San Antonio VIA unveils next generation shelters, enhanced walkability

San Antonio’s VIA Metropolitan Transit and the City of Kirby announced the completion of key enhancements at several VIA bus stop locations, including solar-powered NextGen shelters and improved sidewalk access.

The City of Kirby will be among the first in VIA’s 14 member cities to feature solar-powered lights installed in nine new VIA bus shelters. VIA’s Fleet and Facilities Division designed the innovative solar lighting components that are able to operate with exposure to about six hours of sunlight per day.

As part of the project, VIA provided crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks and connections, bus stopping pads within the roadway and seven new NextGen shelters. Each of the new shelters features solar lighting and custom roof panels highlighting the City Seal of Kirby and markers along the area’s Old Spanish Trail route.

The construction work for this project also reflects VIA’s commitment to local business. A local Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Industrial Construction Co., completed the construction work for the shelter pads, sidewalks and bus pads.