DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
City Funding to VIA Metropolitan Transit
SUMMARY:
The City of San Antonio has proposed funding for VIA Metropolitan Transit (VIA) to be phased-in over a two year period with $4.3 million proposed in the FY 2018 Budget and $10.0 million to be identified during the FY 2019 budget process. VIA will be providing a briefing on the bus frequency improvements along nine routes and travel times and capacity improvements on six major corridors should the City of San Antonio authorize funding.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In July 2015, Councilman Rey Salda?a first raised the issue that inadequate funding levels resulted in VIA providing bus service that results in a majority of routes operating at a frequency of 30 to 60 minutes, impacting the ability of the community to utilize transit to its fullest potential. Councilman Salda?a proposed that the City's portion of Advanced Transportation District (ATD) funding be re-allocated to VIA to improve bus service and requested the policy issue of how the City utilizes its portion of ATD funding be discussed. Staff first presented this policy issue to the Transportation, Technology and Utilities (TTU) Council Committee on November 4, 2015 followed by full City Council at the November 18, 2015 City Council "B" session.
In January 2016, the ATD Ad Hoc Committee was established by Mayor Taylor and charged to evaluate VIA's funding model, additional funding opportunities available for public transit, and determine if the City should allocate all or a portion of the City's portion of ATD funds to enhance VIA services. The committee was co-chaired by District 4 Councilman Rey Salda?a and District 6 Councilman Ray Lopez. Committee members included Alex Briseno, Victor Boyer, Patti Radle, James Lifshutz, Darryl Byrd and Sid Martinez. The Committee held six meetings between February and June 2...
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