Federal Grant Fully Funds VIA Rapid Green Line
In December 2024, VIA entered into a $268 million grant agreement with the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA), which provides the remaining funding needed to construct the VIA Rapid Green Line.
The largest federal grant VIA has ever received for a transit project, this agreement will help meet San Antonio’s growing need for fast, reliable transit that improves residents’ access to health care, employment, education and other opportunities.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
This project is possible because our community said YES to more and better transit when, in November 2020, San Antonio voters embraced the Keep SA Moving mission and called for a more mobile future.
Thank you to the organizations and members of the public who’ve provided invaluable input to ensure that VIA delivers community-driven projects that make our region a better place and a more connected city.
We’d also like to extend gratitude to our partners, whose time, expertise and resources have helped advance our goal to bring Advanced Rapid Transit to San Antonio:
PAST AND PRESENT VIA BOARD MEMBERS FROM 2004-2024
- Texas Department of Transportation
- Federal Transit Administration
- Federal Highway Administration
- Bexar County Judge and Commissioners Court
- Bexar County
- City of San Antonio Mayor and City Council
- City of San Antonio
- CPS Energy
- San Antonio Water System (SAWS)
- AT&T
- Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
- Brooks Development Authority
- Senator John Cornyn
- Senator Ted Cruz
- Congressman Joaquín Castro
- Congressman Chip Roy
- Congressman Tony Gonzales
- Congressman Henry Cuellar
- Congressman Greg Casar
- The Greater San Antonio Chamber
- Metro San Antonio Chamber
- South Texas Business Partnership
- San Antonio Hispanic Chamber
- Flatiron – Herzog Prime
- Hill International, Inc. Prime
- HNTB Corporation Prime
- WSP Prime
- Parsons Transportation Group Prime
- CobbFendley Prime
- InfraStrategies LLC Prime
- Ross Molina Oliveros, P.C. Legal Services Prime
- Estrada Hinojosa Investment Bankers
- McCall, Parkhurst & Horton L.L.P
And all subcontractors under the prime contractors, other agencies and utility providers who made this project possible.
Green Line Funding Sources
The VIA Rapid Green Line is expected to cost $480.8 million, with most of the funds coming from FTA grants and Advanced Transportation District revenue bonds, as of Dec. 18, 2024.
| PROJECT FINANCIAL PLAN | $480.8M |
|---|
| FEDERAL FUNDS | $270.4M |
|---|---|
| STBG FUNDS | $2.6M |
| NEW STARTS GRANT | $267.8M |
| LOCAL BONDS | $153.7M |
|---|---|
| ATD REVENUE BONDS | $153.7M |
| LOCAL FUNDS | $56.8M |
|---|---|
| VIA PROJECT FUND | $54.1M |
| TEXAS MOBILITY FUNDS | $2.7M |
Notes: Totals may not sum due to rounding. Cost estimate is at 40% design, which is subject to change. Estimate includes a portion of the estimated financing costs that are considered eligible for FTA New Starts funding. Eligible financing costs include bond issuance costs and interest accrued during project construction.
About the VIA Rapid Green Line
The first of two planned rapid transit corridors, the Green Line will run north-south along San Pedro Avenue from the San Antonio International Airport to the historical missions area, connecting in the future with the Silver Line Downtown for convenient transfer. It will connect residential areas to jobs, schools, shopping, essential services, and entertainment districts.
Rapid Transit Is Critical to Keep SA Moving
Rapid transit corridors are an essential part of the Keep SA Moving plan. With features such as upgraded stations, off-board fare payment kiosks, and dedicated lanes, VIA Rapid service is designed to be fast and easy to use.
Plans also include infrastructure improvements that will benefit everyone who travels the corridor, including new and repaired sidewalks, upgraded intersections, synchronized traffic signals and drainage improvements.
Green Line Funding FAQs
What conditions must VIA meet to satisfy its part of the Federal Transit Administration agreement?
Conditions of the grant require that the transit authority receiving it provide public transportation in dedicated lanes and has the funding needed to operate for the next 20 years.
How will VIA fund Green Line service after construction is complete?
Starting in 2026, the Advanced Transportation District (ATD) will receive an additional 1/8th cent of local sales tax. Approved by more than two-thirds of San Antonio voters in 2020, this additional revenue will provide the funds needed to operate the Green Line.
What is the Advanced Transportation District?
In 2004, San Antonio voters approved the formation of the Advanced Transportation District (ATD). This district uses a quarter-cent sales tax to fund transportation improvement projects carried out by VIA, the City of San Antonio, and the Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT. VIA receives half of the ATD revenues to enhance local public transportation services, and the other half is split between the city and TxDOT for improving streets, highways, and related transportation infrastructure.