VIA is committed to promoting positive relations and outreach in the community. A number of programs are offered to engage the community in public transportation and create partnerships with those we serve.
Community
PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
VIA CARES
The VIA Cares initiative bolsters our vision to assist the community we serve. We are committed to keep San Antonio moving so we can all get ahead.
BIBLIOTECH
VIA and BiblioTech Public Library have partnered to bring Bexar County’s all-digital public library to commuters with the new “Ride & Read” program.
RIDE VIA TO VOTE
Ride VIA to Vote provides free transportation on municipal, state, and federal election days to riders who present a valid voter registration card.
UNITED WAY
VIA employees participate in the United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County Campaign drive every year and raised more than $85,000 in 2022.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
VIA celebrates and encourages the advancement of women in the transportation industry and is committed to supporting a diverse environment.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
VIA fosters a workplace of inclusivity, recognizes the achievements of Black Americans, and reflects on their central role in our shared history.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Hispanic culture is a big part of the tapestry that makes up San Antonio, and VIA celebrates the contributions, diversity, and extensive histories of the American Latino community.
NATIONAL ARTS PROGRAM
VIA partners with The National Arts Program works for an annual Art Contest and Exhibit, showcasing the talents of VIA employees and family members.
VIA Moves Me – Rider Stories
VIA provided 36.6 million passenger trips in 2018, connecting our community with the places where we live, work, play, and learn. Our customers and their experiences are as unique and diverse as the region we serve, with one thing in common—riding VIA.
VIA is reaching out to our customers and asking them to tell their one-of-a-kind stories, and share all the ways that VIA moves them. We will post those stories here and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, using #VIAmovesme.
Take a moment to get to know your fellow VIA passengers. Learn about VIA’s programs and services and how public transportation helps keep our community moving forward, together.
SHAPING FUTURE GENERATIONS
This is Heather Haynes-Smith and A.J.’s Story
ACCESS TO EVERDAY LIFE
This is Humbertina Hernandez’s Story
STRENGTHENING INDEPENDENCE
This is Sully Baxter’s Story
CONNECTIONS TO DOWNTOWN
This is Eddie Romero’s Story
A GREEN RIDE WITH CNG
This is Brent Angermiller’s Story
CREATING PATHS TO EDUCATION
This is Evangelina’s Story
BIBLIOTECH
VIA Metropolitan Transit partnered with Bibliotech in 2016 to bring Bexar County’s all-digital public library to the traveling public with the “Ride & Read” program.
The partnership brings VIA on board with BiblioTech’s mission to enhance education and literacy, promote reading as recreation, and equip residents with necessary tools to thrive in our modern landscape. VIA supports Bibliotech’s ongoing work to bridge literacy and technology gaps in San Antonio and surrounding areas by establishing a community presence at physical locations as well as an online presence through the digital collections and resources.
BiblioTech Digital Library is the first all-digital public library in the United States, located in Bexar County, Texas. The library can be accessed 24/7 on mobile devices, using VIA’s free 4G LTE WiFi, available on all buses and at all transit centers.
Patrons can browse and download books from a collection of more than 40,000 e-book titles. Once a rider’s selections are downloaded to a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet or laptop, the e-books remain available for two weeks before the titles are electronically returned.
Membership to the library is free to all Bexar County residents. Visit the BiblioTech website for more information
RIDE VIA TO VOTE
The Ride VIA to Vote initiative provides free public transportation on municipal, state, and federal election days for passengers who present a valid voter registration card to the bus or van operator. The initiative began in spring 2016 to encourage civic participation throughout the VIA service area.
The complimentary service will be available for regular bus service and VIAtrans paratransit service throughout the VIA service area on Election Days. Registered VIAtrans customers should schedule their trip in accordance with VIAtrans policies and procedures.
For additional information regarding routes and schedules on Election Day, call (210) 362-2020. Visit The Bexar County Election Site to find your polling location.