VIA Metropolitan Transit will host public input sessions throughout June to collect feedback that will shape a rapid transit network draft proposal, helping to identify where in San Antonio there should be dedicated lanes for public transportation.
VIA officials describe the proposal as the next step in realizing the service’s Vision 2040 Long Range Plan, aimed at shaping the future of transit in the region as the population grows. The corridors suggested by the public may eventually have dedicated VIA Primo or similar bus service, or be used for developing methods of transportation such as trackless trains.
The rapid transit system’s overall goal is to give commuters reliable transportation options by increasing frequency of service. VIA reported that in 2017 only 2 percent of its service had riders waiting for less than 10 minutes.
“What people can expect at these open houses is a draft of a system plan that focuses on a combination of dedicated lanes and an expansion of PRIMO-type service,” said Lorraine Pulido, communications manager at VIA Metropolitan Transit. “The dedicated lanes are the backbone of congestion-proof rapid transit.”
The eight meetings will begin on June 12 and continue through June 28. Each meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 12, Temple Beth-El, 211 Belknap Pl.
- Wednesday, June 13, The Nellie Reddix Center, 4711 Sid Katz Dr.
- Thursday, June 14, The Tool Yard, 10303 Tool Yard Dr.
- Wednesday, June 20, Stinson Municipal Airport, 8535 Mission Rd.
- Thursday, June 21, The Neighborhood Place, 3014 Rivas St.
- Tuesday, June 26, Barbara Jordan Community Center, 2803 E. Commerce St.
- Wednesday, June 27, VIA Stone Oak Park & Ride, 22139 U.S. Highway 281 N.
- Thursday, June 28, VIA Metro Center, 1021 San Pedro Ave.
Input may be submitted at the public workshop, online (coming soon), or in writing through July 16. Written comments may be mailed to: Government & Community Relations – RTC Studies, c/o VIA Metropolitan Transit, P.O. Box 12489, San Antonio, TX 78212, or by email at GCR@viainfo.net.
“The public comments about this particular draft will help guide VIA even further with the selection of the different routes and held develop tomorrow’s transportation choices,” Pulido said.
The meetings coincide with attempts by ConnectSA, a newly formed nonprofit, to create a new mass transit plan for the city.
“It’s important for the community to be engaged because it impacts them now and in the future,” Pulido said.
For more information on the rapid transit draft, click here.
my input is don’t do it unless VIA builds its own lanes for transport. Taking lanes away from already congested roadways does not make sense. Can you tell me where such a system is working well?