Austin, Texas, has officially chosen its team to build the city's first-ever light rail system.

Late last year, the Austin Transit Partnership named LINC Austin — a consortium comprising AECOM, Parsons, STV, Turner & Townsend, Ardmore Roderick, and CAS Consulting — as the delivery partner for the project’s first phase, according to an AECOM news release.

The $7 billion Phase 1 of the project will cover approximately 10 miles, incorporating 15 stations and new walking and biking paths, as reported by the Austin Transit Partnership. Future expansions are planned to extend the system north to major hubs and south to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

Under the terms of the initial four-year contract, LINC Austin will provide a wide range of services, including program and project management, construction management, and technical expertise throughout the planning, design, procurement, construction, and post-construction phases.

The new all-electric light rail system will complement existing transit options, improving connectivity and mobility across the region. It will connect key destinations throughout Austin, such as Lady Bird Lake, downtown, and the University of Texas at Austin.

“As Austin continues to grow into one of the most vibrant and dynamic metro areas in the U.S., Austin Light Rail holds immense promise for the City and its residents in transforming local transit connectivity,” said Drew Jeter, CEO of AECOM’s Program Management global business line, in the release.

This light rail project is a central component of the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan, which aims to enhance the accessibility, reliability, and connectivity of the city's broader transportation network. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the system slated to open by 2033, according to Austin Transit Partnership.