VIA Metropolitan Transit

Infobox Bus transit
name = VIA Metropolitan Transit

logo_size = 100


image_size =
image_caption =
company_slogan =
parent =
founded = 1977
headquarters = 1021 San Pedro San Antonio, Texas
locale = San Antonio
service_area = San Antonio and Bexar County
service_type = Local bus service
alliance =
routes = 91
destinations =
stops = 6,960
hubs =
stations =
lounge =
fleet = 454
ridership = 42.3 million passenger (in FY 2006-2007)
fuel_type = Diesel
operator = VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority
ceo =
website = [http://www.viainfo.net viainfo.net]

. It began operation in 1978 as a successor to the San Antonio Transit System.

History

VIA was created in 1977 when the citizens of Bexar County voted in favor of one-half cent sales tax to fund the service. Subsequently, VIA purchased transit assets from the City of San Antonio began operations in March 1978.Later, in 2004, San Antonians approved the formation of the Advanced Transportation District. This quarter-cent sales tax expanded and improved VIA operations.

Services

VIA operates approximately 460 buses (most of which are wheelchair accessible) on 91 bus lines serving San Antonio and the majority of Bexar County. The bus lines are separated into "Metro" routes, "Frequent" routes, "Skip" routes (Limited Stop "Frequent" routes), "Express" routes, and "Streetcar" routes (downtown only). VIA also offers shuttle service to special events, such as Spurs games and selected events from the annual Fiesta. About 36 million trips are made on VIA every year. VIA also offers "VIATrans" services for disabled travelers.

Fares for VIA have remained relatively modest during its existence. At its inception in 1978, fares were 25 cents for most routes. Fares for most fixed routes during 2006 were 80 cents and a monthly bus pass was $20, much lower than most transit systems in the country. On January 1, 2007, basic fares were raised to $1 and monthly pass prices were raised to $25.

VIA is to add Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service to Fredricksburg Road by 2012. VIA is looking into other corridors to add Bus Rapid Transit to in the coming decades.

Governance

VIA is governed by a Board of Trustees, which has eleven appointees, all of whom have two year terms. Board Members are appointed by The City of San Antonio (which appoints five members), Bexar County Commissioners Court (appoints three), and the Suburban Mayors (appoints two). The members meet monthly to discuss issues, policy, and hear from the community.

References

"VIA plans to increase bus fares on Jan. 1" mySA.com, July 26, 2006.

External links

* [http://www.viainfo.net VIA Home Page]