In the wake of the ongoing construction and growth of UTSA’s downtown footprint, notable partners VIA and Centro San Antonio have announced that on Sept. 2, they are expanding their coverage of the VIA Link service to a new zone in the heart of San Antonio. This new zone encompasses areas like Madison Square Park, the Alamo, and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The launch of this new “Little Runner Zone” comes as the partnership celebrates a major milestone: over a million riders since starting five years ago.
The latest expansion marks the fifth zone in the city. Nonetheless, in each of the zones — Naco Pass, Mainland, Madla, Randolph, and the new Downtown — passengers can request rides for just $1.30 per trip. Of course, students and faculty with valid U-Passes are able to ride free of charge due to funding from the University’s U-Pass Program. The move to downtown comes off the momentum from the electronic shuttles from The Little Runner program after the pilot period came to a close at the end of August.
VIA Link’s Downtown/Little Runner zone will be available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Riders are able to book rides easily through the VIA Link app, similar to ordering an Uber or Lyft. Alternatively, rides can also be booked by calling 210-655-LINK or visiting the VIA website at viainfo.net/link. While booking, riders have the option between a van or a Little Runner shuttle.
Originally introduced as a “smart transit” solution, VIA Link is a ride-sharing service that leverages technology in an on-demand model to offer more affordable, frequent and reliable trip options. Specifically, VIA seeks to target routes that present difficulties for buses or ones that could benefit through access to multiple modes of travel.
In line with VIA’s mission to Keep SA Moving, the latest zone expansion is designed to connect the people who visit, work, and live around the busy city center and the University’s growing campus.
“Offering VIA Link service Downtown moves us closer to our mission of connecting the community through innovation and collaboration with partners and neighbors like Centro San Antonio and UTSA,” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. “VIA Link has proved to be a game-changer, with over 1 million passenger trips — and counting. This new partnership will keep us moving in the right direction as San Antonio — and VIA — continue to grow and change.”
To learn more about the hours of operations in each zone and keep up to date with the latest news surrounding VIA Link, visit https://www.viainfo.net/link.
