By Edmond Ortz
It is an extra busy time for VIA Metropolitan Transit, which is launching its on-demand ride service in southeast San Antonio, and reopening its Windcrest-area transit facility.
What you should know
VIA rolled out its VIA Link service on Nov. 3 for customers needing to get around parts of the East and South sides of town.
VIA Link enables patrons to use the VIA Link app, which is free to download, and order a ride to reach various destinations within their vicinity.
Each ride costs $1.30; rides are usually available every 15-20 minutes, according to VIA officials.
Individuals may also book a VIA Link ride by calling 210-655-LINK([5465) or visiting the VIA Link website.
The new VIA Link Southeast service runs 5 a.m.-11 p.m. daily, with the Brooks Transit Center being the main transfer venue.
The connecting VIA bus routes for the Link Southeast service are 7, 20, 32, 34, 36, 102 and 552. There are now six VIA Link zones.
Also of note
VIA passengers who have come to regularly rely on the agency’s Randolph Transit Center are now back to being fully served by the Northeast Side facility.
VIA reopened the renovated and expanded Randolph Transit Center, one of VIA’s oldest transit hubs, on Oct. 29 following an improvement project that began in summer 2024.
According to a press release, upgrades included a new 4,200-square-foot structure, which is highlighted by an indoor air-conditioned waiting area, a full-service customer information section, restrooms, indoor Next-Bus information screens, free Wi-Fi, a phone-charging counter and phone-charging ports on the indoor seats.
The exterior features outdoor waiting areas with seating and canopy covers at all five bus stops, phone-charging outlets, outdoor NextBus information screens, eco-friendly landscaping, bicycle lockers and an art installation by local artist Leticia Huerta.
The Randolph Transit Center connects with bus Routes 8, 17,214, 502, 505, 552 and 632. The center is also a transfer point for VIA Link Randolph Zone operators, and a dropoff/pickup location for VIAtrans customers.
