEO of AECOM’s Program Management global business line. “We’re committed to delivering an outcome-driven approach to the project, leveraging our expertise from leading large-scale transit programs worldwide. Our goal is to meet the growing demand for reliable, accessible transportation that benefits all of Austin’s residents, while connecting the city’s diverse communities.”
This new light rail system is part of Austin’s broader vision for enhancing transportation infrastructure as outlined in the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan (ASMP). The ASMP aims to improve the accessibility, reliability, and connectivity of the city’s transportation network. The light rail will link key destinations in Austin, including Lady Bird Lake, downtown Austin, and the University of Texas at Austin. Looking ahead, future expansions will extend the system further north to major hubs and southward to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, broadening its reach and improving access across the region.
“We are excited to partner with AECOM on this transformative project,” said Greg Canally, Executive Director of Austin Transit Partnership. “Our team conducted a comprehensive vetting and evaluation process, and AECOM was selected because of their proven track record and alignment with our values. This partnership will ensure that Austin’s transportation system continues to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our city’s rapidly expanding population.”
The introduction of light rail in Austin marks a critical step in the city’s efforts to modernize and expand its transit network, a move that will not only improve mobility but also foster sustainable urban growth. The new system promises to alleviate congestion, reduce dependence on personal vehicles, and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional transportation options.
In addition to the direct impact on Austin’s transportation system, the project is expected to have a significant positive economic impact. By improving access to key areas of the city, including major commercial, educational, and residential hubs, the light rail system will help stimulate local economies, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents.
As the project moves forward, AECOM’s leadership in the transportation sector, combined with its deep experience in managing complex, large-scale infrastructure projects, will be key to ensuring that Phase 1 of Austin’s light rail system is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. The partnership with ATP underscores AECOM’s commitment to shaping the future of transportation in cities around the world, one project at a time.
With the light rail system set to reshape Austin’s mobility landscape, the city is taking significant steps toward building a more sustainable, connected, and efficient urban environment. The success of this project will have a lasting impact, not just on Austin’s transportation system but on the entire region, providing a model for future transit projects across the country.
