GUEST ESSAY: Lawsuit Against Project Connect is Anti-Austin

"So as you’re sitting in gridlock getting frustrated and angry, remember what those that brought this lawsuit are doing to make it worse."

by Bill McCamley

In 2020, Austin voters overwhelmingly approved Project Connect, a comprehensive transit and supportive housing program designed to bring us together better. Unfortunately, a small group of people who have opposed transit in Central TX for decades have decided to partner with the Attorney General to oppose it in court, using every legal trick they can think of to delay an actual decision. This is Anti Austin for many reasons. 

First, it’s anti-democratic. Project Connect passed in 2020 by an almost 2-to-1 margin, and the support hasn’t waned. Transit Forward conducted a poll of Austinites last year and found that public support has not waned even knowing the rail portion will be delivered in phases. Kirk Watson and Celia Israel, the two mayoral candidates who made the 2022 runoff with a combined 75% of the vote, both strongly supported it in their campaigns. The vast majority of the City Council champion it, as do 4 of 5 Travis County Commissioners. All of these officials are chosen by us. 

It cannot be argued that Austin voters do not want Project Connect, and trying to sidestep their choice with lawsuits is not respectful of democracy. 

Second, this isn’t just about trains. Though proposals for a new rail system failed in 2000 and 2014, public transit pros went back to the drawing board for the 2020 election to design something that met the needs and desires of taxpayers. As a result, Project Connect funds more than just light rail; it also includes new Rapid Bus lines, improvements to the Red Line commuter rail (including the great newMcKalla station at Q2 Stadium), funds for new Pickup Services (think a publicly financed Uber), and money for the City to help current residents through direct support and by buying and keeping reasonably priced housing.

All of these measures are focussed on making Austin more affordable. Without funding, they are all in danger. Austin will only get more expensive for the workers, students, and musicians that make our town awesome if the lawsuit is successful. 

Third, this challenge jeopardizes an important tool to fight inequity in our city. It threatens infrastructure investments and services aimed at helping areas where black and brown families tend to live and work, contradicting real, quality efforts to make Austin more equitable. Project Connect creates new services in the areas of town that need it the most. These include the new bus lines connecting Colony Park to Downtown and all of Pleasant Valley, the new pickup service in Dove Springs, the affordable housing being preserved on Airport Blvd and in Rosewood, and the light rail that will run along Riverside Dr.

This lawsuit directly threatens programs aimed at helping areas where black and brown families tend to live and work, contradicting real, quality efforts to make Austin more equitable..

Fourth, this challenge hurts our climate. The only way that Austin stands a chance at hitting our greenhouse gas reduction goals is to have more transit and denser, affordable housing near bus and train stops. WIthout Project Connect, we will not do our part to fight droughts, ice storms, and these summers that are only getting hotter. 

Last, this lawsuit is pro traffic. No one enjoys sitting in the parking lots that are I35, Mopac, Research Blvs, or Ben White in the stifling summers during rush hour.  In addition to providing mobility to those with no other options, by attracting those who choose to ride instead of drive, more busses and trains get cars off the road for those that still must or choose to drive. 

So, as you’re sitting in gridlock getting frustrated and angry, remember that those who brought this lawsuit are making things worse, not better. No one wins in that scenario. And Austin loses.

Bill McCamley is the Executive Director of Transit Froward, and Austin 501c3 with a mission to educate and engage area residents about the benefits of public transportation.