The future of public transportation in San Antonio is bright, bold, and already underway. That message was delivered by VIA Metropolitan Transit President/CEO Jon Gary Herrera during the 2025 State of Transit address, hosted in partnership with the San Antonio Mobility Coalition (SAMCo).

The annual luncheon convened regional elected officials, civic leaders, and transportation stakeholders last week to examine progress and unveil plans that will shape mobility in the greater San Antonio area. This year’s event carried the theme “Something BIG Is on the Move” — a reflection of the sweeping transformation underway at VIA.

“It is clear that VIA is growing — growing opportunities, growing connections, and growing our region’s economic potential,” said Herrera. “Our expanded transit network breaks through barriers of distance and time, linking talent to opportunity.”

Delivering on Ambitious Projects

Herrera highlighted significant forward momentum on VIA’s signature initiatives, including the VIA Rapid Green and Silver Lines and the Better Bus Plan, both designed to increase service speed, frequency, and reliability. These enhancements are part of a broader strategy to meet the evolving mobility needs of a rapidly growing metropolitan region.

“We have an opportunity to make game-changing events. These Green and Silver Lines are those game-changing events,” said Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai. “We’re helping shape a more connected, inclusive future for our community.”

In a defining moment of the program, VIA Board Chair Laura Cabanilla introduced the agency’s new vision and mission statements, reshaping the narrative around public transportation in San Antonio.

“The reality is that our region’s economy depends on the people who depend on VIA,” Cabanilla said. “We’re making mobility easier, and that benefits everyone.”

She continued by unveiling the updated guiding principles:

• Vision: To be the driving force for our community’s growth and success.

• Mission: To take you to what matters most.

• Promise: Count on VIA for every ride.

Platform for Regional Mobility Collaboration

The State of Transit event is a cornerstone of SAMCo’s Transportation Leadership Series, offering a regional platform for aligning public and private efforts to improve mobility across all modes. VIA’s leadership in this space remains central.

With a service area that spans over 1,200 square miles in Bexar County, VIA operates a comprehensive transit network that includes 75 bus routes, on-demand VIA Link zones, and Park & Ride facilities. This network connects thousands of riders daily to jobs, education, healthcare, and opportunities.

As Herrera concluded, the message was clear: VIA isn’t just moving people, it’s powering San Antonio’s growth, equity, and economic vitality.