In a press conference Thursday the transportation organization announced that there will be an increase in Metro speed, though details are still being discussed.

 

　　US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced an $11.3M Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant for CapMetro Wednesday, which will help with the newly announced service upgrades.

 

　　“These TIGER projects are the best argument you can make for investment in our transportation infrastructure,” said Secretary Foxx.

 

　　The Austin announcement is one of 52 transportation projects in 37 states to receive funding from the US Department of Transportation.

 

　　“Projects such as Austin’s efforts to improve its freight and passenger rail network, ensure a safer, stronger transportation system for future generations by repairing existing infrastructure and expanding transit capacity to help ease traffic congestion," Foxx said. "Together, they are also an important reminder of the need for more transportation investment, as many of these projects would not have happened without TIGER grants.”

 

　　CapMetro also says they will double freight line service.

 

　　At the Thursday news conference Mayor Lee Leffingwell said, "This grant will help MetroRail be safer and more efficient."

 

　　KVUE’s Shelton Green is in the press conference. Stay with KVUE.com for more on this developing story.