SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 — UTSA students, faculty and staff have new travel options free of charge throughout downtown San Antonio. VIA’s popular on-demand VIA Link program has expanded to include a new VIA Link Downtown zone and enhancements to The Little Runner.
First launched in spring 2024 as a pilot program, The Little Runner is the result of a partnership between UTSA, Centro San Antonio and VIA Metropolitan Transit to provide an on-demand ride service for the university’s downtown locations and the surrounding area, supporting the safety and sustainability that is needed for the campus and local community to grow and flourish.
The success of the popular pilot program paved the way for the creation of the new VIA Link Downtown zone, the fifth VIA Link zone in San Antonio. As part of the new zone, The Little Runner will continue to provide convenient service to transport students, faculty and staff between San Pedro I and nearby Downtown Campus parking lots.
“The new VIA Link Downtown zone supports UTSA, VIA and Centro San Antonio’s shared vision for a thriving, sustainable downtown,” said Mary Hernandez, UTSA senior associate vice president for administration and operations. “Within the VIA Link Downtown zone, The Little Runner provides a unique service to the Roadrunner and local communities, offering both the traditional VIA Link vans for on-demand service in the downtown area, as well as the electric shuttles. These micro-transit options ensure Roadrunners have a safe, easy and fast way to get around downtown.”
Travelers may request VIA Link rides to and from anywhere within the Downtown zone. This service is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and serves UTSA’s downtown locations as well as popular local destinations like the Pearl and the Southtown neighborhood. While rides are free for UTSA students, faculty and staff with VIA U-Pass, the public can enjoy VIA Link for just $1.30 per ride, with reduced fares available for seniors and military personnel.
The San Pedro I Service features small electric shuttles. Ideal for students, faculty and staff who regularly visit the UTSA Downtown Campus and the San Pedro Creek area, the new service follows a standard path with stops in front of San Pedro I and the Dolorosa St. and D1 parking lots at the Downtown Campus. Rides are available from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays.
UTSA’s partnership with VIA has grown over the years, as the two have found innovative ways to support the Roadrunner community.
In 2019, UTSA and VIA partnered to offer the VIA U-Pass program to students, faculty and staff. The program provides free, unlimited access to VIA bus service, facilitating travel between UTSA’s campuses and supporting a safe, streamlined campus experience for the Roadrunner community as the university continues to expand its footprint and role in San Antonio’s downtown core. Since the partnership began, the U-Pass program has expanded to include on-demand rides within VIA Link’s Mainland zone and now includes the Downtown zone.
The Little Runner is a prime example of how UTSA leverages local partnerships as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the campus experience. This route provides a straightforward, simple and sustainable transportation option for individuals traveling between the university’s downtown locations.
In addition to its convenience, the service builds upon the strong foundation of safety programs available to the Roadrunner community downtown, including campus safety escorts, emergency phones and the resources provided through the university’s ongoing partnership with Centro San Antonio.
VIA Link Downtown Zone rides, including the UTSA San Pedro I Service, are available through the VIA Link mobile app.Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to activate their VIA U-Pass using the VIA goMobile+ app to use the service free of charge.
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