Long story short
According to a news release, the budget includes a $339.1 million operating budget and a $235.2 million capital plan. VIA’s new budget is structured around its vision for improving organizational performance and transit service.
Strategic budget investments include:
- Service and frequency by expanding service hours, reducing wait times and improving travel times through VIA Link and fixed-route service enhancements
- Customer experience by adding more shelters, improving signage and real-time information and modernizing rider facilities
- Safety and security by expanding the VIA Transit Police force, upgrading surveillance systems and improving lighting and infrastructure
- Workforce development by strengthening operator retention and recruitment, expanding training and career pathways
“This budget makes strategic investments that will help VIA deliver the improved, reliable transit system that meets the needs of our growing region,” Laura Cabanilla, VIA board chair, said. “We’re making historic investments in our service, our infrastructure and our workforce to benefit the community today and into the future.”
What else?
Additionally, VIA is working to speed up the completion of the Better Bus Plan, which is designed to offer more direct service through traditional bus routes. The plan also includes expanding bus service and VIA Link Zones.
According to a news release, 64% of planned improvements are estimated to be finished within the program’s first two years. VIA also intends to launch the VIA Link southeast zone, its sixth VIA Link zone, Nov. 3.
The board also approved VIA’s five-year capital improvement plan of $1.1 billion. This plan seeks to make investments in the renovation of existing buildings, construction of new facilities, purchase of new vehicles and large-scale transit infrastructure, such as the VIA Rapid Green and Silver lines.
Beginning Jan. 1, VIA will begin to use revenue from a 1/8th-cent sales tax approved by San Antonio voters in November 2020 for VIA’s Advanced Transportation District. This sales tax revenue was originally used for workforce development over a five-year period.
Quote of note
“This budget is about turning resources into results. Every additional trip, every safer stop, every new operator we train is an investment that translates into real improvements for our riders and our community,” Jon Gary Herrera, VIA president and CEO, said. “The ultimate impact is greater mobility, stronger connections to jobs and schools, and a system that earns the trust of the people we serve.”
