Zilker Eagle update: work in progress

Yes, the Eagle has landed, but it isn’t quite ready yet. Our team is working diligently and tirelessly to make the necessary updates and adjustments that will ensure the Zilker Eagle is the safest and most enjoyable experience for all Austinites. We thank you for your support and patience. We promise to continue communicating our plans and hope to be able to share an opening date soon.

Check out our progress so far and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest!

There are still a few things we need to do before it is ready for the community to enjoy. Safety is our first priority. We are working through the list below and once all is on track, we’ll announce our official opening date and put tickets on sale. Here’s the work we have ahead of us:

1. Staffing

We are currently hiring part-time Guest Services Conductors. Once we are fully staffed, we’ll begin training the team on all things train, tracks, ticketing and guest services. Know someone who would love to spend their days driving the train? Check out the job posting here and help us spread the word!

2. Safety

Now that the train has arrived in Austin, we’re continuing manufacturer testing. This first round of testing will ensure the tracks, wheels, coaches, engine and seats are safe, and that everything is running smoothly before we allow our train staff to begin their rounds.

3. Inspection & Insurance

As safety testing wraps up, we’ll schedule time for a state inspector to come assess the train, tracks and safety procedures of the Zilker Eagle. This inspection and approval process will be dependent on the state’s timeline and workload, but could take a few weeks from start to finish.

4. Final Decorative Touches

Once the main safety tests have been completed, we’ll be able to add on the final decorative touches to the coaches and seats. Special thanks goes to our Coach, Crossing and Seat sponsors for helping us bring the Zilker Eagle back to our community!

5. Driving Lessons & Procedures Training

With our new part-time staff on board, we’ll begin driving, loading, unloading, ticketing and maintenance procedures training. Once we’re confident in the safety and operational procedures, we’ll be able to officially open!

Official Opening Date to be determined

While there are still a few steps to complete, we are excited to be closing in on an official opening date and we can’t wait to welcome you to the Zilker Eagle! We are so grateful to you – our community – for your support and patience.

We’re also thankful for our supporters, including the Eagle’s Presenting Sponsor CapMetro, Community Hours Sponsor the Bill Wood Foundation, and to each of the coach, crossing, seat sponsors, as well as the many individual donors who have made this project possible.

If you haven’t yet, be sure to sign up for our e-news to be the first to know when tickets go on sale, and follow @zilkereagle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We’ll see you out there soon!

P.S. If you’re at Zilker Park in the next few weeks, stop by and say hi at the train depot. Give us a wave if you see us out on the tracks, and be sure to stop by the pedestrian bridge over Barton Springs to see the amazing new mural by Ian Ingram & Becky Wittsche!