With effect from August 1, Capital Metro reduced the annual pass costs for its University students’ bikeshare program from the $75 initially planned to $30.
At a board meeting on April 21, CapMetro announced modifications to its fare system, including a $75 yearly pass for all college and university students in the Austin area. Previously, the pass was only available to UT students for $12. In addition to a staff discount, the University partially financed the cost of the new $30 yearly pass for UT students.
The University of Texas at Austin, a longtime partner, as well as its students and staff were contacted by CapMetro personnel as part of the fare changes, according to an email sent by Blythe Nebeker, CapMetro’s public information officer and interim communications manager. Beginning in August 2025, UT will cover a percentage of its workers’ and students’ Bikeshare fees. An annual pass is now available to UT employees for $60 and students for $30.
Staff members can get the discount by emailing the university, while students can use the Student Discount Form on the UT and CapMetro website. Bike users can still ride for 30 minutes without incurring additional fees, which is a reduction from the 60-minute maximum that existed before to August.
Tanu Kaushik, a junior studying economics, said she was horrified to learn of the initial $75 yearly pass charge because she relies on the bikes for her work commute. She expressed her satisfaction with the price reduction, but added that she would like to see more bikes to help justify the cost.
I was planning to renew the bikeshare program because it has become essential to me because I am unable to walk during the summer, Kaushik said.
Elijah Wang Chen, a junior in finance, has written about how much he enjoys using the Bikeshare program. He claimed to comprehend the rationale behind CapMetro’s initial hike in the annual pass. He did, however, express his optimism that more students will sign up for the program as a result of the new, discounted cost.
Wang Chen stated, “I firmly believe it will likely enable more people to become aware of it.” People simply don’t know at the moment. Although they can see the bikes, they are unaware of how simple it is to obtain them.
