VIA’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved on Tuesday the agency’s Better Bus Plan, a comprehensive initiative that will bring more frequent and reliable service to the region over the next several years.

The system plan focuses on improving the VIA network by increasing frequency and reliability while implementing additional innovative transit solutions.

“We’ve done the planning, and now we’re moving forward with implementation,” VIA President & CEO Jon Gary Herrera said. “We know that better transit service not only gives back time to riders for what matters but also attracts more riders and spurs economic growth across our region. As our community grows, it’s critical that we deliver a transit system that reflects the needs of our community today and tomorrow.”

Key improvements include the implementation of the VIA Rapid Green and Silver Lines, system-wide frequency of 30 minutes or better with more frequent service on key corridors and an expansion of the ever-popular VIA Link service in the region.

The Better Bus Plan was developed with input from the community and stakeholders through meetings, surveys and online feedback such as maintaining existing routes, expanding VIA Link service and improved frequency and reliability.

The frequency improvements implemented by VIA on April 14 were the first phase of enhancements under the Better Bus Plan. The second phase, which includes the proposed service improvements for August, builds on those earlier changes and further enhances service on multiple routes.

When evaluating routes for increased frequency opportunities, VIA considers post-COVID travel patterns, operator availability, requests from the public and potential for maximum positive ridership impact.

VIA will hold a series of public hearings in which the agency will provide more information on these improvements and gather community feedback to ensure the initiatives meet rider needs:

  • Tuesday, June 10 at 5:30 p.m. – Guerra Branch Library (7978 Military Dr. W., 78227)
  • Wednesday, June 11 at 5:30 p.m. – VIA Metro Center Board Room (1201 San Pedro Ave., 78212)
  • Thursday, June 12 at 5:30 p.m. – Converse Community Center (407 S. Seguin Rd., 78109)

To view all the proposed changes or submit online comments on the proposed changes, visit VIAinfo.net/proposedchanges. The deadline to submit comments is June 13.

More information about the Better Bus Plan will be available at KeepSAmoving.com.