VIA’s Advanced Rapid Transit (VIA Rapid) Plans in Monte Vista
What You Need to Know:
VIA’s Advanced Rapid Transit (VIA Rapid) Plans in Monte Vista
Informed by community input, VIA is bringing Advanced Rapid Transit (VIA Rapid) service to San Antonio. This new, transformative, high-tech service will offer faster, more reliable transportation options to better connect our city – beginning with the VIA Rapid Green Line along the San Pedro corridor.
Without exception, VIA projects have the community it serves in mind, including ensuring that transit solutions are designed to fit seamlessly into all neighborhoods, including Monte Vista and other unique communities.
Here’s how we’re addressing some of the questions shared by Monte Vista residents and what to expect from the VIA Rapid Green Line project:
Preserving Monte Vista’s Historic Charm
Monte Vista is known for its historic homes and unique character, and we’re committed to protecting that history, culture and appeal.
- Working with Preservation Experts: VIA is actively collaborating with the City of San Antonio to honor the past with fostering modern progress. VIA will continue to meet with the neighborhood and other preservation bodies to ensure that any infrastructure changes that may be needed also respect the neighborhood’s historic character.
- Minimal Disruption: VIA Rapid routes and stations will be designed to blend with Monte Vista’s streets and avoid major changes to the corridor’s appearance. VIA is not planning for construction or modifications that could compromise the area’s aesthetic integrity. The new stations along the corridor will provide a covered shade structure, level boarding, a prepayment fare box for efficient onboarding, and lighted stations for safety.
Improving Safety and Traffic Flow
Worried about traffic or safety issues? We’ve got you covered.
- Modified Traffic Lanes: In the Monte Vista area of San Pedro, VIA will designate one lane in each direction along San Pedro Avenue as a “Business Access/Transit (BAT) Lane. While the “BAT” lane prioritizes the VIA transit vehicle, it allows other vehicles to use the BAT lane to access a business or make a right turn.
- Safer Streets for Everyone: The Rapid Green Line will feature better crosswalks and bike-friendly routes to help pedestrians and cyclists stay safe, especially around busy areas like schools and parks. More than 60 traffic lights will be upgraded and synchronized for better traffic flow. Intersection upgrades will also mean enhanced pedestrian safety and improved visibility for drivers and pedestrians. All these streamlined design upgrades will result in reduced delays and shorter trips for everyone.
- Detour Prevention Measures: The City of San Antonio will introduce traffic-calming solutions in coordination with VIA who will be adding safety measures, greater accessibility and reduced travel times, decreasing the likelihood of increased speeding or traffic through residential areas. Recent traffic studies have shown that once the VIA Rapid system is operational, detouring off San Pedro will make for a longer trip. This will serve as a deterrent to keep cut through traffic from neighborhood streets.
- Upgrades and Improvements: Traffic-signal priority allows VIA transit vehicles to move through intersections more quickly and will serve to discourage detours. By synchronizing lights and upgrading signals and intersections along San Pedro, travel times for all vehicles will become more consistent. Going a step further, the Monte Vista Homeowners Association (MVHA), City of San Antonio (COSA), and VIA have agreed on a task force to evaluate future traffic flow. All three entities will develop a plan to study the impact of the VIA Green Line and the City of San Antonio will be in charge of implement the outcome of the study to minimize cut-through traffic utilizing the minor cross streets within the Monte Vista neighborhood.
- Important Safety Additions: VIA’s plans incorporate the City of San Antonio’s COMPLETE STREETS INITIATIVE, and that means VIA will be relocating many utility poles and fire hydrants which are currently obstructing pedestrian pathways. The Green Line project will ensure full ADA-compliance for every constructed portion of the San Pedro corridor.
Minimal Impacts to Private Property
All proposed Green Line stations will be located within publicright-of-way . Minimal impacts are anticipated to any private properties (whether residential or commercial).
In Summary
VIA Rapid will deliver travel and safety benefits to all of San Antonio, including Monte Vista. With better transit options, and more reliable service, we’re making it easier for everyone to get to where they need to be. And we’re doing it while respecting Monte Vista’s unique history and character.
If you have any questions or want to learn more, please check back here for updates and community events where VIA will share all the latest details. Let’s build a better world for transit, together.
For information specific to Transit Oriented Development updates and public meetings regarding TOD policy updates, please call toll free at 855-925-2801 and use code 1022, or send an email to [email protected].