SAN ANTONIO, TX — The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces a $267.8 million construction grant award in the city of San Antonio, Texas, which will support the construction of the new VIA Advanced Rapid Transit North/South Corridor, also known as the Green Line. The grant will support a 10-mile bus rapid transit line that will provide service linking people in neighborhoods along the line to regional activity centers and popular tourist sites.
"The Green Line is more than just a transportation project; it’s a commitment to making travel throughout the San Antonio region more convenient and affordable and ensuring that more people have access to jobs and schools, grocery stores, and doctors' offices," former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.
The Green Line will improve the transit experience for riders along one of the city's most heavily traveled corridors and connect to the San Antonio International Airport. The San Antonio area is experiencing explosive growth, with an additional 1 million residents expected by 2040. In the corridor alone, the population is expected to increase by 42 percent, from 54,000 residents to 77,000. Jobs are also expected to climb by 45 percent, from 108,000 to 158,000.
The $481 million project will alleviate congestion, improve air quality, and align with the region's growth and land use vision. It will help residents get to jobs and essential destinations, including schools, health care facilities, grocery stores, and recreational areas, as well as provide a convenient way for visitors to access tourist destinations.
The Green Line will deliver a range of benefits, including nearly 8 miles of dedicated bus lanes in vehicles powered by low emission compressed natural gas. Fewer delays in service will happen, thanks to traffic signal priority, while featuring train station-like stops with level boarding will create easier access. Accessibility and safety features, including new ADA-compliant sidewalks and improved lighting, are also part of the project.
