Public transportation will be complimentary in light of fuel shortage at area pumps

SAN ANTONIO (September 4, 2017) – VIA Metropolitan Transit will provide free bus and VIAtrans trips throughout its service area on Tuesday, September 5, to encourage motorists to try transit in light of gasoline shortages in the region. Area officials have been assured that fuel supplies at local gas stations will be replenished soon. VIA is announcing plans to provide free service on September 5 in order to offer safe, reliable transportation options as the situation is addressed.

Fixed-route bus service, Park & Ride Service, and scheduled VIAtrans trips will be fare free Tuesday. Paratransit service is available to certified VIAtrans customers. Regular VIAtrans trips must be scheduled at least one day in advance. VIA will also cover the $2 fare and up to $9 for registered VIAtrans customers using its Taxi Subsidy Service.

“As residents continue to help us manage this situation by being conscientious neighbors, I am grateful to VIA for doing what they can to provide additional transportation solutions,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. “Please consider exploring your public transit options Tuesday and consider other ride share alternatives throughout the week as fuel distributions come back to normal over the next few days.”

Car pooling and van pooling are always encouraged as a means to conserve fuel usage. VIA’s Park & Ride lots may be used as staging areas for commuters who organize car and van pools Tuesday, regardless of whether VIA services are accessed at these locations.

First-time riders can visit VIAinfo.net/how-to-ride to learn how to plan a trip, purchase future fares, and access other helpful information. Download the free VIA goMobile app for Apple and Android devices to purchase tickets and plan trips using a smartphone. Passengers can text their 5-digit bus stop number to 52020 for bus arrival information. For more information or assistance, contact VIA Customer Service at (210) 362-2020.

VIA continues to operate at full service levels and provide free transportation to evacuation shelter staff and guests. Customers may visit VIAinfo.net, or follow VIA’s Facebook and Twitter pages, for the latest service updates.

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About VIA Metropolitan Transit

VIA 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 in 2016 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. Last year, VIA provided 40 million rides across the region. VIA’s AAA bond rating reflects the organization’s sound management and financial practices. Visit VIAinfo.net for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.