Popular Transit-on-Demand service first launched in 2019
VIA News – VIA Metropolitan Transit is launching its newest VIA Link on-demand zone on Oct. 23, 2023. VIA’s fourth VIA Link zone, “VIA Link Randolph,” will provide service connecting an 18-square mile area with connections to Randolph Transit Center, Planned Eastside Mobility Hub, Artisan Apartments, and JBSA Fort Sam Houston Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC). The new zone improves service and expands access to employment hubs, including H-E-B, UPS, Home Depot Distribution Center, PepsiCo Beverages, Amazon, ButterKrust Bakery and Dollar General Distribution.
“This is the next step in fulfilling our promise to expand our services and offer our customers more mobility options that help them connect with opportunity,” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. “The on-demand service model offered by VIA Link is convenient, affordable and innovative. It provides a more efficient travel option for our customers.”
VIA Link is an innovative ride service that connects riders to their favorite neighborhood destinations for the same fare as regular service, only $1.30 per ride. The VIA Link service’s high ridership in the Northeast, Northwest, and South zones has increased customer demand, so VIA is expanding the service into a new area and extending the hours beginning Monday, Oct. 23, 2023. And each of the four zones will have new names and expanded service hours:
*VIA Link Randolph NEW: Every day 5 a.m. – 10 p.m.
*VIA Link Mainland (formerly Northwest zone): Every day 5 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
*VIA Link Madla (formerly South zone): Every day 5 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
*VIA Link Naco Pass (formerly Northeast zone): Every day 5 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
VIA Link service replaces fixed routes in the zone with more frequent service for the same fares as regular bus service. Customers can book trips using a free app, online portal, or by phone. They’re usually picked up within 10-20 minutes of booking — an improvement from the current wait times on bus service — and can track and rate their rides. Passengers can travel anywhere in the zone or to convenient transfer points to connect with the full VIA system. The flexibility provides better frequency and decreased travel times, minimizes walking distances, and offers more pick-up and drop-off locations. Expanding on-demand service is part of VIA’s Keep SA Moving plan that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November 2020. It’s part of a plan to provide smart transit options, using technology and partnerships for better service. Learn more at VIAinfo.net/LINK and download the VIA Link brochure, or call (210) 362-2020. The VIA goMobile+ app is available on Apple and Android smartphones. Visit VIAinfo.net/goMobile for more information.
