The City of San Antonio and Bexar County are withdrawing $32 million in funding and asking VIA Metropolitan Transit to develop a new streetcar proposal that could be taken to the voters for consideration at a future time.

Both the City and the County believe that it is important that there be community consensus on a comprehensive multi-modal transportation plan and feel there is a lack of community support for the streetcar project at this time, according to a joint press release.

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Because of the lack of community support, Mayor Ivy R. Taylor is asking City staff to draft an ordinance for City Council consideration to withdraw the City’s $32 million to the streetcar project and redirect those dollars to other development initiatives in the center city. The ordinance will also include wording that the City Council will not approve streetcars without a vote of the electorate. The Mayor plans to appoint a Charter Commission to explore transportation and other issues.

“We hear and understand the concerns of our community and agree to discontinue our involvement in the streetcar project. We wish to give San Antonio residents the opportunity to provide input on a new proposal which could culminate with a community-wide vote,” said Mayor Taylor. “The public’s support and participation in deciding on public transit services is important to the City. It is also consistent with the City’s current effort to update the San Antonio Comprehensive Master Plan and Transportation Plan.”

A full report by the City Clerk will be presented August 6.