VIA Metropolitan Transit will give free rides to college students traveling to and from summer classes. All they have to do is show a valid ID from a participating school. The offer also applies to faculty and staff.
Josie Norris/Staff Photographer
San Antonio Express-News
Marc Duvoisin, Staff writer
If you're taking (or teaching) classes this summer at a San Antonio-area college or university, VIA Metropolitan Transit has good news: You can ride its buses and ride-share vans for free.
Students, faculty and staff involved in summer semester can make unlimited use of VIA's U-Pass to get to and from campus, the transit system announced Wednesday.
How do I use U-Pass?
Simply present your school-issued ID.
What are the participating schools?
- University of Texas at San Antonio
- A&M-San Antonio
- University of the Incarnate Word
- Our Lady of the Lake University
- All five Alamo Colleges District schools: San Antonio, Palo Alto, St. Philip’s, Northwest Vista, and Northeast Lakeview.
Is U-Pass valid just for certain VIA services?
No, you can ride free on VIA’s entire bus network and on VIA Link ride-share vans.
UTSA's main campus and Northwest Vista College are in VIA Link's Northwest Zone. A&M-San Antonio and Palo Alto College are in the South Zone.
What's VIA Link?
It's an on-demand ride-sharing service in areas where VIA doesn't have bus routes. You use an app or make a phone call to summon a passenger van to take you anywhere within VIA Link zones. You can connect to VIA bus service to travel outside the zones. Go here for more information.
Why should I use U-Pass?
Here's what VIA has to say: "U-Pass is designed to provide free, convenient access to public transportation and help address the challenges of growing student populations with limited parking options on or near local campuses. U-Pass users can save the expense of owning and maintaining a personal vehicle, and the cost and hassle of parking. The U-Pass can be used for trips anywhere in the VIA service area, and VIA buses and vans are accessible and can accommodate riders traveling with a bike."
Where can I get more information?
Go to www.viainfo.net/upass/