The University of Texas at San Antonio and VIA Metropolitan Transit recently implemented transportation updates that help connect Roadrunners to a dynamic, accessible and engaging experience across the university’s campuses and locations.
Enhancements include extended service hours, increased service frequency, additional and expanded routes, and broader access to the VIA U-Pass program. As the university grows, coordinated expansion of services such as transportation is essential to student success.
“UT San Antonio’s expanding downtown presence continues to create meaningful opportunities for learning and collaboration, and we remain focused on ensuring students have access to convenient, safe and affordable transportation between all UT San Antonio campuses,” said Mary Hernandez, senior vice president for Administration and Operations and chief operating officer.
As part of the ongoing UT San Antonio integration process, access to the VIA U-Pass program has been expanded to include faculty, staff, students, residents and fellows at the health campus. VIA U-Pass provides the Roadrunner community with free, unlimited VIA bus service as well as on-demand rides in select VIA Link zones. This service update supports convenient and sustainable travel between campuses, strengthening ties between UT San Antonio’s academic, medical and research communities.
For those who frequently travel between the Main and Downtown campuses, recent enhancements to VIA bus routes and schedules provide greater convenience and flexibility. Service from the Main Campus Oval continues, now with increased frequency and extended hours. Buses depart every 15 to 30 minutes, making it easier to navigate busy schedules and stay connected to classes, internships, research activities, cultural experiences and more at the university’s downtown locations. Each bus is equipped with Wi-Fi, bike racks and mobility ramps, helping ensure a productive and smooth commute.
Additionally, The Little Runner has broadened service with new stops at One Riverwalk Place and the Southwest Campus. Designed to support the UT San Antonio community, The Little Runner’s vehicles operate throughout the downtown campus, connecting key university locations. The service provides a safe and reliable transportation option for students, faculty and staff accessing programs and services in the heart of downtown.
“We’ve been proud to see the big impact The Little Runner has had in supporting a connected experience between the Downtown Campus and San Pedro I,” said Carrie Charley, associate vice president for Campus Services. “We hope the expanded route will extend that experience across our downtown locations and further support an engaged, thriving student community.”
Through expanded service, The Little Runner links the Downtown Campus, San Pedro I, the Southwest Campus and One Riverwalk Place. The added stops increase parking flexibility, enabling users to park once and move easily between locations, improving convenience while easing traffic and parking pressures.
Ensuring that students can access UT San Antonio’s essential support services across all campuses remains a priority through the university’s long-term planning efforts to invest in academic, research and infrastructure support necessary for success.
“The latest updates from VIA and Campus Services are an important step toward fulfilling recommendations from the Campus Experience Task Force and district planning team to create a seamless experience for students and employees through enhanced infrastructure and services,” Hernandez added.
To learn more about convenient, affordable and safe transportation options available to students and employees, including information on the VIA U-Pass, campus parking and transportation, visit the Campus Services website.