VIA Metropolitan Transit
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1977
- HeadquartersSan Antonio, United States
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
VIA Metropolitan Transit firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- VIA Metropolitan Transit
- Legal name
- VIA Metropolitan Transit
- Website
- https://viainfo.net
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1977
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
VIA Metropolitan Transit industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Public Transportation Services
- NAICS
- Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems (485113), Mixed Mode Transit Systems (485111), Special Needs Transportation (485991), Other Urban Transit Systems (485119)
- SIC
- Local & Suburban Transit & Interurban Hwy Passenger Trans (4100), Transportation Services (4700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Park-and-Ride / Express Commuter Bus Operators (TLAFAGAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Municipal/Transit-Agency Microtransit (First/Last-Mile Feeders) (TLAFAJAH), On-Demand Shared Shuttle / Vanpool (Dynamic Routing, Door-to-Door) (TLAFAJAB), Airport/Seaport Shuttle & Landside Connector Services (TLAFAJAE)
Keywords
Where VIA Metropolitan Transit is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Antonio
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
VIA Metropolitan Transit business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Passenger Fares: Fare revenue from regular bus, express, VIA Link, VIAtrans, and Park & Ride services. Currently represents less than 5% of agency revenue.
- Federal Transit Administration Grants: Federal funding through FTA for capital projects including the $268 million Green Line grant and other transit development initiatives.
- Local Government Funding: Funding from member cities and Bexar County for transit operations and infrastructure development.
- VIAWorks Employer Programs: Revenue from employer-subsidized transit passes through the VIAWorks program, including Business Pass and EZ Ride annual passes.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Regular Bus Service |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Express Bus Service |
| Subscription | Monthly | 31-Day Pass |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | 7-Day Pass |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Day Pass |
| Subscription | Annual | Annual Pass |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Semester Pass |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | VIA Link On-Demand |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | VIAtrans Paratransit |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Park & Ride Service |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels7 records
VIA Metropolitan Transit product offering
Product offeringCore offering
VIA Metropolitan Transit operates the public transit system for San Antonio and Bexar County, Texas, providing fixed-route bus service across 75 routes and 1,210 square miles, supplemented by Prímo bus rapid transit on three corridors, VIA Link on-demand microtransit in six zones, VIAtrans ADA paratransit, Park & Ride commuter services, Express commuter routes, vanpool programs, and event shuttles. The agency serves 14 member cities and offers rider tools including the goMobile+ mobile ticketing app, goCard fare cards, and integrations with Google Maps and the Transit App.
Product overview
VIA Metropolitan Transit operates a multimodal public transit system serving the San Antonio and Bexar County region across 1,210 square miles. Its core service is a fixed-route bus network of 75 routes, supplemented by premium Prímo bus rapid transit service on three key corridors (100 Fredericksburg, 102 Military, 103 Zarzamora) featuring fewer stops, transit signal priority, and articulated CNG buses. The on-demand VIA Link microtransit service operates across six zones (Naco Pass, Randolph, Madla, Mainland, Downtown, Southeast), connecting riders to the fixed-route network within designated service areas. ADA-compliant paratransit is provided through VIAtrans. Digital rider tools include the goMobile+ mobile ticketing app (available on iOS and Android), the reloadable goCard and disposable goCard lite fare cards. VIA also offers Express commuter bus service to downtown from Park & Ride facilities, vanpool programs through VIAWorks for employer benefit programs, Park & Ride event shuttles to major venues, and Airport Express Service on Route 7. The portfolio also includes a trip planning integration with Google Maps and the Transit App, contactless payment via Apple Pay/Visa/Mastercard on buses, and NaviLens accessibility navigation support. All services are coordinated through VIA's service area spanning 14 member cities.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- VIA Link: On-demand ride-sharing service operating in designated zones throughout San Antonio, connecting riders to destinations within specified service areas.
- Prímo Service
- Express Service
- VIAtrans
- goMobile+ App
- VIAWorks
Products and services
- goMobile+ App Mobile ticketing application for iOS and Android allowing riders to purchase, store, and activate transit passes and tickets directly on their mobile device. Supports Apple Pay, Visa, and Mastercard payments, cash loading at retail locations, and integrates with Transit App for trip planning.
- VIA Link On-demand ride service operating within six designated geographic zones across San Antonio, providing curb-to-curb shared rides booked via mobile app, web portal, or phone. Connects riders to fixed-route bus services and neighborhood destinations for $1.30 per trip.
- goCard Reloadable electronic fare card that riders can load with value and passes at VIA Customer Service Centers and H-E-B retail locations. Cards are tapped at the farebox for payment on buses and VIA Link vans.
- goCard lite Non-reloadable smart card that replaces the e-fare card, pre-loaded with a 31-Day Pass, 7-Day Pass, or Day Pass. Tapped at the farebox with remaining value and expiration displayed on the farebox screen.
- VIAtrans ADA-compliant curb-to-curb paratransit service for customers with disabilities who cannot use regular bus service. Provides shared-ride transportation using a fleet of 139 vans, with eligibility based on functional ability to use fixed-route transit. Fare is $2.00 adult / $0.90 child.
- VIAWorks Employer Program Employer transportation benefit program offering Business Pass (employer-subsidized monthly passes), EZ Ride (annual pass sticker on work IDs), and Vanpool programs. Provides pre-tax commuting benefits, recruitment incentives, and reduced parking costs for employer partners.
- Park & Ride Commuter Service Commuter parking facilities at four locations (Crossroads, Ellis Alley, Stone Oak, University) offering free parking with connecting bus service to downtown and other destinations. Includes dedicated Park & Ride event service for major sporting and entertainment venues.
- Prímo Bus Rapid Transit Service Premium bus rapid transit-style service on three routes (100 Fredericksburg, 102 Military, 103 Zarzamora) featuring fewer stops, transit signal priority, 60-foot articulated CNG buses, onboard WiFi, LCD information displays, real-time arrival information, and 15-minute or better peak frequencies.
- Express Bus Service Non-stop commuter bus service from Park & Ride locations (Brooks, Stone Oak, Randolph, Kel-Lac, Crossroads) to downtown San Antonio, featuring reclining seats, overhead storage, reading lights, and free high-speed WiFi, with four express routes during morning and afternoon rush hours. $2.60 full fare.
- Vanpool Service Commuter vanpool program enabling groups of 5-15 people to share rides to work, splitting van rental and fuel costs. VIA provides vehicles, insurance, 24-hour roadside assistance, and maintenance; employees can receive up to $255/month in tax-free commuter benefits.
- Park & Ride Event Service Dedicated shuttle service from Park & Ride lots to major San Antonio events at Frost Bank Center, Alamodome, and other venues, offering free parking and $2.60 roundtrip fares.
- Airport Express Service (Route 7) Non-stop Express bus service from Stone Oak Park & Ride to San Antonio International Airport (Terminal B, lower level near baggage claim), operating Monday through Friday every 30 minutes with a $2.60 one-way fare.
Quantifiable outcome
- Savings of up to $10,174 annually for a two-person household by using public transportation instead of driving
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use VIA Metropolitan Transit
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
VIA Metropolitan Transit technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
Feature4 records
VIA Metropolitan Transit partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Parsons CorporationcoreSelected to complete final design of the $322 million VIA Rapid Silver Line project with 18 stations, supporting regional connectivity and economic growth.
- CPS EnergycorePartnership supplying renewable natural gas (RNG) from local landfill to fuel nearly 450 CNG buses, with over half of VIA's fuel supplied by RNG in 2024.
- Republic ServicescorePartner in RNG project processing waste gas from local landfill for sustainable bus fleet fuel.
- RideCocoreTechnology provider for VIA Link on-demand service, operating branded vehicles and providing app-based booking platform.
- zTripcoreDriver services provider for VIA Link on-demand transit, providing trained drivers alongside RideCo technology.
- San Antonio City GovernmentcoreCity passed transit-oriented development ordinance in December supporting $1 billion+ Advanced Rapid Transit lines.
- University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)minorResearch institution conducting Vacancy to Vitality study identifying 7,000+ acres near transit corridors for potential housing development.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
VIA Metropolitan Transit competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART): Largest transit authority in Texas operating bus and light rail across the Dallas-Fort Worth metro. Closest regional peer to VIA in scale, governance structure, and federal funding profile, though DART also runs rail.
- Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO): Houston's public transit agency operating bus, light rail, and paratransit across Harris County. Comparable Texas municipal transit authority with similar funding mix and BRT/light-rail buildout.
- Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro): Austin's transit authority operating bus, rail (MetroRail), and paratransit. Closest peer to VIA in Texas mid-size municipal context with similarly aggressive capital expansion and employer partnership programs.
- Valley Metro: Phoenix-area regional transit agency operating bus, light rail, and paratransit. Highly comparable in scale, multimodal mix (bus, BRT, microtransit), and a peer for federal-funding-driven BRT expansion.
- Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD): Denver metro transit operator with bus, light rail, and paratransit; comparable in agency structure and federal grant reliance for large capital projects (similar BRT/commuter rail buildout).
- Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA): Atlanta's bus, rail, and paratransit operator with comparable municipal-authority funding profile and large federal capital grants. Useful benchmark for paratransit scale and multimodal integration.
- King County Metro: Seattle-area transit operator known for aggressive on-demand/microtransit (Via to Transit, Ride2). Closest US peer to VIA's on-demand microtransit strategy combined with fixed-route bus service.
Broad incumbents
- Chicago Transit Authority (CTA): One of the largest US transit agencies operating bus and rapid transit (the 'L') in Chicago. Larger and more rail-heavy than VIA, but comparable as a municipal transit authority with multimodal operations.
- Los Angeles Metro: LA County's transit operator with bus, rail, and BRT (including the Metro G and J Lines directly comparable to VIA's Prímo). Much larger in scale, but a useful peer for BRT execution and federal grant programs.
- New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA): Largest US transit agency operating subway, bus, and commuter rail. An order of magnitude larger than VIA, but the relevant industry incumbent benchmark for federal/state funding mechanics and multimodal service delivery.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
VIA Metropolitan Transit social profiles
Digital presenceVIA Metropolitan Transit financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
VIA Metropolitan Transit leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
VIA Metropolitan Transit funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
VIA Metropolitan Transit M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about VIA Metropolitan Transit
What does VIA Metropolitan Transit do?
VIA Metropolitan Transit operates the public transit system for San Antonio and Bexar County, Texas, providing fixed-route bus service across 75 routes and 1,210 square miles, supplemented by Prímo bus rapid transit on three corridors, VIA Link on-demand microtransit in six zones, VIAtrans ADA paratransit, Park & Ride commuter services, Express commuter routes, vanpool programs, and event shuttles. The agency serves 14 member cities and offers rider tools including the goMobile+ mobile ticketing app, goCard fare cards, and integrations with Google Maps and the Transit App.
Is VIA Metropolitan Transit a public or private company?
VIA Metropolitan Transit is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was VIA Metropolitan Transit founded?
VIA Metropolitan Transit was founded in 1977. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is VIA Metropolitan Transit based?
VIA Metropolitan Transit is headquartered in San Antonio, United States, in the North America region.
How does VIA Metropolitan Transit make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Passenger Fares are the primary driver. The others are federal Transit Administration Grants, local Government Funding and VIAWorks Employer Programs.
Who are VIA Metropolitan Transit's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro), Valley Metro, Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD), Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) and King County Metro. Broad incumbents are Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Los Angeles Metro and New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
Does VIA Metropolitan Transit have an API?
No public API is recorded for VIA Metropolitan Transit.
What industry is VIA Metropolitan Transit in?
VIA Metropolitan Transit's product category is Public Transportation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAFAGAF, Park-and-Ride / Express Commuter Bus Operators, with a secondary code of TLAFAJAH, Municipal/Transit-Agency Microtransit (First/Last-Mile Feeders). Its NAICS code is 485113 and its SIC code is 4100.