Via Directing State funds to Mobility Projects

The Via Board of Trustees approved the programming of $92 million from the Texas Department of Transportation for the development of capital projects to benefit current transit users and to attract new riders.

The Via Board agreed with a staff recommendation to use the TxDOT funds to help pay for passenger-oriented facility improvements and to accelerate several projects under the SmartMove initiative and in the larger Long Range Comprehensive Transportation Plan. These projects will improve mobility throughout the Bexar County region and encourage economic development. The funding will be distributed as follows:

• Development of bus rapid transit service for the south/west corridor - $50.7 million (estimated total project cost - $66.1 million)
• Construction of the Brooks Transit Center - $10 million (estimated total project cost - $20 million)
• Construction of a park and ride facility on IH-10 north of Loop 1604 - $8 million (estimated total project cost - $10 million)
• Construction of a park and ride facility on Texas Highway 151 near Loop 1604 - $8 million (estimated total project cost - $10 million)
• Installation of 300-400 bus shelters - $5.2 million (estimated total project cost - $12 million)
• Redevelopment of the Robert Thompson Transit Center - $5.1 million (estimated total project cost - $10.7 million)
• Construction of the U.S. Highway 281 North Park and Ride at Stone Oak Parkway - $2.6 million (estimated total project cost - $19.5 million)
• Construction of the Westside Multimodal Transit Center - $2.4 million (estimated total project cost - $25 million)

“We appreciate TxDOT’s forward looking support, providing funds that make it possible to improve service for the entire community,” said Via President/CEO Jeffrey Arndt. “This makes public transportation more attractive for the people who ride VIA today and more attractive for future riders.”