Public getting chances to have a say on VIA’S planned changes
VIA Metropolitan Transit will host two virtual public meetings today and Tuesday, both at 6 p.m., to invite comment about various service changes that might take effect in January.
Thursday's meeting will be offered in English and Tuesday's in Spanish. People wishing to join can go to Viainfo.net/2021changes, visit VIA'S Facebook page, or dial at (855) 925-2801, meeting code 9390.
The coronavirus pandemic-related changes will include increasing the frequency of buses on some routes, adjusting routes with low ridership and modifying others based on changing road conditions, VIA said.
As with virtually every public transit agency in the country, VIA'S ridership has declined during the pandemic, sometimes as much as 50 percent or more on some of its 90 routes. For many weeks, fares were suspended.
They resumed June 1.
Buses noware limited to16 passengers, to achieve social distancing, and all riders must have face coverings.
The proposed service changes include the following:
• Route 552 (Loop 410/W.W. White) current essential service level will be made permanent to operate every 15 minutes, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. It will maintain its 30-minute service at other times.
• Route 64 no longer will operate on detour.
• Route 647 is being modified to accommodate a new turnaround location.
• Minor schedule changes to routes 44 and 524.
The following routes currently are not operating:
• Joint Base San Antonioroutes 16 and 65
• VIVA Routes 11, 40, and 301
• Routes 7, 48, 54, 70, and 631 Details on these and other proposed service changes are at Viainfo.net/2021changes.
Members of the public may provide voicemail comment in advance by dialing 855-925-2801 (meeting code: 9390). Verbal public comments will be queued during the online public meeting. Each individual will have up to three minutes to speak.
Public comments also may be submitted until Oct. 16 by email to Gcr@viainfo.net, left by phone at 210-362-2389 or mailed to VIA Government and Community Relations, Re: January 2021 Service Changes, 800W. Myrtle St., 78212.