Despite the San Antonio City Council's decision to delay a vote for additional funding last November and a rapidly growing population to serve, VIA Metropolitan Transit continues to push forward with innovative developments and outreach efforts.
The addition of more "green" buses fueled by compressed natural gas may eventually replace the current fleet of diesel vehicles.
An app released this summer called goMobile enables digital ticketing and allows riders to plan trips on a smartphone. Modernized transit centers and updates to existing shelters are in the works, along with plans to revitalize a vacant West side area to build the "VIA Villa."
As part of their Vision 2040 plan, VIA is looking at options for rapid transit in four main corridors in the San Antonio area. Residents are encouraged to provide input on this phase of the plan through August 5.
There are still many improvements to be made, but funding is a consistent issue. VIA depends on revenues from a half cent sales tax, or $93 per area resident – significantly less than in cities like Austin, Houston and Dallas, where transit agencies receive a full cent sales tax.
Would more funding help the city's bus service increase ride frequency and reduce ride times? How are ongoing efforts helping to create a more effective and accessible transit system in San Antonio?
Guest: Jeff Arndt, president & CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit
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