VIA adopts $406.6 million budget for fiscal year 2023

Credit: VIA Metropolitan Transit

VIA Metropolitan Transit has announced that its Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a $406.6 million Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Plan. A total of $274 million has been approved for the operating budget and $132.6 million for the capital plan, with no fare increases. 

The FY23 budget keeps the agency focused on improving mobility for people in San Antonio, with service adjustments and innovations, as well as advancing Keep San Antonio Moving (KSAM) projects, including two Advanced Rapid Transit (ART) corridors and two new VIA Link zones, designed to move more people faster and farther.

Work related to VIA’s new ART project will continue with the North/South corridor from the San Antonio Airport, along San Pedro Avenue, through Downtown and south to the Missions area, and a second corridor connecting East to West with frequent, rapid service is being developed. 

In addition, various other projects and initiatives like VIA’s NaviLens Wayfinding system for customers who are visually impaired are designed to significantly improve mobility for all San Antonians.

NJ TRANSIT adopts fiscal year 2023 operating budget and capital plan

In order to support recovery and growth projected in the new fiscal year, VIA will pursue a robust programme of recruiting and retaining bus/van operators and mechanics. Hiring and referral bonuses will continue for drivers and fleet maintenance staff.

VIA’s $748.4 million Five-Year Capital Plan (FY23-27) includes $499 million, or 67 per cent of the total, to support KSAM. It will allow for the purchase of 17 Prímo buses, 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and 15 vans in FY23. From FY23-27 VIA will add 103 CNG buses and 139 vans, with the remainder covering various facilities and other projects.

The FY23 budget has been developed looking at a five-year planning horizon. Plan elements evaluated in building the budget include: the Board’s strategic priorities, service levels, customer service improvements, capital requirements, available grant funding and other funding sources.