VIA Metropolitan Transit and San Antonio Zoo unveiled a custom-designed VIA bus shelter that connects visitors to the Broadway corridor and Will Smith Zoo School. The stop serves VIA’s VIVA culture route (11B) and is part of VIA’s ongoing Passenger Amenities Improvement Program, which includes the improvement of 1,000 existing bus stops throughout the VIA service area.

“The custom branding for this shelter was designed in partnership with San Antonio Zoo to create a unique experience for visitors — one that reflects the rich culture along the VIVA corridors” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. “Just as VIA connects us to opportunity, VIVA connects us to adventure and to destinations like the zoo that make the heart of San Antonio special. As we plan for the transportation needs of our region, partnerships like these ensure that our customers’ quality of life is enhanced through public transit options.”

This bus stop improvement brings the total number of sheltered stops in the VIA service area to more than 2,250. Streamlined and modern, the new Next-Gen shelter design provides comfortable, covered seating, and sidewalk and ADA improvements to assist all passengers in making travel safer and connections smoother.

“San Antonio Zoo is thrilled to be a part of the VIVA Culture route,” said Tim Morrow, CEO and executive director of San Antonio Zoo. “We’re excited to join with VIA Metropolitan Transit to unveil these new zoo-themed bus stops that will further enhance our beautiful city.”

The bus shelter is on St. Mary’s street, just a short walk from the Train Depot, San Antonio Zoo, Brackenridge Park, and the Japanese Tea Garden. Two other zoo-themed bus stops are on Tuleta Drive, giving San Antonians access to Alamo Stadium, Trinity University, and Will Smith Zoo School.

With its completion, VIA will now provide sheltered locations for 95% of boardings throughout its system. In keeping with VIA’s ongoing commitment to support local-, small-, and minority-owned businesses, approximately 73% of the work done in connection with the program went to DBE/SBE companies.