Capital Metro’s board of directors approved a contract Monday that will consolidate the Austin area’s bus and transit operations and maintenance services.
Currently, services are divided between French multinational RATP Dev and Dallas-based MV Transportation, the country’s largest privately-owned passenger transportation contracting services firm.
Under the new $1.4 billion, five-year contract, MV will provide all bus operations beginning in January. Amalgamated Transit Union employees will receive an offer of employment without a reduction in pay or benefits. Capital Metro will work with the union to ensure a smooth transition.
“We share the Project Connect vision for implementing affordable transportation options that connect Austin communities to jobs, schools, health care and more and are committed to making it a reality,” MV CEO Tom Egan said.
MV was first contracted in 2012 and operates the MetroRapid, UT Shuttle services and several Local MetroBus routes. It will take over operation of the MetroBus and MetroRapid routes, and MetroExpress services.
MV has more than 200 contracts with public and private entities in 30 states and had revenue totaling $1.3 billion in 2018. It provides campus and corporate shuttles, paratransit, fixed-route, and student transportation services.
MV’s contracts include Dallas Area Rapid Transit, the Las Vegas regional transit system, and the New York City public school system.