VIA Metropolitan District dedicated its new VIAtrans Operations Center at 4902 Fredericksburg Road in San Antonio on Oct. 6.
The 11-acre, 100,000-square-foot capital project is part of VIA’s plan to “Keep San Antonio Moving” with investments designed to improve VIA programs and services, according to a VIA press release.
The Federal Transit Administration’s Grant for Buses and Bus Facilities Program contributed $6 million to the VIA project.
“I’m proud to support this project and proud that my office was able to help secure federal funds to make this milestone possible for VIA and the communities it serves,” U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar said at the dedication and ribbon -utting.
The operations center was designed to consolidate VIAtrans paratransit operations, which serves customers who cannot utilize the fixed-route bus system, due to a disability or impairment; and fleet maintenance, freeing up space at VIA’s bus yard at San PedroAvenue and North Flores Street, the release stated.
So far, more than 130 paratransit vehicles, operations, operators and maintenance staff have moved there. By December, VIA plans to also relocate VIAtrans reservations, scheduling and dispatching staff.
The operations center was built in what was a former retail store and later, a popular nightclub. The center includes vehicle fueling, detailing, and washing stations; underground oil tanks and water capture technology; loading docks; vehicle maintenance bays; and office and exercise space for employees.
“These facilities will be the backbone of a growing system that is designed with more frequent, reliable bus and van service; expanded VIAlink service zones; and an Advanced Rapid System network of corridors that’s already underway,” VIA President and CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said.
