Catherine Alvarado

The meeting includes a review of various contracts, including a camera system conversion for the Nova Bus fleet and an extension for supplemental taxicab services. The Dahab Group will provide performance reports on retirement plans, including pension and post-employment benefits. Other agenda topics involve discussing proposed service changes for May 2026, the potential addition of a new VIA Link zone, updates from the Ridership Task Force, and financial reporting. The session will conclude with a legal briefing and the development of future meeting agendas.

This Program Management Plan outlines VIA Metropolitan Transit's administration of the Federal Transit Administration's Section 5310 program, aimed at enhancing mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities within the San Antonio urbanized area. It details the processes for managing funds, soliciting and evaluating project proposals, ensuring coordination with other transportation services, and monitoring subrecipient compliance with federal requirements. Key focus areas include improving transportation access, promoting fair and equitable fund distribution, and supporting both traditional and non-traditional projects that meet specific needs or exceed ADA requirements.

This Board Retreat agenda for the VIA Metropolitan Transit and Advanced Transportation District Boards of Trustees focuses on strategic direction. The key discussion points include reviewing past accomplishments, establishing future direction for the next five years, identifying strategies for measurably improved performance, defining long-term planning and Board objectives, and assessing revenue and financial considerations.

The meeting included calling the session to order following a moment of reflection. The consent agenda was approved. Discussion revolved around the transformation of VIA into a multimodal transportation entity, highlighting achievements during the tenure of departing trustees (Henry Munoz, Rick Pitch, and Mary Briseno). Key accomplishments mentioned include the realization of VIA Primo, the creation of Partnerships for Mobility, significant contributions to improvements along US 281 and Loop 1604, the development of a multimodal transit network including a streetcar system, procurement of environmentally friendly vehicles, and deployment of new bus shelters. There was a preview of an informational video showcasing these accomplishments and future plans, including a five-year plan targeting transit centers and modern streetcar development. Public comments included legislative commendations for the departing trustees, discussions on leveraging over a billion dollars in highway construction funding, and mention of managed lane concepts and bonding legislation.

The meeting commenced with a moment of reflection and the pledge of allegiance. The President/CEO report included recognition of VIA staff for successfully operating special event service for the Spurs championship celebration, noting they moved over 8,000 people, and acknowledged the utility of the Robert Thompson Transit Center. The CEO also recognized the VIA Metropolitan Transit team for receiving the Public Sector Award for the use of the most locally owned businesses in procurement efforts from the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Business Opportunity Development Awards (BODA). A bus operator, Ryan Hirschfield, was recognized for stopping to assist another motorist in reconnecting a toddler with guardians. During the Citizens to be Heard section, a citizen expressed gratitude for VIA's advancements in mass transportation but then detailed significant customer service issues experienced on June 5, 2014, related to route delays, alleged unprofessional conduct and yelling from two VIA supervisors when asked for directions following street closures due to the Spurs celebration, and subsequent racist comments made by VIA supervisors to minority patrons, which led to one elderly patron leaving in distress. The citizen also recognized bus operator Gabriel Torres for consistent courtesy.