Transportation
BY PARKS KUGLE
VIA adds new transit options ahead of Green Line construction
What else?
One more thing
To further develop alternate means of transportation, San Antonio City Council also voted to approve the Bike Network Plan on Jan. 30, which provides city o cials with a comprehensive guide on how to fund, plan and build bike facilities throughout the city. This network is designed to enhance the city’s transportation system to deliver better connectivity and safer roadways for cyclists. The Bike Network plan also o ers guidelines for ve types of bike facility designs: • Bike Boulevards
nonresidential spaces, a hybrid-industrial district that serves as a transitioning area between districts and residential only districts. Key components include: • Building a ordable housing near transit to prevent displacement and ensure inclusivity • Creating integrated networks where walking, cycling and public transit are practical means of transportation
Alongside the Green Line and Silver Line Advanced Rapid Transit systems, city o cials will construct a series of transit-oriented development districts. These districts would create transit-ori- ented communities where residents will have all the essentials of day-to-day life either within walking distance or accessible through public transit. TOD districts are divided into three zoning types: a mixed-use district of residential and
The Green Line includes several infrastructure improvements to give pedestrians greater mobility throughout the city, such as four miles of new and repaired sidewalks, over 20 intersection upgrades, 26 new bus stations and 66 bus friendly tra c signals. The service is expected to reduce travel times through dedicated lanes and o -board fare collection. The Green Line will also feature modern stations. “The Green Line will make life easier and better for everyone in this vibrant, fast-growing city,” FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said. “Right now, many San Antonio households are spending nearly a quarter of their income just on transportation.” Additionally, the east-west Silver Line will run from the Frost Bank Center to North General McMullen Drive on the west side of the city. Construction on the Silver Line is estimated to begin in 2027.
As the VIA Rapid Green Line moves from the nal design phase into construction, VIA is implementing a new program in the downtown corridor to help improve connectivity. Known as VIA Link, VIA o cials said riders can use the VIA Link app to book a ride in specially designated vans which will drop them o anywhere within the downtown corridor. Rides cost $1.30 per ride and riders can request a free transfer if transferring to a VIA bus. VIA Link also o ers rides in two North San Antonio zones, with one running along Loop 1604 and I-35 and another stretching from UTSA’s main campus to Westover Hills Boulevard. According to VIA o cials, VIA Link is designed to give riders a greater array of options. The Green Line, which will run north-south along San Pedro Avenue, from a station near the San Antonio International Airport to the historical missions area is estimated to be completed in 2027.
Rapid line construction
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"[Transit-oriented development districts] promote live, work, and play environments, and the opportunity for economic
“We approved the framework of a future where having the
• Traditional bike lanes • Buffered bike lanes • Protected bike lanes • Shared-use paths
convenience and amenities of The Pearl doesn’t have to come at the cost of being able to a ord The Pearl.” SUKH KAUR, DISTRICT 1 COUNCIL MEMBER
growth is substantial when done properly.” MARC WHYTE, DISTRICT 10 COUNCIL MEMBER
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STONE OAK 23026 US Hwy 281 N (210) 497-1322 DE ZAVALA 5219 De Zavala Rd (210) 561-0900
VINEYARD 1309 N Loop 1604 W (210) 408-8206
RECTOR 819 E Rector Dr (210) 340-2244
LEGACY 2003 N Loop 1604 E (210) 494-8600
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