Newsroom

VIA Metropolitan Transit is ensuring customers remain as comfortable at possible at VIA bus stops and facilities in the wake of this summer’s rising temperatures.

VIA’s Safety, Training and System Security Supervisors are at transfer points, along routes and at transit facilities throughout distributing water bottles to VIA customers. The customer care service will continue on days when triple-digit heat is forecast, usually during high-heat index hours, 1 to 6 p.m., and some mid-morning hours.

VIA is also providing cooling buses stationed at several transit centers. The City of San Antonio has opened Cooling Centers to assist those without adequate or air-conditioned shelter. The list of the cooling center locations is below where you can enter your zip code in the search prompt to find the location nearest you.

Riders can get help planning their trip to the cooling centers with VIA’s online trip planner or by calling (210) 362-2020. Regular fares will apply.

VIA Modifies service during hot weather

To assist VIAtrans customers, VIA operates modified pick-up and drop-off procedures during hot weather – days in which actual temperatures reach 100 degrees. Customers will be advised to wait inside for pick-up appointments scheduled between noon and 7 p.m. VIAtrans van operators will go to the door to alert the customer if he or she does not appear within three minutes of the van’s arrival. Customers in an office building (high rise, hospital, etc.) should wait on the ground level inside the main entrance or lobby. For drop-off appointments between noon and 7 p.m., van operators will remain at the drop-off point to ensure a VIAtrans customer has entered a house or a building before leaving.

VIA encourages everyone to stay hydrated during summer months. Beverages are allowed on buses and vans in spill-proof or screw-top containers. Carrying an umbrella and dressing in loose or light-colored clothing also helps to keep cool. For more tips, visit VIA online at VIAinfo.net.

CITY OF SAN ANTONIO COOLING STATIONS

OTHER RESOURCES

• San Antonio Public Pools Map
• Project Cool Box Fan Program Map
• Heat Awareness Video PSA