San Antonio locals and visitors will have a new, free option to get around downtown starting Saturday, March 28. “The E” line, a new center city route being launched by VIA Metropolitan Transit, will run every 10 minutes from 6 p.m. to midnight, Tuesday through Saturday.
The new line should be a boon for the city’s entertainment and hospitality venues, and appeal to locals as well.
“The E offers a fabulous opportunity to showcase downtown San Antonio as an entertainment hub and to conveniently connect people to the places they want to visit,” Centro San Antonio President and CEO Pat DiGiovanni said in a news release. “We want to make it easy for people to take advantage of everything downtown has to offer. We’re excited to be a part of the launch of this new service.”
The new circulator route will connect the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, Majestic, Empire, and Aztec theaters, La Villita, the Convention Center, and Rivercenter Mall – as well as the bars, restaurants, and retail in between. For more information, visit www.VIAinfo.net/E and www.downtowntuesday.com.
The E route trollies will have a bright “E” that indicates a free ride.
“VIA is proud to announce the launch of The E alongside our many community partners today. This new service reflects VIA’s continued commitment to a robust presence in downtown, and provides a great travel option in and around the downtown area,” stated VIA Board Secretary Marc Harrison.
Those partners include the City of San Antonio’s Center City Development and Operations Department and Centro San Antonio’s downtown Public Improvement District.
The announcement came Tuesday morning during a press conference held in recognition of Downtown Tuesday‘s third anniversary. The initiative aims to encourage visitors and residents to get out on the town by offering free parking at all City-operated parking garages, lots, and meters every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
To further celebrate its anniversary, Downtown Tuesday will host a “Be-Cause” dinner event on the River Walk. Guests start at Mad Dog’s British Pug for appetizers and will then take a water taxi to Rio Rio Cantina and Landry’s Seafood for the second and third courses. Tickets are still available at Eventbrite, but online sales close at 5:30 p.m.
“We look forward to expanding the success of the Downtown Tuesday initiative,” said Councilmember Roberto Treviño (D1). “It makes our downtown more vibrant and welcoming to residents and visitors alike.”
*Featured/top image: The E route trollies will have a bright “E” that indicates a free ride. Photo courtesy of VIA Metropolitan Transit.
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