The VIA Metropolitan Transit Authority recently hosted three community conversation sessions regarding the proposed Advanced Rapid Transit (ART) Silver Line Project. These events aim to give residents the ability to voice their questions and concerns.
In 2020, voters approved reallocating funds from an existing 1/8-cent sales tax dedicated to public transit investments. The ART Silver Line Project is scheduled to start in 2026, aiming to provide efficient transportation options for residents on the East and West sides of San Antonio. This new system is designed to enhance connectivity and reduce travel times for locals.
Key features of the ART Silver Line include a route connecting Our Lady of the Lake University to the Frost Bank Center, with service every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends. The project will also introduce designated bus lanes with traffic lights to improve efficiency.
The VIA Rapid Green Line will link neighborhoods and businesses across San Antonio. These initiatives utilize federal funding intended to support transit projects like VIA Rapid. Currently, the ART Silver Line is awaiting further community support and funding to proceed.
This year, the VIA Metropolitan Transit Board of Trustees for the Advanced Transportation District (ATD) approved an agreement with Bexar County, securing $102 million for the VIA Rapid Silver Line.
Bexar County commissioners have committed to funding of the $289.2 million project by allocating $100 million from existing resources. The amendment approved by the ATD Board finalized the required funding for the Silver Line.
“The agreement between Bexar County and the Advanced Transportation District is a crucial step, as it secures the local funding needed for VIA to attract federal dollars, which we expect will cover 50% of the project cost,” said VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt following the vote. “We’ve collaborated closely with Judge Sakai, the commissioners, and David Smith to reach this agreement, and I look forward to our board voting on the issue next Tuesday.”
The projected opening date for the Silver Line is 2029. Last year, VIA officials began discussions with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and County Manager David Smith to develop a funding agreement for the project. The Silver and Green Lines are expected to secure approximately $416 million in federal funding.
