VIA Metropolitan Transit’s plans for the Silver Line bus stops in San Antonio’s historic districts are moving forward. The city’s Historic and Design Review Commission is scheduled to review the plans on August 5, which include eight of the 18 total stations.
Silver Line Overview
The 7.3-mile-long Silver Line will operate along West Commerce, Buena Vista, and East Houston streets in downtown San Antonio, spanning from North General McMullen Drive on the West Side to the Frost Bank Center on the East Side. The nearly $300 million transit system is still in the design phase, with about 70% of that phase completed.
The Silver Line will serve as the corresponding route to VIA’s north-south Green Line, a $481 million project already under construction. The Green Line’s 10.3-mile route will have 25 new bus stations. The Silver Line will mostly use bus stop locations already in use, with some new stations proposed as center lane, curbside, and curbside-narrow types.
Historic Districts
The commission’s review is required by ordinance because some of the stations are located in the river improvement overlay (RIO) district and others in four historic districts: Cattleman Square, Main and Military Plaza, St. Paul Square, and Dignowity Hill. Property owners in the historic districts have signaled their support for the plans, which were modified in response to concerns raised during meetings with business owners and residents.
VIA plans to hold more public meetings related to the Silver Line starting in August. Construction is expected to start next year, with the line open for ridership by early 2031.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
