VIA Link is the agency’s latest effort toward delivering smart transit options — part of its “VIA Reimagined” Plan to modernize transportation in the region.
VIA
2 min to read
VIA Link is the agency’s latest effort toward delivering smart transit options — part of its “VIA Reimagined” Plan to modernize transportation in the region.
VIA
VIA Link, VIA Metropolitan Transit’s new on-demand service for Northeast San Antonio carried more than 10,000 passengers in less than two months after VIA launched the pilot program on May 4.
VIA Link is the first of its kind in San Antonio and Bexar County and among the first in the nation, allowing transit riders to schedule trips on minivans when they need them. Rather than waiting for a bus to come by every 60 minutes along three bus routes that had been serving Northeast San Antonio, VIA Link customers can use a smart phone app to book a shared ride to pick them up. A VIA Link driver will arrive within 30 minutes at one of hundreds of designated pick-up points across the special VIA Link zone. Passengers can be dropped off anywhere in the Northeast zone or connect to a regular bus route to travel anywhere in the VIA service area. The flexibility provides better frequency, decreases travel times, minimizes walking distances, and offers more pick-up and drop-off locations.
VIA Link is the agency’s latest effort toward delivering smart transit options — part of its “VIA Reimagined” Plan to modernize transportation in the region. The VIA Link passenger count as of June 30 was 10,315.
VIA Link offers app-based trip booking, with options for online and call-in assistance, real-time vehicle tracking, and a rating system for customers to provide feedback about the trip and driver. VIA will continue regular bus routes in the pilot zone through mid-August to allow customers to transition to VIA Link service. Meanwhile, the pilot is also attracting new riders to VIA with a fast-growing demand for service.
VIA has partnered with app developer RideCo and Yellow Cab to operate seven branded VIA Link vans in the zone, with the ability to scale up to meet higher demand during service hours. Each van can seat up to five passengers and can accommodate individuals who have a mobility impairment. Vehicles with a bike rack can be requested during trip booking. Regular VIA fares and discounts apply.
Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.
Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.
Through the strategic partnership, MOIA America will provide MOIA’s turnkey autonomous mobility solution. This includes purpose-built, autonomous-ready ID. Buzz vehicles equipped with the self-driving system developed by Mobileye, as well as operator training and enablement.
LexRide connects key destinations, including Downtown Lexington, the Distillery District, and the Warehouse Block/National Avenue area, making it easier to explore without worrying about parking, traffic, or multiple rideshare trips.
Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.
The expanded service builds on Pace’s growing On Demand network and is intended to improve access to destinations such as medical appointments, schools, shopping, employment centers and connections to the regional transit system.
An important part of the authority’s NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach will bring transit service directly to the rider’s location and offer a seamless link to the broader rail and bus system.
