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Valuable time is lost sitting behind the wheel, money is wasted on gas, and frustration on the road is at an all-time high. It’s no surprise that traffic in Austin is a nightmare. The Greater Austin area is home to 10 of the most congested roads in the State of Texas, and our current infrastructure is not enough to support the growing population.

So what exactly is being done to ease the local commute?

On Wednesday night, the city’s brightest decision makers gathered at Huston-Tillotson University to discuss Austin’s traffic issues and focus on solutions. KXAN partnered with Leadership Austin and Community Impact newspaper to broadcast this live town hall meeting. The community was invited to attend and ask questions of the panel, and viewers at home could join the online discussion at KXAN.com.

Many possible solutions were addressed, including managed or HOV lanes for 183, Mopac and Interstate 35. Public transportation was another key topic, with discussions focused on improving mass transit and increasing ridership on existing commuter rails. However, one thing was clear by the end of the evening: Austin’s traffic trouble will not be solved quickly.

• Austin’s population growth has been and will continue to be astronomical. From 2000 to 2010, Austin saw a 37 percent increase in population, from 1.2 Million to 1.7 Million. Nearby communities are also booming, like the City of Kyle, whose population increased by an astounding 437 percent (yes, you read that right!) from the year 2000 to 2009.
• “The region has grown, not just the city of Austin,” said Mike Heiligenstein, Executive Director of CTRMA. Mike Martinez of Austin City Council agreed, saying that we must think regionally and work cooperatively to solve traffic problems in the Greater Austin area with a comprehensive approach. There’s not just one, simple solution.
• The biggest challenge in improving traffic conditions is finding the finances to support it. Cynthia Long, Williamson County Commissioner, explained that we’ve seen a decrease in state and federal funding for transportation and an increase in state and federal regulations. Easing congestion will not be cheap.
• “Our success in Austin is driving the demand, and people don’t have a lot of alternatives right now,” said Rob Spillar, Transportation Director for the City of Austin. He went on to say, “I don’t think when Forbes magazine listed us as the number one boom town in the next 10 years that they took a look at our traffic situation. People are moving here regardless of the traffic problems, and we need to find a way to meet the demand while still maintaining our current, successful atmosphere.”
• As the city looks to make improvements in the next several years, it is important to keep citizens informed, especially as the roads will be funded largely through taxes and bonds. “We need clear communication to the public so they know how it will benefit them as a driver,” said Ginger Goodin of the Texas Transportation Institute.

To learn more about exciting plans in the works, check out the ATXpansion website. A similar town hall meeting will be held in the spring to follow-up on ideas discussed at Wednesday’s event.

 Video of ATXpansion forum online: kxan.com