General Questions
What is the Keep SA Moving plan?
The Keep SA Moving plan is designed to improve the transit and mobility network by connecting more people to more places with fast, frequent and reliable service. The plan includes:
- A Better Bus Plan to enhance bus system that connect people to places of interest.
- A more direct network for new and experienced riders.
- Increased frequencies in busiest corridors.
- More evening, late-night and weekend service.
- Planning for VIA Rapid, a high-frequency network of dedicated lanes conveying high-capacity vehicles.
- New infrastructure projects attracting increased federal investment.
- Innovative solutions like VIA Link to bridge gaps in service.
What is the Advanced Transportation District?
On Nov. 2, 2004, voters in San Antonio 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.
Why is the sales tax for VIA’s Advanced Transportation District, if approved by voters, the agency’s “in perpetuity?”
In the 1970s, the Texas Legislature created state laws that authorized the creation of metropolitan transit agencies (MTAs) and created a funding structure—up to 1 cent of local sales tax. MTAs operate large transit networks that rely primarily on funding from local sales tax. In creating the legal infrastructure for MTAs, The Texas Legislature did not include a path for rescinding funding for them because they provide a public service and require funding certainty to cover recurring operating costs. MTAs could not adequately plan or execute services if their funding sources were uncertain.
About VIA’s Advanced Rapid Transit Project
Overview and Purpose
What is Advanced Rapid Transit (ART)?
ART is bus rapid transit, which is a public-transportation system that includes more capacity, reliability and other quality features than conventional bus service. With features such as dedicated lanes, bus-friendly traffic signals, level boarding, high frequency, real-time arrival information and the option to pay before boarding, riders experience faster, more reliable and more efficient service. VIA’s ART route category is named Rapid, so the ART routes will be named Rapid Green Line and Rapid Silver Line.
What are the VIA Rapid lines?
The Green Line project will run north and south along San Pedro Avenue, from the Isom Road and U.S. Highway 281 intersection, through downtown, to Steves Avenue in the south, near the historic Mission Concepción area. Outside of the project limits, VIA Rapid Green Line service is planned to continue farther north to connect to the San Antonio International Airport and farther south to the Brooks Transit Center.
The Silver Line project will run west and east along West Commerce, Buena Vista and East Houston streets, from North General McMullen, through downtown, to the Frost Bank Center. Outside of the project limits, VIA Rapid Silver Line service is planned to continue farther west to the Kel-Lac Transit Center and farther east to a future East Side Transit Center, near Sam Houston High School.
What are the project timelines (planning, construction, operation) for the corridors?
The Green Line is expected to begin construction in summer 2025, with service being available for riders in 2028. The Silver Line is currently in the planning stage. Studies are underway to understand its social and environmental impacts. Construction on the Silver Line is expected to start in 2027, with service being available for riders in 2029/2030.
Route and Stations
Where will the VIA Rapid stations be located along each corridor?
All updated maps with station locations are currently available at KeepSAMoving.com/via-rapid.
How were the station locations chosen?
VIA chose station locations based on where people live, work and travel. We evaluated station locations for opportunities to connect to VIA’s larger transit network, including bus and VIA Link. Our team also gathered input from the community, evaluated the built environment and collaborated with the City of San Antonio and other stakeholders.
What is the distance between the stations?
VIA Rapid stations are approximately 1/3 to 1/2 mile apart, on average. Existing riders can expect to walk approximately 5 minutes or less to access a VIA Rapid station from their regular bus stop along the Green and Silver lines.
Will existing bus routes be changed?
VIA plans to replace the existing routes or portions of routes that serve the same corridors where the Green and Silver Lines will provide service. Under the Better Bus Plan, VIA evaluated the larger network of services. With input from the community and other stakeholders, it is planning to make additional changes to bus routes and VIA Link service. The changes to the network aim to reduce wait times, increase service area-wide and improve access to opportunities and transit.
What are some of the key features from VIA Rapid stations?
VIA Rapid stations will offer:
- More doors to get on or off the VIA Rapid line
- Pay your fare before you board the VIA Rapid line at most locations
- Level boarding at most stations
- Real-time digital displays at stations providing updates on VIA Rapid line arrival times
- Lighted stations that include blue safety phones for added security
- ADA ramps, ensuring accessibility options for riders with disabilities
- Covered shelters
- Improved sidewalks around the stations
- Free Wi-Fi
- Integrated art designed by children from nearby schools
What sidewalk and roadway changes can be expected with each VIA Rapid project?
- New and repaired sidewalks around the stations
- Revamped intersection crosswalks with upgraded traffic signals
- Drainage improvements and/or road widening at stations and/or intersections
- Designated transit and business access lanes to facilitate traffic flow
- Limited pavement resurfacing
- Bus-friendly traffic signals
- Limited landscaping
How will the stations be named?
VIA Rapid stations will be named after nearby cross streets. This will ensure riders can easily locate their departure stations and their destinations.
Fares and Operations
How much will it cost to ride VIA Rapid? Will existing transit passes be accepted?
VIA Rapid fares will be the same as regular bus services. Existing transit passes will be accepted.
How will fares be collected?
Riders will be able to pay before they board the Rapid line by using payment kiosks at the VIA Rapid station or through the VIA goMobile+ app. This will reduce the time it takes to get on the bus.
How frequently will VIA Rapid buses run?
VIA Rapid lines will run every 10 minutes on weekdays, while weekend service will run every 15 minutes.
What will be the hours of operation for each VIA Rapid line?
VIA Rapid service will operate daily between 4 a.m. and 1 a.m.
Will VIA Rapid have dedicated lanes?
VIA Rapid will travel in dedicated transit lanes, business access lanes and mixed traffic along different segments of the route. The business access lanes will let vehicles use the lane to turn into businesses, homes or other destinations.
What kind of buses will be used?
VIA will use 60-foot, compressed natural gas (CNG) buses that have five doors – one at the front, two in the middle, and two toward the back. The VIA Rapid lines will be articulated in the center, which helps them make tighter, more precise turns.
Will I be able to transport my bicycle?
Yes, VIA Rapid lines will offer internal storage space for cyclists transporting their bicycles. The level boarding system will make it easier for riders to roll bikes directly onto the buses.
Will VIA Rapid Lines have Wi-Fi and charging stations for mobile devices?
All VIA Rapid lines and stations will have Wi-Fi. The lines will include USB charging ports in some seats.
Accessibility and Safety
Will stations be accessible for those with disabilities?
VIA Rapid is committed to expanded access for riders with disabilities and limited mobility. VIA Rapid line stations will include:
- New ADA-compliant curb ramps
- Audible pedestrian push buttons
- Crosswalk markings and count-down signals
- All-door boarding and platforms that are at the same level as bus doors
- Dedicated wheelchair locking stations for riders
- Improved sidewalks
- Shaded structures
How will VIA Rapid improve safety?
Intersections along the VIA Rapid corridors will be safer for everyone — drivers, pedestrians and cyclists — because the projects include updated traffic signalization, added ADA-compliant sidewalks for better access to stations, improved pedestrian crossings and, in some locations, medians that give people a safe place to pause while crossing the street.
Additional safety features include road resurfacing with better drainage to keep water away from bus stops and crosswalks, upgraded sidewalks and improvements to bicycle amenities. Stations will also be well-lit, with emergency blue-lit phones and real-time VIA Rapid line arrival information to make the experience more secure and convenient.
Parking Impacts
How will VIA Rapid projects affect parking in the area?
In the Green Line corridor, there are no planned impacts to on-street parking or parking lots. For the Silver Line, VIA anticipates minimal impacts to on-street parking
Will there be any parking facilities built along the corridor?
No, VIA is not building any parking facilities along the corridor.
Will VIA Rapid lines be available for Park & Ride services?
The VIA Rapid service will provide access to multiple Park & Ride options. Please note that the locations of Park & Ride service to special events may vary. For the most current information on Park and Ride options for upcoming events, visit the Parks & Ride page.
Green Line
- Stone Oak Park & Ride (through a bus transfer)
- Brooks Transit Center (limited parking)
Silver Line
- Ellis Alley Park & Ride (one block from the Silver Line route near the Alamodome)
- Kel-Lac Transit Center (limited parking)
- Centro Plaza Transit Center (limited parking)
- Future Eastside Transit Center (limited parking)
Traffic Impacts
Will VIA Rapid Lines have priority at intersections?
Intersection lights will run regularly as they are normally scheduled. However, transit signal priority technology will prioritize bus movement if a VIA Rapid vehicle is behind schedule.
How will traffic lights change along the corridors?
VIA Rapid projects will upgrade some traffic signal poles and add signals to make vehicle turns and pedestrian crossings smoother and safer.
Will bicycle lanes be available along the corridors?
VIA Rapid projects will incorporate existing bike lanes. VIA will coordinate with the City of San Antonio on any opportunities for limited improvements to existing bike lanes.
Community Engagement
How has the community been involved in the planning process?
As part of VIA’s Vision 2040 plan, it has engaged the community since 2016 by hosting briefings, public meetings and keeping the community informed via email and social media.
How have VIA Rapid plans changed due to community feedback?
Public input has played a key role in shaping VIA Rapid. Community feedback has allowed VIA to make changes to station locations, improve pedestrian access and create more alignment with the needs of the community and businesses.
Where can I learn more about VIA Rapid and ways to provide feedback?
To learn more, visit KeepSAMoving.com or contact us at [email protected] and (210) 362-2590. The community is also invited to visit the Green Line Project Office, located at 7067 San Pedro Avenue, during the following days and times:
- Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m.- 7 p.m.
- The first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Environmental Impact
How will VIA Rapid have an impact on the environment?
By using state-of-the-art buses powered by compressed natural gas, VIA Rapid vehicles will have minimal impact on air and noise quality. The Green Line has finished its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review, and the results are now published on KeepSAMoving.com. VIA is currently working on the environmental clearance process for the Silver Line. Results will be posted on the website when the process is completed.
What are the impacts for drainage?
As part of the engineering process for VIA Rapid vehicles, VIA will make drainage improvements in some areas along the corridors. Drainage is also part of the NEPA review process. Additionally, VIA will comply with the City of San Antonio’s drainage requirements and mitigate any potential impacts.
Future Impacts
What is the right-of-way acquisition process?
Right-of-way acquisition is the process of identifying which parts of property, adjacent to the right-of-way, that VIA needs for the project and working with landowners to obtain their permission. Not every property will be affected. If your property will be affected, however, you will be notified during the planning process. VIA must follow all federal and state regulations related to the purchase of a property. For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or (210) 362-2590.
How will the new VIA Rapid lines have an impact on my property?
VIA will minimize impacts to adjacent properties. However, impact on individual properties will vary. To learn more about impacts to your property, please call (210) 362-2590 or send an email to [email protected].
How will construction have an impact on traffic and businesses?
Construction plans will be developed after the project design is completed. Construction is planned to be implemented in phases to minimize disruptions and inconveniences for riders, drivers, homeowners and businesses along the corridors. The community should expect some delays and lane reductions but will still be able to access the area.
What are the anticipated construction timelines?
The Green Line is expected to start construction in summer 2025 and begin operating in 2028. The current phasing schedule is still in development.
The Silver Line is expected to start construction in 2027 and begin operating in 2029/2030.
Will there be road closures or detours?
Yes, construction will require partial closures and detours. Construction crews will ensure timely notifications are sent to residents and businesses. VIA Rapid will reduce impacts by implementing a phased construction plan.
How will VIA keep communities informed on construction updates?
VIA will communicate with residents and businesses through public meetings, print mailers, email communication, door-to-door canvasing, social media and the Keep SA Moving website.
Who can I contact if I have any concerns about construction?
You can contact us at [email protected] or by calling (210) 362-2590.
How are VIA Rapid projects funded?
What are the estimated costs for each VIA Rapid Line?
Are there plans for future expansion of the VIA Rapid system?
Funding and Costs
How are VIA Rapid projects funded?
Green and Silver Line projects are planned to be funded by a combination of VIA Project Funds, Federal Transit Administration Capital Investment Grant Funds, Advanced Transportation District (ATD) Bonds that will be paid back by using sales tax revenue and/or ATD Bexar County funds.
What are the estimated costs for each VIA Rapid Line?
The Green Line’s cost is estimated to be $480 million (based on an estimate completed in December 2024), while the estimated cost for the Silver Line is $289 million (based on an estimate completed in August 2023). Estimates may change as the projects’ design progresses.
Future Expansion
Are there plans for future expansion of the VIA Rapid system?
VIA Rapid Green and Silver Lines will be the first corridors to be implemented from VIA’s Vision 2040 Long Range Plan. The long-range plan also identifies several corridors for possible future expansion. To learn more about Vision 2040, please visit viainfo.net.