The VIA Transit Authority is hosting three Community Conversation sessions about its proposed Advanced Rapid Transit (ART) Silver Line project for locals to share their perspective and input. First, let's catch you up to speed on what the project is and how residents will be affected. All aboard.

What is ART?

In 2020, voters approved the redistribution of funding from an existing 1/8-cent sales tax that invests in workforce training to public transit programs + projects (such as the ART Green Line) beginning in 2026. The Advanced Rapid Transit proposal details a faster, more efficient method of transporting people throughout the East and Westside's of San Antonio.

Here are some key features and benefits of the ART Silver Line:

Creates a route between Our Lady of the Lake University to the Frost Bank Center
Service every 10 minutes on weekdays + 15 minutes on weekends
Dedicated bus lanes with traffic lights
Safer pedestrian + cyclist corridor

Currently, we are in the Initial Design and NEPA/Environmental review phase. While we wait on the final project design (which is expected to be complete in 2025), construction won't start until 2027, with a projected opening date of late 2029.

Proposed route of the ART Silver Line running from Our Lady of the Lake University to the Frost Bank Center. | Graphic by VIA Metropolitan Transit

How can I get involved?

Glad you asked. The transit authority is hosting three community sessions where the community can come and chat with local leaders about additional project details, as well as concerns and questions. No RSVP is required. Here's the schedule:

Wednesday, Jan. 17 | The Little Carver Civic Center at the Carver Community Cultural Center, 226 N. Hackberry St. | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 18 | Holy Cross High School Convocation Center, 426 N. San Felipe St. | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 20 | VIA Metropolitan Transit at The Grand, 123 N. Medina St. | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.