VIA Metropolitan Transit and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, Inc. (TMMTX) are celebrating the success of the VIA Link South Zone and the more than 10,000 trips since the zone opened in August. VIA’s third on-demand service zone launch included a pilot program with Toyota, a major employer supported by more than 20 on-site suppliers. Toyota Social Innovation awarded VIA a $250,000 grant to remove mobility barriers and expand mobility options for South Side residents. The pilot partnership significantly increased accessibility for potential and current TMMTX employees as part of the overall success of the rideshare service.
Together with its employees and special guests, including District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran, District 4 Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia, TMMTX President Kevin Voelkel, VIA Board of Trustees Chair Fernando Reyes and VIA President and CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt, TMMTX and VIA celebrated the increased access to mobility options that VIA Link South provides to South Side residents and current and prospective employees on the TMMTX campus.
“Every day, we’re connecting students, employees, job candidates, seniors, families and children to the places they need to go, breaking down mobility barriers so that our friends, families and neighbors can spend more time doing all the things they need and want to do,” Arndt said. “We’re proud to partner with great organizations throughout the community – including Toyota and institutions of higher learning, such as Texas A&M-San Antonio and Palo Alto College.”
The VIA Link South zone connects a 12.52-square-mile area with convenient “virtual stops,” including major destinations, such as VIA’s Madla Transit Center, Palo Alto College, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, South San High School, South Park Mall, shopping and medical centers and TMMTX.
“As Toyota transitions to a mobility company, we want to continue our focus on creating transportation accessibility to the greatest number of people,” Voeklel said. “We know there is a critical need for reliable transportation for those who want to pursue career opportunities at Toyota Texas and beyond. With community partners like VIA, we are proud to help make services like this possible.”
VIA Link is an app-based, on-demand rideshare service for the same fares and discounts as regular bus service. Customers are usually picked up within 10-20 minutes of booking and can track and rate their rides. Passengers can travel anywhere in the zone or to convenient transfer points to connect with the full VIA system. The flexibility provides better frequency, decreases travel times, minimizes walking distances and offers more pick-up and drop-off locations. Expanding on-demand service is part of VIA’s Keep SA Moving plan that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November 2020. The VIA goMobile+ app is available on Apple and Android smartphones.
VIA Link South service is available seven days a week from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
