VIA is a partner in local recovery and relief efforts
CLICK TO ENLARGE
When a devastating winter storm brought extreme weather to the area in February, many were left without access to sufficient food, water or power for days. VIA teams mobilized to support local emergency operations and continue to serve recovery and relief efforts following Winter Storm Uri.
The historic storm kept area roadways covered in snow and ice and forced widespread road closures and detours due to unsafe travel conditions. Schools, stores, restaurants, and most other public spaces also closed, and residents were urged to stay home until conditions improved.
The effects of the storm were so severe that for the first time in VIA’s history, all regular bus and van service was suspended for several days.
But even as daily service was sidelined by the storm, VIA teams kept moving to support local response and recovery efforts with emergency transports and deliveries. VIA’s frontline workers and support staff connected people to area shelters and warming centers, dialysis and other urgent medical appointments, delivered food and supplies to homebound seniors, and offered helping hands for supply and distribution events.
As in past crises, including hurricane evacuations, fuel shortages, and extreme weather events, VIA’s coordination with the City of San Antonio’s Emergency Operations Center and local partners allowed us to safely support life-saving efforts.
We’re thankful to the VIA team members who made this work possible through their unwavering commitment to safety and service. And we’re proud to support local first responders and community assistance programs who share our mission to connect our community.
Winter Storm Uri
VIA’s Response and Recovery Efforts
♦ Conducted 210 emergency transports to connect at-risk individuals to warming centers and dialysis centers, in coordination with the City of San Antonio Emergency Operations Center.
♦ Delivered over 6,800 meals to homebound individuals through our partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank.
♦ Performed over 55 community service hours in the week following the storm, to gather, sort and distribute emergency supplies, including food, water, diapers and other essentials, through our VIA Cares volunteer program. We’re continuing to support local relief efforts through partnerships with the San Antonio Food Bank, San Antonio Diaper Bank, and other local organizations.
♦ Assisted 10,958 customers through our Customer Care line and call centers.
♦ Made over 1,340 calls to VIAtrans customers to notify them of the service disruption and assist in rescheduling their essential trips.
♦ Offered Fare Free Weekend, February 20-21.