San Antonio's VIA Expands On-Demand Program

San Antonio’s VIA Metropolitan Transit is expanding its VIA Link service to include a South Zone. This is the third VIA Link zone to open since the on-demand transit option was introduced in 2019 with a Northeast Zone and grew in 2021 with a Northwest Zone.

VIA Link expansion is part of VIA’s Keep SA Moving plan, approved by voters in 2020. The innovative, app-based service provides frequent, reliable trip options in areas where traditional bus service and vehicles are not efficient.

The new VIA Link zone connects popular destinations throughout 12.52 square miles, including VIA’s Madla Transit Center, Palo Alto College, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, South San High School, South Park Mall, shopping and medical centers, and Toyota Manufacturing — which is also a partner in developing the South Zone service.

“Expanding VIA Link service to San Antonio’s South Side was the natural next step in realizing the Keep SA Moving plan promise to move more people faster and farther, particularly in areas where innovation is needed to deliver modern transit solutions,” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. “The South Zone is home to major education, employment and residential centers that are helping to drive growth for our city and region and represent VIA’s mission to connect our community to opportunity.”

VIA Link passengers can travel anywhere in the zone and connect directly to bus routes at designated transfer points to travel outside the zone. The flexibility provides better frequency, decreases travel times, minimizes walking distances, and offers more pick-up and drop-off locations. Customers are usually picked up within 20 minutes of booking and can track and rate their rides through the free app. VIA Link vans are fully accessible and can accommodate wheelchairs and bicycles upon request.