SAN ANTONIO (Jan. 11, 2017) — Every semester, area students can save money, study for class, and surf the web with a $38 VIA Semester Pass. The convenience and savings are now available to students enrolled in area trade schools.

Beginning with the spring semester of 2017, access to VIA’s Semester Pass program is being expanded to include K-12, colleges and universities, and trade schools in the VIA service area. For less than the cost of a tank of gas, area students can enjoy unlimited rides and free 4G LTE WiFi on any VIA regular service route from January 1 to July 31.

“VIA recognizes the need for affordable and reliable transportation options for students on the road to completing their education, and we are proud to help support them on this journey,” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. “Expanding access to VIA’s Semester Pass Program in 2017 to include area trade school students allows us to provide access to opportunity for individuals working toward a brighter future for themselves and for our region.”

The Semester Pass is on sale now and can be purchased at most VIA Information Centers. To obtain a Semester Pass, a student must show proof of current registration or proof of enrollment in an accredited degree plan, proof of a paid or partially paid tuition bill, and a school photo ID. If a student does not have a photo ID, VIA can issue one for a $2 fee at the VIA Metro Center, the Downtown Information Center, the Kel-Lac Transit Center, the South Texas Medical Center Transit Center, the North Star Transit Center, the Crossroads Park and Ride, and Centro Plaza.

Students attending any of Alamo Colleges may visit the Bursar’s Office to pick up a Semester Pass, which is included in tuition fees. Students at the University of Texas at San Antonio Main Campus may purchase a Semester Pass at the Roadrunner Express Store. University of the Incarnate Word students may purchase a Semester Pass at the Student Activity Center Information Desk.

For more information on the Semester Pass and VIA’s other passes and fares, visit www.VIAinfo.net/students.

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. VIA, recognized by the Texas Transit Association as the outstanding Metro Transit Authority of the year, serves 14 member cities and the unincorporated areas of Bexar County, operating seven days a week on 90 routes. In 2015, VIA provided 42.2 million rides across the region. VIA’s AAA bond rating reflects the organization’s sound management and financial practices. Visit www.VIAinfo.net for more information. Follow us on http://www.facebook.com/VIATransit, www.Twitter.com/VIA_Transit, and www.Instagram.com/VIATransit.