How VIA Is Growing Ridership by Growing Service

San Antonio is growing fast—and VIA Metropolitan Transit is growing right along with it.For this special episode of Transit Unplugged, we’re going back to our Transit Unplugged TV visit to San Antonio and bringing you three extended, uncut conversations with the VIA leaders shaping the future of mobility in the city. VIA President and CEO Jon Gary Herrera talks about what makes San Antonio unique, VIA’s role in connecting people to opportunity, and the rapid growth of VIA Link microtransit.Then, Deputy CEO Tremell Brown takes Paul inside VIA’s operations and shares his remarkable journey from bus operator to the agency’s executive team. They talk about the people, facilities, safety operations, and nearly 500 buses that keep San Antonio moving every day. Finally, Senior Vice President of Planning and Development Rod Sanchez looks ahead to VIA’s Green Line, a new bus rapid transit line designed around dedicated lanes, off-board payment, transit signal priority, and frequent service. Pulled from our Transit Unplugged TV uncut episode, these conversations offer a closer look at how VIA is expanding service, embracing new mobility options, and preparing public transportation for the future of a fast-growing city. In this episode:• Jon Gary Herrera, President and CEO, VIA Metropolitan Transit• Tremell Brown, Deputy CEO, VIA Metropolitan Transit• Rod Sanchez, Senior Vice President of Planning and Development, VIA Metropolitan Transit 00:00 Welcome to Transit Unplugged00:39 Why Full Interviews00:55 San Antonio VIA Spotlight01:11 Meet the Leaders01:44 Inside San Antonio02:30 What Makes It Unique03:22 River Walk and Alamo04:06 Why It's Called VIA04:52 System Overview and Growth05:56 How VIA Link Works07:10 Downtown Zone for Visitors07:53 San Antonio Growth Stats09:02 Herrera Leadership Milestone09:38 Military Town History11:48 Wrap John Interview12:05 Trammell Brown Onboard12:43 From Operator to Deputy CEO13:12 Bus Yard and Operations14:25 Police and Paratransit15:47 Podcast Break and Credits16:20 Rod Sanchez Introduction16:44 Historic Park Setting17:18 Planning Role and Vision18:30 Green Line BRT Features19:19 Route and 2028 Timeline20:25 Final Thoughts and Next City21:19 Show Credits and Sponsor CreditsHost and Producer: Paul ComfortExecutive Producer: Julie GatesProducer: Chris O’KeeffeProduction Assistant: Desmond GatesEditor: Patrick EmileAssociate Producer: Cyndi RaskinBrand Design: Tina Olagundoye Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo, passionate about moving the world’s people. For more information, visit: www.Transit Unplugged.com Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to it.