About VIA History
VIA is the metropolitan transit authority for Greater San Antonio. It was created in 1977, began operations in March 1978, and has since grown into the award-winning mass transit agency that provides more than 36 million trips annually for residents and visitors. Learn more about our rich history in the timeline below.
2025
VIA launches its sixth VIA Link Zone – adding service in the Southeast area of San Antonio.
VIA completes construction on the complete remodel of the Randolph Transit Center.
VIA breaks ground on region’s first Advanced Rapid Transit line.
2024
VIA Secures $268 Million Federal Grant for Advanced Rapid Transit Project.
VIA Metropolitan Transit Board of Trustees voted to appoint a new President and CEO.
VIA named Outstanding Metropolitan Transit Authority by the Texas Transit Association.
2023
VIA rolls out service with eight electric buses on daily routes.
VIA opens the Advanced Rapid Transit Project Office as a community information hub on the future Green Line corridor, which will run from the San Antonio Airport to the South Side.
2022
VIA launches VIA Link service on the South Side with service to Texas A&M San Antonio, Palo Alto College, South Park Mall, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing.
VIA’s first Advanced Rapid Transit corridor, the Rapid Green Line, receives federal funding through inclusion in President Joe Biden’s budget and Congress omnibus spending bill.
2021
VIA announces plans to expand its green transit footprint with the purchase of eight electric buses purchased with assistance of a federal grant.
VIA replaces 117 of its 124 VIAtrans Paratransit vehicles with new, updated vans that feature enhancements for riders with disabilities and older adults.
2020
VIA adapts service during the COVID-19 global pandemic to provide essential service safely, ensuring San Antonio continued to move as the city went into a prolonged lockdown.
VIA and CPS Energy announce renewable natural gas partnership.
San Antonio voters approve 1/8-cent sales tax to support public transit programs in 2026 as part of the Keep SA Moving Plan.
The first VIA-managed HOV lanes open in Bexar County.
2019
VIA introduces its first VIA Link zone with on -demand transit service on the city’s Northeast Side.
The new Brooks Transit Center opens for service with new Prímo and Express routes that expand convenient, high-frequency service to one of the fastest-growing communities in the region.
VIA adds two Prímo Routes – 102 Military and 103 Zarzamora – with fewer stops and faster service to destinations.
2018
VIA Metropolitan Transit is recognized by the Texas Transit Association (TTA) as the Outstanding Metropolitan Transit System in Texas for 2018 and receives the TTA’s Transit Innovation Award for its advancements in technology.
VIA launches VIAtrans Online System that allows paratransit riders to Book new trips, save favorite trips for future bookings, view or cancel reservations, and see the current location of a scheduled vehicle in real time.
VIA opens the Stone Oak Park & Ride, state-of-the-art facility at the corner of U.S. 281 N. and Stone Oak Parkway that features a full-service Customer Service Center, and 400 parking spaces on the three parking levels.
2017
VIA begins a total fleet conversion to replace diesel buses with compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, which reduce NOx emissions by 97 percent.
VIA launches the goMobile App designed to streamline planning, ticketing, and boarding process by providing real-time information and eliminating the need for cash payments and card swipes.
VIA begins operating the largest CNG fueling station in North America, with 10 lanes and a 10,980-square foot compressor compound, which provides an estimated $8.5 million in annual fuel cost savings.
VIA completes 1,000 bus stop improvements with new shelters installed throughout the service area to provide sheltered locations for 95 percent of boardings in the region.
2016
New VIVA service line launches with three distinct routes connecting cultural, historic, and entertainment corridors in the city center.
VIA is recognized as the 2016 Outstanding Metropolitan Transit System by the Texas Transit Association for its efforts to enhance the region’s public transportation system.
First new VIA mascots in 35 years are introduced, adding Primo and Safety Sofie as Buster’s partners.
2015
VIA becomes the first major transit agency in the nation to offer free, system-wide 4G LTE WiFi.
VIA opens Centro Plaza at VIA Villa, a state-of-the-art transit hub, just west of Downtown San Antonio.
2013
VIA Prímo service is extended into Leon Valley.
VIA’s first all-electric, battery-powered buses enter service.
2012
Primo service begins operating, offering the most frequent service in the VIA system at the time.
2011
VIA begins projects under the Long Range Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
2010
The agency’s first Compressed Natural Gas-fueled (CNG) buses and diesel-electric hybrid buses are introduced.
Free, high-speed wireless internet connections are installed at VIA’s information centers.
2009
VIA enters into an agreement with CPS Energy to receive wind-generated electricity for all of the agency’s power needs.
High-speed wireless internet connections are tested on VIA buses.
2008
Solar panels are installed on the Madla Transit Center to provide power for the facility.
2007
VIA begins selling passes and tickets online through the agency’s website.
VIA’s website wins the AdWheel award from the American Public Transportation Association for “Best Internet Homepage.”
2006
Installation begins on 700 new bus shelters.
Vanpool service is introduced.
2005
VIA begins installing a special yellow seat dedicated to the legacy of Rosa Parks in each of its buses.
VIA’s introduces new streetcars that are enclosed, air-conditioned, powered by propane engines, and accessible in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
2004
Voters in San Antonio approve the Advanced Transportation District.
The Kel-Lac Transit Center opens.
The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recognizes VIA as a Five Star Employer.
2003
VIA begins using ultra-low-sulfur diesel in new buses (40-foot) manufactured by New Flyer of America.
VIA implements a new system of bus routes as a result of the Comprehensive Service Plan.
The first of 400 new advertising shelters are installed.
Construction begins on a new transit facility to replace the Kel-Lac Park & Ride facility.
2002
VIA’s Customer Information Center at the Ellis Alley Park & Ride facility opens on the historic East Side, a result of combined conservation efforts with the S.A. Conservation Society and neighborhood group.
VIA begins hiring officers for its Transit Police force.
2001
Work begins on the Comprehensive Service Plan, a system-wide assessment of VIA’s bus services that will result in increased productivity and efficiency
Bicycle racks are installed on all VIA buses (excluding streetcars). New Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) is introduced, using global positioning technology to track the activity of VIA’s fleet.
2000
VIA begins taking delivery of the agency’s first propane-powered buses (30-foot) manufactured by Champion.
1999
The River Walk Streetcar Station opens, a result of a partnership between VIA, the City of San Antonio, and the San Antonio Water System; the Streetcar Station provides the first public connection to the River Walk that is wheelchair-accessible.
VIA’s first low-floor buses (40-foot) from North American Bus Industries are introduced.
1998
The Federal Transit Administration names VIA “Moving Kids Safely Champion” for its “Classroom on Wheels” program.
1997
VIA installs bicycle racks on buses as part of a pilot program, allowing bus patrons to take their bikes with them on bus trips for the first time.
VIA introduces the Ozone Season Pass.
1996
VIA introduces Transit Bike Patrol to provide a safer transit environment for bus patrons in the downtown area.
1995
VIA receives Achievement Award for bus safety from the American Public Transit Association for the third consecutive year.
1994
VIA ranks second in the nation for cost-effectiveness by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
VIA becomes charter member of CLEAR, a statewide environmental alliance.
1993
The Robert Thompson Transit Station opens, and VIA transports record numbers of passengers to Alamodome events, a service that continues today.
1992
VIA launches lift-equipped bus service with the introduction of wheelchair-accessible buses.
VIA is one of the first transit agencies in the nation to adopt ADA standards.
1991
The TriParty project is completed. VIA receives its first award from the Government Finance Officers Association for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
1990
VIA is named Best Transit System in North America by the American Public Transit Association.
VIA opens an on-site Child Development Center, the first of its kind in the transit industry.
1998
The Federal Transit Administration names VIA “Moving Kids Safely Champion” for its “Classroom on Wheels” program.
1987
VIA serves as the official transportation coordinator for Pope John Paul II’s historic visit.
For the third consecutive year, VIA receives the American Public Transit Association’s first place “Silver Award” for safety.
1985
TriParty Plan to improve downtown transportation and pedestrian traffic is approved.
1983
VIA launches street car service downtown.
1981
1980
VIA mascots, the Buppets, including Buster the Bus, are introduced and begin appearing at area schools and community events as part of VIA’s educational and community outreach initiatives.
The 25-foot Chance bus is introduced.
VIA’s Maintenance department unveils a newly designed air-conditioning system aboard buses that sparks national interest.
1979
Residents in unincorporated areas of Bexar County and suburban cities of China Grove and Grey Forest vote in VIA service by a margin of 10 to 1.
1978
VIA begins operations.
1977
By a 5-to-3 margin, residents in San Antonio and five suburban areas vote to establish VIA Metropolitan Transit.
Marilyn Jones is named VIA first Board Chair, and position she holds until 1981.
