On-demand service reaches million passengers mark with opening of new zone in city center

VIA Metropolitan Transit, in partnership with Centro San Antonio and the University of Texas at San Antonio, opens its new VIA Link Downtown zone, celebrating two major milestones for the popular on-demand service: five years and over 1 million passengers since its launch.

The VIA Board of Directors unanimously approved the creation of the new Downtown Link zone at a special meeting convened Tuesday. The VIA Link Downtown/Little Runner zone is the fifth for VIA and builds on the success of Centro’s 2023 pilot project, named “Little Runner” after UTSA’s RoadRunner mascot.

The new zone, scheduled to open September 2, is designed to connect people who live, work and visit UTSA’s bustling downtown and downtown campus.

In the downtown area, VIA Link minibuses will provide service, but unlike other VIA Link zones, bus routes will continue to operate and a “Little Runner” transit service using small electric shuttles will transport students and staff between UTSA’s downtown campus and the school’s new San Pedro I building.

“Offering VIA Link service downtown moves us closer to achieving our mission of connecting the community through innovation and collaboration with partners and neighbors like Centro San Antonio and UTSA,” said VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt. “VIA Link has proven to be a game-changer with over 1 million passenger trips – and counting. This new partnership will move us in the right direction as San Antonio – and VIA – continue to grow and change.”

Trish DeBerry, President/CEO of Centro San Antonio, spoke to VIA’s board of directors on Tuesday and spoke in favor of the project, highlighting the success of the pilot project and its potential for the future.

“The Little Runner pilot has provided important data and actionable steps to drive this next evolution of the program,” said DeBerry. “These partnerships are critical as we seek to continue to innovate and electrify the overall experience of locals, students and visitors in downtown San Antonio. We are excited to have VIA expand its operations with this program.”

The expansion of the app-based service model is part of VIA’s “Keep SA Moving” plan, which includes innovative transit options using technology and multimodal solutions, as well as improved bus service and the region’s first Advanced Rapid Transit network, VIA Rapid.

The first VIA Link zone opened in 2019 on the northeast side of the city, now known as the Naco Pass zone. The revolutionary service offers more flexible travel options, providing transportation services whenever and wherever people need them, at the same fares and discounts as regular bus service. Four Link zones are now in operation, including Mainland, with service at UTSA’s main campus on the northwest side; Madla, connecting points from Texas A&M University-San Antonio to the Toyota Manufacturing Campus on the south side; and Randolph, near Windcrest and Converse.

Introduced as a ‘smart transit’ solution, it uses technology and an on-demand model to improve the operating costs of the service and provide more frequent and reliable service in areas where bus service is either difficult, such as suburban zones, or can be augmented by multimodal options, such as downtown zones.

VIA Link’s Downtown/Little Runner zone is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Fare on VIA Link is the same as regular VIA bus service, just $1.30. The same low fares and discounts apply as regular VIA service, including the U-Pass.

Customers can book a ride using the VIA Link app or by calling (210) 655-LINK (5465) and pay with the VIA goMobile+ app, a VIA Transit Pass, or cash. The Transit app also offers the option to book complete rides, including a connecting bus or BCycle ride. For more information, visit VIAinfo.net/LINK or call (210) 362-2020.