San Antonio, Texas’s VIA unanimously approved the agency’s Better Bus Plan — a comprehensive initiative that will bring more frequent and reliable service to the region over the next several years.

The system plan focuses on improving the VIA network by increasing frequency and reliability while implementing additional innovative transit solutions. 

“We’ve done the planning, and now we’re moving forward with implementation,” said VIA President/CEO Jon Gary Herrera. “We know that better transit service not only gives back time to riders for what matters but also attracts more riders and spurs economic growth across our region. As our community grows, it’s critical that we deliver a transit system that reflects the needs of our community today and tomorrow.”

VIA’s Better Bus Plan

Key improvements include the implementation of the VIA Rapid Green and Silver Lines, system-wide frequency of 30 minutes or better with more frequent service on key corridors, and expanding the ever-popular VIA Link service in the region.

The Better Bus Plan was developed with input from the community and stakeholders through meetings, surveys, and online feedback, such as maintaining existing routes, expanding VIA Link service, and improving frequencies and reliability.

The frequency improvements implemented by VIA in April, were the first phase of enhancements under the Better Bus Plan. The second phase, which includes the proposed service improvements for August, builds on those earlier changes and further enhances service on several routes.

When evaluating routes for increased frequency opportunities, VIA considers post-COVID travel patterns, operator availability, requests from the public, and potential for maximum positive ridership impact.