Overview
VIA Metropolitan Transit is the largest transit system in the nation that operates fixed-route service out of a single Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF). The OMF serves over 500 buses and approximately 200 support vehicles. The facility is used to clean, repair and house VIA’s fixed route and support fleet.
VIA’s current OMF was built in 1947 and is surrounded by developed land making expansion and major renovations difficult to undertake. As a result, VIA must invest in infrastructure that allows for the continued maintenance and operations of the fleet, along with the ability to support new vehicle technologies more efficiently.
A Second OMF will expand VIA’s capacity to better service a growing San Antonio.
About the Second OMF
The proposed site currently under study for a Second OMF is located at 1403 South Callaghan Road between State Highway 151 and Old Highway 90 West, to best provide for future expansion and access to VIA Rapid corridors. At full buildout, it will be able to service approximately 250 buses, along with support vehicles, and will be equipped to handle all existing fuel types while also being designed to accommodate new technologies as they emerge.
Key benefits and improvements will include:
- More space for future growth and expansion, including the future VIA Rapid Green and Silver Line vehicles
- Located close to VIA Rapid corridors for convenience and efficiency
- An operations facility for operators to collect route assignments
- Office space for staff
- A maintenance building with new equipment, storage and workshop space
- Training center and areas for drivers
- Compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel station to service the Second OMF fleet and serve as the redundant fueling location for all VIA CNG vehicles
- Surface parking for buses and support vehicles
- Bus wash facility
- Bus inspection area
- Stormwater detention pond
Timeline
Timeline is subject to change
Key milestones in the project timeline include:
-
2020
Feasibility study conducted to develop requirements and functional assessment for new facility. The study determined the need for a new OMF would require approximately 47 acres, to accommodate 250-300 buses and have space for future growth.
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2022
Site selection process initiated; multiple sites evaluated through the feasibility study determination.
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2023
Preferred site for consideration determined. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process began.
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2025
NEPA environmental analysis concluded with FTA decision of Categorical Exclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose for VIA’s Operations and Maintenance Facility (OMF)?
VIA’s current OMF is used to clean, repair and house VIA’s existing and growing fleet. It was originally built to house approximately 250 vehicles but currently must support over 500 buses and approximately 200 support vehicles.
Where is VIA’s current facility located?
The existing facility is currently located at 1720 North Flores Street.
Why is a second OMF needed?
A Second OMF will expand VIA’s capacity to better serve a growing San Antonio. Its current OMF was built in 1947 and is surrounded by developed land making expansion and major renovations difficult to undertake. As a result, VIA must invest in infrastructure that allows for the continued maintenance and operations of the fleet, along with the ability to support new vehicle technologies more efficiently.
What are the key benefits and improvements for a Second OMF?
At full buildout, the facility will service approximately 250 buses, along with support vehicles, and be equipped to handle all existing fuel types while also being designed to accommodate new technologies as they emerge. There will also be more space for future growth and expansion, including the future VIA Rapid Green and Silver Line vehicles. In addition, it will be located close to VIA Rapid corridors for convenience and efficiency. Key improvements include:
- An operations facility for operators to collect route assignments
- Office space for staff
- A maintenance building with new equipment, storage and workshop space
- Training center and areas for drivers
- Compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel station to service the Second OMF fleet and serve as the redundant fueling location for all VIA CNG vehicles
- Surface parking for buses and non-revenue vehicles
- Bus wash facility
- Bus inspection area
- Stormwater detention pond
How were sites evaluated for a Second OMF?
VIA explored potential sites throughout the service area that would accommodate a Second OMF. After a robust site selection process, a determination was made for a proposed site that would best meet the needs of a new facility, due to its capacity to accommodate future growth, and proximity to the VIA Rapid corridors and existing fixed-route service. The proposed site also allows for space to maintain a generous buffer between the proposed facility and adjacent residential neighborhood.
What is NEPA? What were the NEPA findings for the selected site?
- The National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA was enacted by Congress in 1969. According to federal regulations, any project receiving federal funding must go through an environmental review process. This process evaluates potential impacts on both social and natural environments. These impacts are assessed through various studies that examine noise and air quality, wildlife, natural and historic resources, community impacts, as well as hazardous materials.
- After a comprehensive NEPA review process, the Federal Transit Administration determined that the proposed site for a Second OMF would not have any significant effect on the property resources or on the neighboring community assets.