Bastrop County commuters gained new transit options March 2 with the launch of two regional bus routes culminating in downtown Austin: one connecting Bastrop and Smithville and the other connecting Georgetown and Round Rock.

The launch coincided with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the remodeled Smithville Station at 300 N.E. Loop 230.

The two-minute impact: Riders can park at CARTS Park & Ride locations and take coach buses into Austin, offering an alternative to driving and downtown parking, said Dana Platt, community engagement director for the Capital Area Rural Transportation System.

Platt noted that the initiative is part of a broader plan tied to Austin’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program and is supported in part by a $47.9 million award from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Notable quote: “These routes are about getting cars off the road and giving people a smarter way to commute,” CARTS General Manager Dave Marsh said. “One bus can replace dozens of single-occupancy vehicles. If you’re tired of sitting in traffic, this is your exit ramp.”

Two local groups, Friends of the Bastrop Library and the Lost Pines Garden Club, will combine efforts to host their annual book and plant sale.

In a nutshell: Benefitting the Bastrop Public Library, attendees can browse books inside and peruse plants in the parking lot.

Book options will range from children's to adults, historic to self-help and more.

Plant options will range from Texas-native perennials to bulbs, succulents, roses, vines and vegetables.

One more thing: Those unable to make it to the annual sale can purchase books from the year-round Book Nook at the library, which also funds its programming.

The Book Nook has more than 1,000 books ranging from bestsellers to literature, children’s books, cookbooks and more, according to officials.

• April 24 (members-only preview), 4-6 p.m.; April 25 (everyone), 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., (book and plant sale)

• Free (admission)

• Bastrop Public Library, 1100 Church St., Bastrop

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