Latest federal funding represents one of the largest transit investments in the region

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced a $267.8 million construction grant award in the city of San Antonio, Texas, which will support the construction of the new VIA Advanced Rapid Transit (ART) North/South Corridor, also known as the Green Line. Funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the grant will support a 10-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) line that will provide fast and frequent service linking people in neighborhoods along the line to regional activity centers and popular tourist sites like Riverwalk and the Alamo. 

"The Green Line is more than just a transportation project; it’s a commitment to making travel throughout the San Antonio region more convenient and affordable and ensuring that more people have access to jobs and schools, grocery stores and doctors' offices." said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "With the funding we're announcing today, the Biden-Harris Administration is making a vital investment in San Antonio's transit future that will strengthen the community for generations to come."

Federal support for the project, which is estimated to cost $481 million, comes from FTA's Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program, which helps communities carry out transformational transit projects. 

The Green Line will improve the transit experience for riders along one of the city's most heavily traveled corridors and connect to the San Antonio International Airport. The San Antonio area is experiencing explosive growth, with an additional 1 million residents expected by 2040. In the corridor alone, the population is expected to increase by 42%, from 54,000 residents to 77,000. Jobs are also expected to climb by 45%, from 108,000 to 158,000.

The project will alleviate congestion, improve air quality, and align with the region's growth and land use vision. It will help residents get to jobs and essential destinations, including schools, healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and recreational areas, as well as provide a convenient way for visitors to access tourist destinations.

"The Green Line will make life easier and better for everyone in this vibrant, fast-growing city,” said FTA Deputy Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “Right now, many San Antonio households are spending nearly a quarter of their income just on transportation. This new transit line will help lessen that financial burden and create a thriving environment where everyone can enjoy greater mobility and economic opportunities."

The Green Line will deliver a range of benefits, including nearly eight miles of dedicated bus lanes in vehicles powered by low emission compressed natural gas. Fewer delays in service will happen, thanks to traffic signal priority, while featuring train station-like stops with level boarding will create easier access. Accessibility and safety features, including new ADA-compliant sidewalks and improved lighting, are also part of the project.

Bus rapid transit provides residents and visitors with an affordable and convenient way to get around while supporting economic development through transit-oriented development such as new housing options, enhanced community spaces, and more local businesses.

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