Nathan Bernier
@kutnathan.bsky.social
Transportation reporter at Austin NPR station KUT 90.5 FM https://kut.org/nathan
BREAKING: Mayor Watson reveals ABIA will add "32 new gates" under new long-term lease agreements with major carriers.
I asked an airport staffer, "Will these all be in the new Concourse B?" They said more details will come in a press release after this news conference.
I asked an airport staffer, "Will these all be in the new Concourse B?" They said more details will come in a press release after this news conference.
January 7, 2026 at 3:43 PM
BREAKING: Mayor Watson reveals ABIA will add "32 new gates" under new long-term lease agreements with major carriers.
I asked an airport staffer, "Will these all be in the new Concourse B?" They said more details will come in a press release after this news conference.
I asked an airport staffer, "Will these all be in the new Concourse B?" They said more details will come in a press release after this news conference.
For revamping Austin's Sixth Street, city staff are recommending.....Door Number Three.
Door Number Three (aka Alternative 3) proposes the biggest sidewalks and nixes any bike/scooter lanes.
speakupaustin.org/sixthstreet#...
Door Number Three (aka Alternative 3) proposes the biggest sidewalks and nixes any bike/scooter lanes.
speakupaustin.org/sixthstreet#...
December 29, 2025 at 9:50 PM
For revamping Austin's Sixth Street, city staff are recommending.....Door Number Three.
Door Number Three (aka Alternative 3) proposes the biggest sidewalks and nixes any bike/scooter lanes.
speakupaustin.org/sixthstreet#...
Door Number Three (aka Alternative 3) proposes the biggest sidewalks and nixes any bike/scooter lanes.
speakupaustin.org/sixthstreet#...
CapMetro says tap-to-pay is coming in early 2026, according to a memo to the board. That's about a year late.
CapMetro had originally said tap-to-pay would launch in March of this year. Getting secure payment processing set up took longer than expected.
CapMetro had originally said tap-to-pay would launch in March of this year. Getting secure payment processing set up took longer than expected.
December 17, 2025 at 4:49 PM
CapMetro says tap-to-pay is coming in early 2026, according to a memo to the board. That's about a year late.
CapMetro had originally said tap-to-pay would launch in March of this year. Getting secure payment processing set up took longer than expected.
CapMetro had originally said tap-to-pay would launch in March of this year. Getting secure payment processing set up took longer than expected.
Which parks decks over I-35 should the city commit to paying for? The price for all 14+ acres exceeds $300 million.
TxDOT says they only need a ballpark estimate from staff by May. City staff say they can't give an estimate without a council vote.
www.kut.org/transportati...
TxDOT says they only need a ballpark estimate from staff by May. City staff say they can't give an estimate without a council vote.
www.kut.org/transportati...
Austin faces new high-stakes decision on paying for parks over I-35
The Austin City Council is being asked to choose deck locations by May with less cost certainty — or waiting and facing higher prices.
www.kut.org
December 17, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Which parks decks over I-35 should the city commit to paying for? The price for all 14+ acres exceeds $300 million.
TxDOT says they only need a ballpark estimate from staff by May. City staff say they can't give an estimate without a council vote.
www.kut.org/transportati...
TxDOT says they only need a ballpark estimate from staff by May. City staff say they can't give an estimate without a council vote.
www.kut.org/transportati...
Southwest is opening a new crew base in Austin in March. City will pay $2,750 per hire up to $5.5 million over five years.
That's what this unanimous council vote was about. www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
That's what this unanimous council vote was about. www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
20251211-116, Agenda Backup Recommendation for Action.PDF
www.documentcloud.org
December 12, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Southwest is opening a new crew base in Austin in March. City will pay $2,750 per hire up to $5.5 million over five years.
That's what this unanimous council vote was about. www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
That's what this unanimous council vote was about. www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
Do you live in the Travis Heights/St. Edwards/Oltorf area and have low water pressure?
The city says it's been a problem for homes, hotels and even Travis High School.
Now they're hiring someone to fix it. Companies have until Jan. 15 to bid on the $4.7 million project.
The city says it's been a problem for homes, hotels and even Travis High School.
Now they're hiring someone to fix it. Companies have until Jan. 15 to bid on the $4.7 million project.
December 1, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Do you live in the Travis Heights/St. Edwards/Oltorf area and have low water pressure?
The city says it's been a problem for homes, hotels and even Travis High School.
Now they're hiring someone to fix it. Companies have until Jan. 15 to bid on the $4.7 million project.
The city says it's been a problem for homes, hotels and even Travis High School.
Now they're hiring someone to fix it. Companies have until Jan. 15 to bid on the $4.7 million project.
How will Austin configure those parks over I-35 near the Hancock Center?
City staff are considering four options. They have to tell TxDOT which one by the end of the year.
Here’s a look at those four options.
youtu.be/zbrXJFdCdnM?...
City staff are considering four options. They have to tell TxDOT which one by the end of the year.
Here’s a look at those four options.
youtu.be/zbrXJFdCdnM?...
Which I-35 park option will Austin choose near Hancock Center?
YouTube video by Nathan Bernier
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 7:34 PM
How will Austin configure those parks over I-35 near the Hancock Center?
City staff are considering four options. They have to tell TxDOT which one by the end of the year.
Here’s a look at those four options.
youtu.be/zbrXJFdCdnM?...
City staff are considering four options. They have to tell TxDOT which one by the end of the year.
Here’s a look at those four options.
youtu.be/zbrXJFdCdnM?...
The city of Austin has four ideas for the northern deck parks over I-35 near the Hancock Center. These could go in after TxDOT removes upper decks and lowers the mainlanes.
You can give feedback at an open house tomorrow from 11-1 at the Austin Public Library's Carver Branch.
You can give feedback at an open house tomorrow from 11-1 at the Austin Public Library's Carver Branch.
November 21, 2025 at 10:40 PM
The city of Austin has four ideas for the northern deck parks over I-35 near the Hancock Center. These could go in after TxDOT removes upper decks and lowers the mainlanes.
You can give feedback at an open house tomorrow from 11-1 at the Austin Public Library's Carver Branch.
You can give feedback at an open house tomorrow from 11-1 at the Austin Public Library's Carver Branch.
ABIA isn’t on the FAA list of 40 airports ordered to reduce flights by 10%, but the effects will be felt in Austin.
www.kut.org/transportati...
www.kut.org/transportati...
Even if Austin doesn't get hit by FAA flight cuts, travelers will feel pain
Austin's airport is reportedly not on the FAA's list of flight cuts, but controller shortages and ripple effects from major hubs are likely to slow travel.
www.kut.org
November 7, 2025 at 2:36 AM
ABIA isn’t on the FAA list of 40 airports ordered to reduce flights by 10%, but the effects will be felt in Austin.
www.kut.org/transportati...
www.kut.org/transportati...
Austin is starting construction this month on long-promised improvements to the Shoal Creek Trail.
The city is widening a section of sidewalk along North Lamar Boulevard that runs parallel to a serene nature path deep in a canyon below.
www.kut.org/transportati...
The city is widening a section of sidewalk along North Lamar Boulevard that runs parallel to a serene nature path deep in a canyon below.
www.kut.org/transportati...
Shoal Creek Trail widening will reshape part of North Lamar
The city starts work this month to widen a sidewalk along North Lamar Boulevard where the trail runs parallel to a rugged path in the canyon below.
www.kut.org
November 6, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Austin is starting construction this month on long-promised improvements to the Shoal Creek Trail.
The city is widening a section of sidewalk along North Lamar Boulevard that runs parallel to a serene nature path deep in a canyon below.
www.kut.org/transportati...
The city is widening a section of sidewalk along North Lamar Boulevard that runs parallel to a serene nature path deep in a canyon below.
www.kut.org/transportati...
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has so far dodged the worst of flight delays caused by the federal government shutdown.
But veterans of air traffic warn the relative calm may not last, especially with a short-staffed control tower.
www.kut.org/transportati...
But veterans of air traffic warn the relative calm may not last, especially with a short-staffed control tower.
www.kut.org/transportati...
Government shutdown tests short-staffed control tower at Austin's airport
Austin's airport has been running relatively smoothly, local officials say, but veterans of air traffic control warn unpaid, overworked controllers are being pushed to the limit.
www.kut.org
October 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has so far dodged the worst of flight delays caused by the federal government shutdown.
But veterans of air traffic warn the relative calm may not last, especially with a short-staffed control tower.
www.kut.org/transportati...
But veterans of air traffic warn the relative calm may not last, especially with a short-staffed control tower.
www.kut.org/transportati...
The Trail Conservancy is installing new mile markers and half-mile markers around the Butler Trail. If all goes well, the last few should be in by tomorrow morning.
Later they will install more signs for restrooms, the 10 mph speed limit, leash rules, trailhead welcome, etc.
Later they will install more signs for restrooms, the 10 mph speed limit, leash rules, trailhead welcome, etc.
October 30, 2025 at 5:22 PM
The Trail Conservancy is installing new mile markers and half-mile markers around the Butler Trail. If all goes well, the last few should be in by tomorrow morning.
Later they will install more signs for restrooms, the 10 mph speed limit, leash rules, trailhead welcome, etc.
Later they will install more signs for restrooms, the 10 mph speed limit, leash rules, trailhead welcome, etc.
Here are pictures of the 16 painted crosswalks and street murals Austin may have to remove under Gov. Abbott’s order.
www.kut.org/transportati...
www.kut.org/transportati...
Here are the 16 painted crosswalks and street murals Austin may have to remove under Abbott order
The city is seeking exemptions from TxDOT but hasn't yet clarified which street art it will try to keep.
www.kut.org
October 28, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Here are pictures of the 16 painted crosswalks and street murals Austin may have to remove under Gov. Abbott’s order.
www.kut.org/transportati...
www.kut.org/transportati...
Austin police say a “shelter in place” order around Austin Central Library is lifted after shooting inside the library. One person injured and in hospital. Suspect not in custody but police don’t think he’s in the area. Library still closed because an investigation is underway.
October 25, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Austin police say a “shelter in place” order around Austin Central Library is lifted after shooting inside the library. One person injured and in hospital. Suspect not in custody but police don’t think he’s in the area. Library still closed because an investigation is underway.
What will a $25 million boardwalk between South First Street and South Congress Avenue look like?
An internal city document obtained by KUT News reveals new details.
www.kut.org/transportati...
An internal city document obtained by KUT News reveals new details.
www.kut.org/transportati...
October 23, 2025 at 2:44 PM
What will a $25 million boardwalk between South First Street and South Congress Avenue look like?
An internal city document obtained by KUT News reveals new details.
www.kut.org/transportati...
An internal city document obtained by KUT News reveals new details.
www.kut.org/transportati...
Austin's biggest public transit shakeup in years is coming. But it won't happen overnight, and not everyone is on board.
www.kut.org/transportati...
www.kut.org/transportati...
CapMetro approves sweeping plan to reshape Austin's public transit network
Transit Plan 2035 will shrink CapMetro's bus network while increasing service on major routes, but one board member said she couldn't support the changes.
www.kut.org
October 21, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Austin's biggest public transit shakeup in years is coming. But it won't happen overnight, and not everyone is on board.
www.kut.org/transportati...
www.kut.org/transportati...
What happens to the 13 schools Austin ISD wants to close? AISD says they'll be sold, leased or repurposed.
Tax records show the campuses are worth nearly $296 million and have over a million square feet of air conditioned space.
Map in the story.
www.kut.org/education/20...
Tax records show the campuses are worth nearly $296 million and have over a million square feet of air conditioned space.
Map in the story.
www.kut.org/education/20...
Almost $300 million in public property is at stake as Austin ISD looks to close 13 schools
Campuses slated for closure were also set to receive millions of dollars in upgrades under the largest bond in AISD history, approved by voters in a landslide 2022 election.
www.kut.org
October 9, 2025 at 3:27 PM
What happens to the 13 schools Austin ISD wants to close? AISD says they'll be sold, leased or repurposed.
Tax records show the campuses are worth nearly $296 million and have over a million square feet of air conditioned space.
Map in the story.
www.kut.org/education/20...
Tax records show the campuses are worth nearly $296 million and have over a million square feet of air conditioned space.
Map in the story.
www.kut.org/education/20...
Bastrop wants to build a pedestrian tunnel under Buc-ee's and they're turning to Elon Musk for help.
I also learned in this story by @lmcgaughy.bsky.social that Dallas and Houston both have extensive underground pedestrian tunnel systems.
www.kut.org/business/202...
I also learned in this story by @lmcgaughy.bsky.social that Dallas and Houston both have extensive underground pedestrian tunnel systems.
www.kut.org/business/202...
This Texas city wants tunnels to connect its trails. It’s asking Elon Musk for help.
Officials in the city of Bastrop have asked Musk’s tunneling firm, The Boring Company, to build several tunnels to connect the area’s trails. If approved, the city manager anticipates the million-doll...
www.kut.org
October 6, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Bastrop wants to build a pedestrian tunnel under Buc-ee's and they're turning to Elon Musk for help.
I also learned in this story by @lmcgaughy.bsky.social that Dallas and Houston both have extensive underground pedestrian tunnel systems.
www.kut.org/business/202...
I also learned in this story by @lmcgaughy.bsky.social that Dallas and Houston both have extensive underground pedestrian tunnel systems.
www.kut.org/business/202...
Starting today, Texas is charging sales tax on the fees sellers pay to list items on places like eBay, Poshmark and Etsy.
www.kut.org/texas/2025-1...
www.kut.org/texas/2025-1...
Texas starts taxing seller fees on sites like eBay, Poshmark and Etsy
Small sellers say the new tax on fees cuts into already thin margins while the comptroller argues state law requires online marketplaces be taxed like any other data processor.
www.kut.org
October 1, 2025 at 10:20 PM
Starting today, Texas is charging sales tax on the fees sellers pay to list items on places like eBay, Poshmark and Etsy.
www.kut.org/texas/2025-1...
www.kut.org/texas/2025-1...
Behind those walls along I-35, TxDOT is building one of the largest tunnels Austin's ever seen.
www.kut.org/transportati...
www.kut.org/transportati...
September 29, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Behind those walls along I-35, TxDOT is building one of the largest tunnels Austin's ever seen.
www.kut.org/transportati...
www.kut.org/transportati...
A train stopped on Union Pacific tracks at FM 1626 caused a traffic apocalypse in
far South Austin this morning.
far South Austin this morning.
September 25, 2025 at 1:11 PM
A train stopped on Union Pacific tracks at FM 1626 caused a traffic apocalypse in
far South Austin this morning.
far South Austin this morning.
A new @evilmopacatx.bsky.social phone app is promising to make sense of MoPac's unpredictable toll lanes by showing drivers how much each minute of time saved will actually cost.
Alan Farmer made the app, inspired by "the terrible that is MoPac in the toll lane."
www.kut.org/transportati...
Alan Farmer made the app, inspired by "the terrible that is MoPac in the toll lane."
www.kut.org/transportati...
September 16, 2025 at 8:42 PM
A new @evilmopacatx.bsky.social phone app is promising to make sense of MoPac's unpredictable toll lanes by showing drivers how much each minute of time saved will actually cost.
Alan Farmer made the app, inspired by "the terrible that is MoPac in the toll lane."
www.kut.org/transportati...
Alan Farmer made the app, inspired by "the terrible that is MoPac in the toll lane."
www.kut.org/transportati...
More than a dozen new nonstop flights coming to Austin's airport in the months ahead
www.kut.org/transportati...
www.kut.org/transportati...
New nonstop flights coming to Austin airport in the months ahead
Airlines led by Delta are rolling out a slate of new routes from Mexico City to Miami to Denver to Palm Springs.
www.kut.org
September 15, 2025 at 7:56 PM
More than a dozen new nonstop flights coming to Austin's airport in the months ahead
www.kut.org/transportati...
www.kut.org/transportati...
Delta today announced twice daily nonstop service from Austin to Miami is starting Nov. 22 on a Boeing 737-800.
Delta also has these nonstops coming up:
✈️ Palm Springs on Nov. 8
✈️ Denver on Nov. 9
✈️ Cancun and Cabo on Dec. 20
✈️ Columbus and Kansas City on Jun. 7, 2026
Delta also has these nonstops coming up:
✈️ Palm Springs on Nov. 8
✈️ Denver on Nov. 9
✈️ Cancun and Cabo on Dec. 20
✈️ Columbus and Kansas City on Jun. 7, 2026
September 12, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Delta today announced twice daily nonstop service from Austin to Miami is starting Nov. 22 on a Boeing 737-800.
Delta also has these nonstops coming up:
✈️ Palm Springs on Nov. 8
✈️ Denver on Nov. 9
✈️ Cancun and Cabo on Dec. 20
✈️ Columbus and Kansas City on Jun. 7, 2026
Delta also has these nonstops coming up:
✈️ Palm Springs on Nov. 8
✈️ Denver on Nov. 9
✈️ Cancun and Cabo on Dec. 20
✈️ Columbus and Kansas City on Jun. 7, 2026
NEW: Governor Abbott's executive order on hemp would essentially ban the sale of THCA flower (shown below) and THCA concentrates.
Abbott's order calls for testing THCA after it's heated and converted to Delta-9, the main ingredient in cannabis that gets people high.
Abbott's order calls for testing THCA after it's heated and converted to Delta-9, the main ingredient in cannabis that gets people high.
September 10, 2025 at 5:09 PM
NEW: Governor Abbott's executive order on hemp would essentially ban the sale of THCA flower (shown below) and THCA concentrates.
Abbott's order calls for testing THCA after it's heated and converted to Delta-9, the main ingredient in cannabis that gets people high.
Abbott's order calls for testing THCA after it's heated and converted to Delta-9, the main ingredient in cannabis that gets people high.