VIA Metropolitan Transit is tracking steady gains in bus ridership, signaling an upward trend for transit in San Antonio.

VIA has recorded growth for several months in the first half of 2022 and tracked its largest year-over-year increase in April, with a 21% bump over 2021 numbers.

COVID restrictions and health concerns hit every major U.S. transit agency with steep declines beginning in 2020 and some cities seeing up to an 80% drop in ridership. VIA maintained over 50% of its ridership throughout the height of the pandemic, offering safe, reliable transportation options that include increased safety protocols and essential service models.

As communities continue to recover from the social and economic impacts of COVID-19, transit ridership across the country is growing and recent spikes in fuel costs are contributing to a rise in the need for affordable public transit that keeps people connected.

“Over the past two years, we have endured extraordinary circumstances as a community but have maintained our focus on keeping San Antonio moving forward, safely,” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. “Today, more than ever, affordable, reliable public transit is essential, and we are seeing more people use VIA to stay connected to work, school, doctors, groceries, and each other.”