The 10.5-mile bus route will start at San Antonio International Airport before traveling down San Pedro Avenue. The line then will snake through downtown and Southtown before ending at VIA’s Brooks Transit Center.
The difference between the project and existing VIA bus routes is that the Green Line will travel a designated lane synced with traffic lights so it won’t compete with other vehicular traffic. The line will operate in 10-minute intervals, transforming how San Antonians get around, city officials said at a Wednesday press conference.
“A lot of communities automatically think of rail as synonymous with public transportation,” Federal Transit Administration Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool said during the event. “But here in the United States, we’re using our roadways built to support a car culture to create a new cost-efficient way for people to get around and attract a new generation of riders.”
The federal grant will fund 56% of the Green Line’s total $480 million price tag. Another $153.7 million will come from local bonds, while the remaining $56.8 million will be allocated from existing funds.
During Wednesday’s announcement, Mayor Ron Nirenberg thanked the FTA, local officials and federal lawmakers including Sen. John Cornyn and U.S. Reps. Greg Casar and Joaquin Castro for helping make the Green Line a reality.
“You shared our vision for a city with everything it needs to be, not just a world-class city, but a sustainable and equitable city for everyone, including a modern mass transit system and bold leadership to take the next steps towards greatness,” Nirenberg said.
Despite its promise of speedier public transport, the project has sparked fears from small-business owners about a pending construction nightmare, the Current previously reported. Some business owners concerned over the line said they’re still recovering from construction delays downtown and along the St. Mary’s Strip,
Even so, Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai said the city and county will work with small businesses to ensure that the project doesn’t hinder foot traffic.
“I’m expecting us to incorporate all those small businesses, or any businesses, up and down that North-South line of the city to see how we can improve our community — not just for the bus riders but for the businesses that are along that route,” Sakai said.
If all goes as planned, construction on the Green Line will begin late next year and wrap up in mid-2025, according to local officials. The route is expected to be fully operational by 2027.
In addition to the rapid bus line, the project will include replacement of 151 storm drains, 13 new signalized pedestrian crossings and 7.3 miles of new and repaired sidewalks. Nearly 40 traffic lights along the route also will be upgraded and synchronized.
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This article appears in Dec 11-17, 2024.