SAN ANTONIO — VIA Metropolitan Transit signed a $268 million grant agreement on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, with the Federal Transit Administration to support the VIA Rapid Green Line.
This project will be the region’s first Advanced Rapid Transit corridor, delivering convenient, high-frequency service by late 2027, according to a news release.
“The service is designed to improve transportation options for the nearly 54,000 residents and 108,000 jobs located in the 10.35-mile corridor. The grant represents the largest federal investment in VIA’s history and marks the first time the agency sought this highly competitive federal funding opportunity,” the release stated. “To qualify, VIA demonstrated its ability to provide high-quality transit services along dedicated bus-only lanes and secure local matching funds for construction and operation of the project.”
“The Green Line will make life easier and better for everyone in this vibrant, fast-growing city,” FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said. “Right now, many San Antonio households are spending nearly a quarter of their income just on transportation. This new transit line will help lessen that financial burden and create a thriving environment where everyone can enjoy greater mobility and economic opportunities.”
In 2020, San Antonio voters approved a measure to redirect an existing 1/8-cent sales tax to the transit agency, starting in 2026. This initiative, approved by more than 68% of voters, will provide the necessary local match and operating funds for the Green Line.
“Today’s signing is momentous for VIA and our community. Together with the FTA, we’re now fully funded to construct the backbone of a system designed to meet the mobility needs of San Antonio, well into our evolving future,” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. “The VIA Rapid Green Line will help countless residents and visitors more easily navigate our city, removing obstacles and barriers to health care, workforce development, jobs and opportunity that may have previously been out of reach. We see a future in which our customers spend less time traveling and more time doing the things that matter most in their lives.”
The Green Line will connect riders from the San Antonio International Airport, through downtown San Antonio, and south to the historic Missions area. The innovative service will feature:
- Reduced travel times: Dedicated lanes and synchronized traffic signals to ensure faster and more reliable trips.
- Enhanced rider experience: Off-board fare collection, level platform boarding, and modern stations to create a seamless and comfortable commute.
- Improved mobility for all: The project includes upgrades to intersections, sidewalks, and drainage, benefiting pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
Advanced Rapid Transit corridors are a key component of VIA’s Keep SA Moving plan, approved by voters in 2020.
Source: VIA Metropolitan Transit
