City of Converse 2026 VIA Metropolitan Transit Election
What does the election decide?
The Converse City Council called a special election for Nov. 3 to consider whether VIA service should continue within the City of Converse. VIA currently provides public transportation services within Converse as part of the VIA service area.
The State of Texas collects 1/2-cent sales tax that supports VIA services in Converse, including bus services, VIAtrans, and VIA Link. In Texas, sales tax is paid by consumers when they purchase taxable goods and services, with businesses collecting and remitting the tax to the state.
The ballot will allow Converse voters to decide whether the city remains in the VIA service system or withdraws from it.
What's on the ballot
Official Ballot Language
Shall the VIA San Antonio Metropolitan Transit Authority Service be discontinued in the City of Converse, Texas?
What this means
A regional transit system serves multiple communities through one connected network and makes long-term investments across the service area. Converse residents currently have access to VIA’s regional network for travel within and beyond the city. If Converse withdraws, the State of Texas would continue to collect the 1/2-cent sales tax that supports VIA services until the City of Converse’s sales tax financial obligation is satisfied of at least $12.9 Million*.
*This amount is based upon the final City of Converse Net Financial Obligation amount that will continue to be collected until satisfied (the ½ cent sales tax) will be calculated based on the effective date of the withdrawal as required by law. Texas Transportation Code §451.611.
If voters vote no, VIA service will continue in Converse
- Converse would remain within the VIA service area and transit service within the city would continue.
- Converse would not withdraw from the VIA service system.
If voters vote yes, VIA service will be discontinued in Converse
If the measure to discontinue VIA service were approved:
- Bus services discontinued.
- VIAtrans service discontinued.
- Precinct 4 VIA Link service discontinued.
- VIA service within Converse would cease after the vote is canvassed by the Converse City Council. Service would be discontinued following the legally required withdrawal process.
- The State of Texas would continue to collect the 1/2-cent sales tax that supports VIA services until the City of Converse’s financial obligation of at least $12,884,652* is satisfied.
*This amount is based upon the final City of Converse Net Financial Obligation amount that will continue to be collected until satisfied (the ½ cent sales tax) will be calculated based on the effective date of the withdrawal as required by law. Texas Transportation Code §451.611.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT VIA SERVICE IN CONVERSE? Email [email protected]
Bus Service
VIA currently provides three regularly scheduled bus services serving Converse, with service frequencies ranging from approximately 11 to 30 minutes.
Bus service Snapshot
Approximately 76,000 bus service boardings each year, or about 208 per day.
37 Stops
within city limits
23 Sheltered Stops
62% of stops - systemwide average is 38%
Employers & Community assets
- Walmart Supercenter & Neighborhood Market
- 4 schools - Judson ISD & IDEA Converse
- City Hall, Public Library, Fire/EMS x2
- CareNow Urgent Care · Cuban Grocery
VIATRANS
Paratransit service for eligible riders with disabilities who cannot use regular bus service.
- Service Hours: 4 a.m.– midnight
- Reservations: Trips can be booked 1 to 4 days in advance.
- Booking Options: VIAtrans app, online portal, or (210) 362-5050
- Booking Information: Provide pickup, destination, date/time, number of passengers, and mobility needs
- Pickup: Riders receive a scheduled pickup window; vehicles may arrive any time within that window
VIAtrans Service in converse
272
Active VIAtrans clients
14,384
Trips in FY 2025
$52.32
VIA Cost Per Trip
Employers & Community assets
- Dialysis Centers
- Senior Centers
- Medical Facilities
- Grocery Stores
- Shopping Centers
- Schools
Precinct 4 VIA Link Service
VIA Link operates service to the Bexar County Precinct 4 Office in Converse and connects the facility to VIA’s broader transit network.
about via
VIA Metropolitan Transit was established in 1978 and is the regional public transportation provider serving San Antonio and surrounding member communities in Bexar County. VIA operates bus services, paratransit, and on-demand services that connect residents to jobs, schools, healthcare and other destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this issue on the ballot?
The Converse City Council called an election to ask voters whether the City of Converse should continue to use VIA services. The election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
What VIA services are currently available in Converse?
Current services include fixed-route bus service, VIAtrans, and VIA Link Service.
What happens to VIA service if Converse remains in the VIA service area?
VIA service in Converse would continue.
What happens to VIA service if Converse withdraws from VIA?
VIA service within Converse would cease following the date that the vote is canvassed by the Converse City Council.
Would VIAtrans service be affected?
Yes. If Converse withdraws from the VIA service area, VIAtrans service within Converse would cease. Converse would not be within VIA’s service area.