Community - VIA Metropolitan Transit

Community

Programs

VIA is committed to promoting positive relations and outreach in the community. A number of programs are offered to engage the community in public transportation and create partnerships with those we serve.

VIA Moves Me – Rider Stories

VIA provided 36.6 million passenger trips in 2018, connecting our community with the places where we live, work, play, and learn. Our customers and their experiences are as unique and diverse as the region we serve, with one thing in common—riding VIA.

VIA is reaching out to our customers and asking them to tell their one-of-a-kind stories, and share all the ways that VIA moves them. We will post those stories here and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, using #VIAmovesme.

Take a moment to get to know your fellow VIA passengers. Learn about VIA’s programs and services and how public transportation helps keep our community moving forward, together.

VIA SHAPES A NEW GENERATION OF RIDERS

This is Heather Haynes-Smith and A.J.’s Story.

VIA PROVIDES ACCESS TO EVERYDAY LIFE

This is Humbertina Hernandez’s story.

VIA PROVIDES OPPORTUNITY FOR INDEPENDENCE

This is Sully Baxter’s Story.
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VIA PROVIDES ACCESS TO DOWNTOWN

This is Eddie Romero’s Story.
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VIA’S CNG BUSES PROVIDE CLEANER, ‘GREENER’ RIDE

This is Brent Angermiller’s Story.

VIA’S VIVA MISSIONS PROVIDES ACCESS TO HISTORY

This is Roberto Cantu’s story.

VIA’S PROVIDES ACCESS TO BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

This is the Bethany East PR story.

VIA’S SEMESTER PASS OFFERS ACCESS TO EDUCATION

This is Evangline’s story

  • VIA CARES

    The VIA Cares initiative bolsters are vision to assist the community we serve. We are committed to keep San Antonio moving so we can all get ahead. VIA Cares organizes available resources to help make ends meet for neighbors in need and builds on partnerships that match VIA volunteers with opportunities to serve.

    Providing relief efforts during catastrophic events, delivering food to those in need, and providing digital access to keep students connected to the classroom are just a few of the ways VIA Cares.

    Learn more on our VIA Cares page.

  • RIDE VIA TO VOTE

    The Ride VIA to Vote initiative provides free public transportation on municipal, state, and federal election days for passengers who present a valid voter registration card to the bus or van operator. The initiative began in spring 2016 to encourage civic participation throughout the VIA service area.

    The complimentary service will be available for regular bus service and VIAtrans paratransit service throughout the VIA service area on Election Days. Registered VIAtrans customers should schedule their trip in accordance with VIAtrans policies and procedures.

    For additional information regarding routes and schedules on Election Day, call (210) 362-2020.  Visit The Bexar County Election Site to find your polling location.

  • BIBLIOTECH DIGITAL LIBRARY

    Ride and Read Orange BusBiblioTech and VIA Metropolitan Transit have partnered to bring Bexar County’s all-digital public library to the traveling public with the new “Ride & Read” program.

    This new partnership brings VIA on board with BiblioTech’s mission to enhance education and literacy, promote reading as recreation, and equip residents with necessary tools to thrive in our modern landscape.

    Access BiblioTech on your smartphone or device, using free VIA Mobile WiFi, available at VIA facilities and on all VIA vehicles.

    BiblioTech Digital Library is the first all-digital public library in the United States, located in Bexar County, Texas.

    Since the doors of the first branch opened on September 14th, 2013, BiblioTech has actively worked to bridge literacy and technology gaps in San Antonio and surrounding areas by establishing a community presence at the physical locations as well as an online presence through the digital collections and resources.

    Sign Up is Free and Easy!

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    Download the free BiblioTech App or go to the BiblioTech website.
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    Register for a free digital library card.
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    Log in to your account.
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    Begin selecting and reading your favorite titles.

    BiblioTech patrons can browse and download books from a collection of more than 40,000 e-book titles. Once a rider’s selections are downloaded to a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop, the e-books remain available for two weeks before the titles are electronically returned. All registered BiblioTech patrons can use VIA’s free 4G LTE WiFi, available on all buses and at all transit centers, to access BiblioTech’s apps, and browse and download books, movies, music and periodicals.

    Membership to the library is free to all Bexar County residents.
    Access to the digital collection is available 24/7.

  • WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

    VIA recognizes women’s lasting contributions in San Antonio and beyond and honoring those who have been part of VIA’s history. Visit VIA’s HerStory page to learn more.

  • NATIONAL ARTS PROGRAM

    The National Arts Program works with VIA to organize an annual VIA Employee Art Contest and Exhibit. This exhibit showcases the artistic talents of VIA’s employees and their family members. The artwork is displayed in a local art gallery for one month before being put on display at VIA headquarters.

  • UNITED WAY

    VIA employees participate in the annual United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County Community Campaign drive.

Background

Meet the VIA Mascots

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Buster

Buster, VIA’s premier mascot, debuted in 1981 and became a beloved symbol in San Antonio and Bexar County, visiting with thousands throughout his decades of service to promote the benefits and ease of using public transportation.

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Prímo

Prímo represents VIA’s expanding fleet of Bus Rapid Transit vehicles and an important development for the future of public transportation in the region.

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Safety Sofie

Safety Sofie is a champion for traveling safely. She reminds everyone to stop, look, and listen when walking, driving or riding. She uses her super safety powers to help us make roadways and walkways safer for everyone.