FTA's $267.8 Million Grant Fuels San Antonio's VIA Rapid Green Line Project
A $267.8 million FTA grant—the largest federal investment in VIA's history—advances San Antonio's 10.35-mile bus rapid transit Green Line.
The VIA Rapid Green Line, also known as the North/South Corridor Project, represents a significant advancement in San Antonio’s public transportation infrastructure. This 10.35-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) line is designed to provide fast and frequent service, connecting key destinations from the San Antonio International Airport through downtown to the historic missions area. By enhancing mobility along one of the city’s busiest corridors, the Green Line aims to improve access to employment centers, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and cultural landmarks, thereby supporting equitable growth and development in the region.
How Is the $481 Million Green Line Being Funded?
The project has secured substantial funding to bring this vision to fruition. In December 2024, VIA Metropolitan Transit entered into a $267.8 million grant agreement with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), marking the largest federal investment in VIA’s history. This grant, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will cover a significant portion of the estimated $481 million project cost. Additional funding sources, including local bonds and VIA project funds, will ensure a robust financial foundation for the Green Line’s development.
What Is the Project Timeline?
The project timeline is strategically planned to meet the growing transportation needs of San Antonio’s expanding population. As of January 2023, the Green Line was in the preliminary design phase, with construction scheduled to begin in 2025 and service expected to commence in late 2027. This timeline allows for comprehensive planning, community engagement, and construction activities necessary to deliver a high-quality transit solution.
The construction phase will include building dedicated bus lanes, enhanced stations, and infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks and intersection upgrades. The implementation of the Green Line is timely, considering the anticipated population growth in the corridor, which is expected to increase by 42% by 2040.
Why the Green Line Matters for Infrastructure Business Developers
As an infrastructure business developer, the VIA Rapid Green Line presents a compelling opportunity to contribute to a project that will enhance urban mobility and support sustainable development in San Antonio. The project’s scope includes the construction of dedicated bus lanes, upgraded stations, and infrastructure improvements such as new sidewalks and intersection upgrades. Engaging with VIA Metropolitan Transit on this initiative offers the potential to apply innovative engineering solutions that can improve transit efficiency, safety, and the overall user experience, aligning with the city’s vision for a more connected and accessible future.
How FirmoGraphs Can Help
FirmoGraphs maintains a comprehensive database of Capital Improvement Plans, featuring 100,000s of categorized projects to help engineering and construction professionals identify opportunities early. This information is managed in a centralized database and presented through interactive dashboards and maps. Our customers include U.S. infrastructure designers, engineers, contractors, and infrastructure technology providers who wish to stay ahead of the bidding competition. To find out more, click on the button below.
Frequently asked questions
- How much is the VIA Rapid Green Line project expected to cost?
- The project has an estimated total cost of $481 million. A $267.8 million FTA grant, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, covers a significant portion, with additional funding from local bonds and VIA project funds.
- When will the VIA Rapid Green Line begin construction and service?
- Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with service expected to commence in late 2027. As of January 2023, the project was in the preliminary design phase.
- What is the route of the VIA Rapid Green Line?
- The Green Line is a 10.35-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) line connecting key destinations from the San Antonio International Airport through downtown to the historic missions area.
- What construction work does the Green Line involve?
- The construction phase includes building dedicated bus lanes, enhanced/upgraded stations, and infrastructure improvements such as new sidewalks and intersection upgrades.