VIA Metropolitan Transit is testing out a pilot program simply titled “The E,” a free entertainment centered trolley that takes passengers through downtown San Antonio. On Tuesday, the Rivard Report hosted an E route tour to the Briscoe Western Arts Museum. While en route to the Briscoe, VIA President and CEO Jeffrey Arndt spoke about the newly launched pilot program. Arndt mentioned the possibility of extending the program and adding routes for the popular Museum and Mission Reaches. Speaking to the possibility of expanding VIA’s routes, Arndt said, “There’s 26 other letters in the alphabet, then there’s double letters.”
Upon arrival to the Briscoe, the passengers were split into three organized tour groups. I attached myself to one group hosted by the Briscoe’s Head of Education Jennifer Chowning. Everything from Pancho Villa’s colorful saddle to Santa Anna’s shining sword were on display for the guests. The group expressed an interest in architecture and Chowning led them outside to marvel at the Briscoe’s beautiful structure that was once a public library. After the tour, guests congregated on the outside pavilion for refreshments from Busted Sandal Brewing Company. On the way back to the Tobin Center, the E trolley was filled with chatter and felt like a social gathering. Since the E runs until midnight from Tuesday to Saturday, I could have ventured into the night for more entertainment. But to my better judgement, I called quits and returned home for an early night.
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It was a nice experience, and cool to meet some familiar names and faces in person. Thanks you folks with The Rivard Report. More to come…