VIA Metropolitan Transit

San Antonio's streetcar project could get a popular route addition thanks to widespread support.

Two new routes have been thrown out as possibilities for the new streetcar project. They include east to west connections via Commerce and Market Streets.

VIA's Chief of Public Engagement, Charlie Gonzalez, says in the transportation authority's public meetings, there were a lot of comments about the Market and Commerce corridors.

In the first segment:

Six possible rail routes have been proposed in VIA's new streetcar proposal. $210 million is the number VIA has to work with, and according to the San Antonio Express-News only two of the proposed routes fit the bill which could ranges from $182 million to $272 million.

The new VIA smartphone app, Go VIA VIA, has a real chance at changing the landscape of transportation in San Antonio by making it easier for long-time riders and new riders to navigate the intricate maze of bus routes and schedules. (see note about new riders at bottom of post*)

Go VIA VIA has been out for Apple and Android devices since Monday, and it already has some fans and critics. The bottom line, though, is that it is far better than the old app--which wasn't interactive in any way, shape or form.

In the first segment:

With several competitive races this election cycle, the city council may see a change in composition next session.

Join Gilbert Garcia from the San Antonio Express-News, Callie Enlow, editor of the the San Antonio Current, and Texas Public Radio's Ryan Loyd as they parse the data and the candidates.

In the second segment:

In The First Segment:

The health of San Antonio is gauged each year by the San Antonio Metro Health District's annual report. Bexar County and San Antonio have never been beacons of health, but the report details the specific issues that we are dealing with locally.  

From unprecedented levels of syphilis infections to amputations from diabetes at a rate four times the national average, the city still has major health problems.

The back and forth on VIA's proposed modern streetcar continued Thursday night at a meeting to gather public input; the system is on track to launch in 2017, but many people are determined to derail the idea.

The proposed downtown system for San Antonio involves five miles of rail with one route traveling north to south through downtown, and the other east to west. Like most of the exact details involving the system, it's yet to be determined where the embedded rails and overhead powerlines would go.

VIA’s modern streetcar project will receive another public input meeting, this time concerning alternate routes.

But the flyer doesn’t make clear that routes are the alternatives that will be discussed.

The digital flyer sent by VIA says, "Modern Streetcar: Come hear and provide comments on detailed alternatives and their characteristics."

George Rodriguez, president for South Texas Alliance for Progress, a conservative group, said VIA appears to be involved in a game of wordplay.

The controversial San Antonio streetcar project is moving ahead without help from the private sector. On Thursday city council voted to remove money from property owners that would have amounted to about $15 million.

Even though there is tens of millions of dollars coming from the county, $40 million from the city, and newfound money from VIA, Dist. 10 Councilman Carlton Soules said he believes that if people want streetcars, they should be allowed to help fund it.

You may be trying to catch up on a few last minute things this weekend and not had time to check, so here is a list of city services that will have alternate schedules for the holidays. City Hall and most municipal offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 24, 2012 through Tuesday, Jan. 1. but emergency services like SAPD and SAFD will be open.

Trash Collection:

The Vía Metropolitan Transit Board voted to increase regular fares on Tuesday night, but it doesn’t mean customers will immediately see increased costs.

A local governmental approval committee consisting of Bexar County Commissioners, members of the San Antonio City Council and members of the suburban council of mayors will still need to give the green light before fares go into effect on Feb. 1.