VIA Metropolitan Transit Company Report

Company Overview

• Name: VIA Metropolitan Transit

• Mission of the Company: VIA Metropolitan Transit provides regional multimodal transportation options that connect our community to opportunity, support economic vitality, and enhance quality of life throughout our region.

• Founded: November 8, 1977

• Founders: Established following a public vote

• Key People:

• Jon Gary Herrera, President and CEO

• Board of Trustees

• Headquarters: 123 N. Medina St., San Antonio, TX 78207

• Number of Employees: 2,162 total workforce

• 1,933 Full-time employees

• 992 Bus and Van Operators

• 255 Vehicle Maintenance Employees

• 23 Facilities Maintenance Employees

• 84 Passenger Amenities Employees

• Revenue: Revenue is generated from the half-cent transit sales tax in VIA’s service area, the 1/8-cent sales tax under the Advanced Transportation District, farebox revenues, bus advertising, and Federal Transit Administration grants. Specific figures not available.

• Known For: VIA is known for providing extensive public transportation services in the San Antonio metropolitan area, environmentally friendly fleet modifications, and incorporating innovative transit solutions.

Products and Services

1. Bus Service

• Description: VIA operates an extensive bus network with 75 routes divided into five categories: frequent, metro, express, skip, and downtown circulator.

• Key Features: Seven-day service from 4 a.m. to 1 a.m. across 5,984 stops, provided as traditional buses and articulated vehicles.

2. Paratransit Service - VIAtrans

• Description: Specialized service for passengers with disabilities.

• Key Features: 138 vehicles with wheelchair lifts, accommodating 6 ambulatory and 2 wheelchair patrons, or 4 ambulatory and 3 wheelchair patrons.

3. VIA Prímo

• Description: High-frequency service for popular routes.

• Key Features: Lower-emission vehicles, express routes with fewer stops for quicker transits.

4. VIA Link

• Description: On-demand ride-sharing service.

• Key Features: Coverage of key community zones with flexible, app-based booking.

5. Vanpool Service

• Description: Commuter-focused shared van service.

6. Park & Ride Service

• Description: Special services arranged for events, facilitating easy access.

Recent Developments

• New Board Chair, Vice Chair: Recent elections within VIA’s governing body.

• $268 Million Federal Grant: Secured for the Advanced Rapid Transit Project, designed to expand and improve transit options.

• New CEO: Jon Gary Herrera has been appointed as the new President and CEO.

Infrastructure and Fleet

• Fleet Composition:

• 428 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses

• 75 Diesel buses

• 8 Electric buses

• Completed fleet conversion to CNG by 2020

• Paratransit Fleet: Includes 138 units using propane and unleaded fuel.

• Environmental Commitment:

• Extensive sustainability and emissions reduction initiatives.

• Energy conservation through multiple facility upgrades.

• ISO 14001:2004 Certification for Environmental and Sustainability Management.

Awards and Recognitions

• 2024:

• Fifth Place - International Bus Roadeo, American Public Transportation Association

• Award for highest customer satisfaction from TransPro.

• Outstanding Metropolitan Transit Authority in Texas by Texas Transit Association.

• 2023:

• La Plata Award of Merit by Public Relations Society of America – San Antonio chapter.

• Rosa Parks Diversity Award by WTS - San Antonio Region.

• 2022:

• Above and Beyond Workplace Well-being Award by Aetna.

• Supplier Diversity Champion by Subcontractors USA.

Service Area

• Service Coverage: Encompasses 1,210 square miles including parts of Bexar County and several municipalities such as San Antonio, Alamo Heights, and Castle Hills.

• Rapid Expansion Projects: Advanced Rapid Transit initiatives to support growing service demands and encompass additional territories.

Fiscal Management

• Operating Budget for FY 2024: $390.8 million

• Resource Allocation: Generated primarily from sales tax, farebox revenues, federal grants, and advertising.

Company Culture

• Core Values:

• Accountability, customer service, and teamwork are emphasized.

• Transit Police dedicated to safety and community relation efforts.

• Environmental and Social Responsibility:

• Major strides in green energy utilization.

• Various campaigns for sustainability and community engagement.