VIA implements largest at-once set of service improvements

Effective Jan. 12, VIA Metropolitan Transit launched its largest set of service improvements that has ever been simultaneously implemented by the agency.

In a nutshell

According to a news release, the changes were feasible due to the hiring of 107 new full-time bus operators and the accelerated progress of the Better Bus Plan—VIA’s multiyear initiative designed to improve frequency, reliability and overall system performance. The changes affect 30 routes across VIA’s service area, the release states.

“This is the largest set of service improvements VIA has implemented at one time, and it directly supports our mission to connect people to what matters most,” Jon Gary Herrera, VIA president and CEO, said. “We remain committed to delivering a strong system with faster, more frequent and more reliable service that expands access to the places our customers need to go every day.”

According to the release, VIA used data—such as bus operator availability, current travel patterns, requests from the public and opportunities to maximize improved customer experience with faster, more reliable service—to determine route changes and updates.

Funding for the hiring and services changes is provided in part by the voter-approved sales tax that VIA began receiving in 2026.

Some context

VIA’s Better Bus Plan is an initiative designed to create a faster, more direct service on traditional bus routes. Using this plan, VIA is adding to both its bus service and VIA Links zones by evaluating existing bus routes, adding new routes and finding potential areas for change.

Better Bus Plan goals:

• Decrease wait times across network to 30 minutes or less
• Provide more frequent service on key corridors
• Connect people with faster, more direct service
• Make service simpler and easier to use
• Make transit available when and where it is needed