VIA’s Rapid Green Line receives federal approval and funding boost

Credit: VIA Metropolitan Transit

VIA Metropolitan Transit has announced that it has achieved a significant milestone with the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) approval to move into the final engineering phase of the VIA Advanced Rapid Transit North/South Corridor Project, now officially known as the “VIA Rapid Green Line.” FTA has concurrently increased its maximum federal contribution to 60%, up from the original commitment of approximately 50%.

In an approval letter, FTA commended VIA for committing local funds, estimating a substantial investment of $446.3 million toward the project. The federal contribution is now set at approximately $267.8 million.

“The FTA’s approval that allows us to enter final engineering is a pivotal next step for VIA’s plan to deliver Advanced Rapid Transit to our community,” said VIA President and CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt. “Added to that, the acknowledgement that VIA may be awarded 60% of the project dollars from the FTA is welcomed news – and a testament to the strength of our project.”

EMBARK marks launch of Oklahoma City’s first bus rapid transit service

This approval marks a critical juncture in the Federal Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program for transit agencies. VIA’s entry into the final engineering phase positions the agency to reach a final funding agreement with FTA, potentially as early as the end of 2024.

The Green Line, San Antonio’s first Advanced Rapid Transit (ART) line, will traverse the San Antonio International Airport/North Star Mall area along San Pedro Avenue, passing through Downtown and extending to Steves Avenue near Mission Concepcion. Operating in dedicated lanes outside of regular traffic, the Green Line features off-board fare collection, level platform boarding and bus-friendly traffic signals to optimise trip times during peak traffic and congestion.

As a crucial component of VIA’s Keep SA Moving plan, which secured voter approval in 2020 for transit improvements, the ART system aims to move more people faster and farther, connecting residents to increased opportunities for education, employment, goods and resources. Serving the nearly 54,000 residents and 108,000 jobs within the 12-mile corridor, the Green Line promises to revolutionise transportation options in the region.