Travis County proclaims July 1 CapMetro Day; public commenters raise transit equity and shelter concerns

The Travis County Commissioners Court proclaimed July 1, 2025 as CapMetro Day at its June 27 special voting session, recognizing Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s role in regional transit. The proclamation passed unanimously with Judge Andy Brown absent.

CapMetro representatives and county employees spoke in support of the proclamation. Adele, who identified herself as a county employee, said the county’s partnership with CapMetro — including free transit passes and ebikes for employees — "has made a huge difference in my life and in my family’s" ability to save money and reduce stress. Steven Deller, representing CapMetro, thanked the court and Commissioner Trevillion for the proclamation and the ongoing partnership.

Several public commenters used the CapMetro agenda item as an opportunity to raise concerns about service equity and related issues. Zenobia Joseph told the court she was addressing "title 6 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964" and said some low-income and Black residents face much longer wait times. "Black people wait 60 minutes for the bus," Joseph said, and described the longer waits at Community First Village and in some Northeast Austin neighborhoods compared with other parts of the city.

Joseph also urged the court to review transit and shelter practices, including bench and shelter removals on routes and stops used by people experiencing homelessness. During discussion of the consent agenda the court recalled item 10 — amendments to CDBG-CV subrecipient agreements including Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center — after a WebEx problem prevented a public commenter from being recorded; the court reopened the item to accept comment.

Commissioner Jeff Trevillion read the CapMetro proclamation, which highlights CapMetro’s growth since 1985 and its initiatives including Project Connect and Transit Plan 2035. The court noted the agency’s long-term role in providing transit options and the county’s employee transit benefits.

The meeting record shows the court will not take further action on transit complaints at this session; staff were asked to follow up on procedural questions about presentation materials and to coordinate with commenters about where to deliver evidence. County staff offered a staff contact, and the court did not alter or rescind the proclamation.