April Caffeine Connection Presented by CapMetro

Description

Caffeine Connection: Commuting Smarter in the New Austin
Presented by CapMetro

Join us for this month’s Caffeine Connection as we tackle the reality of navigating our growing city. With ongoing construction on I-35, MoPac, and 183, plus the excitement of upcoming light rail developments, the daily commute is top-of-mind for every professional.

In this panel discussion, we’re shifting the focus from gridlock frustration to commuter empowerment. Our experts will explore how making the switch to public transit—specifically leveraging the Red Line—can transform your morning routine from a source of stress into a productive, connected, and even enjoyable experience.

What We’ll Cover:

• Reclaiming Your Time: Strategies for turning your commute into a "mobile office" to handle emails and prep before you hit the desk.
• Commuter Networking: How to build professional connections with fellow riders.
• Navigating the Red Line & Beyond: Practical tips for getting the most out of current transit options—including how to seamlessly connect to our event venue at Houndstooth Coffee (MLK). Whether you are using the Red Line or local bus routes (like the Route 18 MLK), we’ll show you how easy it is to skip the parking stress and arrive refreshed.
• Light Rail Update: We’ll break down the latest milestones for Austin’s Light Rail project—including the recent selection of the construction contractor and what the path forward looks like as we approach the 2027 ground-breaking.
• Empowering the Workforce: A look at how employers can champion concierge services and transit support to help employees thrive despite regional construction hurdles.

Event Details

• 🗓️ Date: Friday, April 10, 2026
• ⏰ Time: 8:00AM - 9:30AM
• 📍 Location: Houndstooth Coffee (East Side), 2823 E MLK Jr Blvd.

Pro-tip: Avoid the parking hassle! Houndstooth is highly accessible via CapMetro. Check the CapMetro Trip Planner to map your route using the Red Line or local bus service.

Dress Code: Show Your Commuter Pride!

We want to see who’s putting these transit tips into practice! We encourage you to participate in our "Commuter Color Challenge":

• 🔴 Wear RED: If you took the Red Line to get here today.
• 🔵 Wear BLUE: If you arrived via another form of public transportation (Bus, bike-share, etc.).

Whether you are an employer looking to support your team through the construction crunch or an individual commuter looking to reclaim your peace of mind, this session will provide the tools you need to move through Austin with ease.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor:

Meet Our Panelists

Kate Harrington 
Director of Outreach and Engagement at Movability
With a deep background in communications and a long-time perspective on Austin’s growth, Kate bridges the gap between organizational needs and commuter reality. At Movability, she helps businesses and employees navigate the changing transit landscape with actionable insights.

Peter Breton 
Sr. Community Engagement Coordinator at CapMetro
A passionate urbanist and advocate for a more affordable Austin, Peter brings an insider’s view from CapMetro’s Community Engagement team. As a dedicated car-free commuter and e-bike owner, he brings both professional strategy and lived experience to the conversation.