SAN ANTONIO – VIA Metropolitan Transit announced it has extended a system-wide fare relief period for all VIA fixed-route bus service, VIAtrans trips, and VIA Link on-demand services.

All fares were originally suspended through 1 a.m. on April 1 and then until April 30. After further consideration, VIA has decided to reinstate fare collection on Monday, May 18.

The transit system has also moved all routes to a Saturday schedule, with some variances. 

The following health and safety measures will remain in place until further notice:

  • All non-exempt passengers age 10 and older must wear a face covering to board, especially where proper social distancing (6 feet apart) may not be possible. Staff and operators must also continue to wear a face covering while working or while at a VIA facility
  • Maintaining a “safe capacity” maximum load of 16 passengers at a time. All passengers must be seated and exit through the rear door
  • Essential Service Schedule, which adjusts bus routes and hours, moving several routes to a “Sunday” schedule and adding frequency to others that continue to see high ridership. For a full schedule list visit VIAinfo.net/routes
  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures will continue 
  • Temperature checks for all VIA employees entering a VIA facility will continue

VIA wants to provide social distancing for operators and relief for those in the community who have been impacted by recent events related to COVID-19.

In keeping with local, state and federal public health emergency guidelines and restrictions, VIA is taking this additional step to help minimize in-person interactions when boarding a VIA bus or van. Fare-free service eliminates the need for passengers to use the farebox, speeds boarding and minimizes crowding at the front door.

Customers and employees are asked to practice social distancing, which could mean staying at least six feet away from your neighbor when aboard the bus or in any other public space or avoiding unnecessary travel.

VIA will also implement a “safe capacity” maximum-passenger load of 16 riders at a time, beginning Wednesday, April 8.

Once a bus reaches 16 passengers, operators will display a message in the bus destination sign that reads “At Safe Capacity.”