San Antonio Zoo CEO/Executive Director Tim Morrow (second from left) joins VIA President/CEO Jeff Arndt, along with VIA Trustees Bob Comeaux and David Marne, to unveil one of three zoo-themed bus stop shelters along the VIVA culture route.
Next-Gen Shelters support agency’s goal
to “Build a Better Bus System”
SAN ANTONIO (March 13, 2018) – VIA Metropolitan Transit and San Antonio Zoo unveiled a new landmark at one of San Antonio’s most-visited sites, just in time for Spring Break. A custom-designed VIA bus shelter connects visitors to the Broadway corridor and Will Smith Zoo School. The stop serves VIA’s VIVA culture route (11B) and is part of VIA’s ongoing Passenger Amenities Improvement Program, which includes the improvement of 1,000 existing bus stops throughout the VIA service area.
“The custom branding for this shelter was designed in partnership with San Antonio Zoo to create a unique experience for visitors — one that reflects the rich culture along the VIVA corridors” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. “Just as VIA connects us to opportunity, VIVA connects us to adventure and to destinations like the zoo that make the heart of San Antonio special. As we plan for the transportation needs of our region, partnerships like these ensure that our customers’ quality of life is enhanced through public transit options.”
This bus stop improvement brings the total number of sheltered stops in the VIA service area to more than 2,250. Streamlined and modern, the new Next-Gen shelter design provides comfortable, covered seating, and sidewalk and ADA improvements to assist all passengers in making travel safer and connections smoother.
“San Antonio Zoo is thrilled to be a part of the VIVA Culture route,” said Tim Morrow, CEO and Executive director of San Antonio Zoo. “We’re excited to join with VIA Metropolitan Transit to unveil these new zoo-themed bus stops that will further enhance our beautiful city.”
The bus shelter is on N. St. Mary’s Street, just a short walk from the Train Depot, San Antonio Zoo, Brackenridge Park, and the Japanese Tea Garden. Two other zoo-themed bus stops are on Tuleta Drive, giving San Antonians access to Alamo Stadium, Trinity University, and Will Smith Zoo School.
With its completion, VIA will now provide sheltered locations for 95 percent of boardings throughout its system. In keeping with VIA’s ongoing commitment to support local, small, and minority-owned businesses, approximately 73 percent of the work done in connection with the program went to DBE/SBE companies.
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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 92 routes. Last year, VIA provided nearly 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.
About San Antonio Zoo®
San Antonio Zoo®, operated by San Antonio Zoological Society, is a non-profit organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo’s mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors each year and is open year-round. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, and Humane Certified by American Humane. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
CONTACT: Lorraine Pulido, Ph.D.
c 210-380-6895