What is VIA Primo?

VIA Primo is the name of VIA's first Bus Rapis Transit route along Fredericksburg Road.

What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a specialized transportation service that incorporates rubber-tire, high capacity vehicles with the reliability and advantages of rail travel. Improved fare collection systems and controlled traffic signals help to move riders through the corridor more efficiently. Boardings will take place at dedicated stations along the corridor and at local bus stops in the downtown area.

Why did VIA choose Fredericksburg Road as the preferred BRT corridor?

Fredericksburg Road is VIA’s highest bus ridership corridor, and it connects two major employment centers, Downtown and the Medical Center. Approximately 10,000 transit trips are taken each day through this corridor, and the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) study identified BRT as being ideally suited for the Fredericksburg Road corridor.

What area will Primo serve?

The Primo route will serve the UTSA 1604 campus, USAA, the Medical Center, Balcones Heights, the Deco District, Cattleman Square, the central business district, and St. Paul Square. A transit center or passenger terminal will be located at the Medical Center and Cattleman Square districts. Additionally, direct service connections will be provided to the near east downtown St. Paul Square area, the Robert Thompson Transit Center, the Ellis Alley Park & Ride facility and the University Park & Ride.

What is the total budget for the Fredericksburg Primo route?

Early preliminary planning level cost estimates for the BRT route along Fredericksburg Road are approximately $70 million. This includes the cost of the two transit centers, Primo vehicles, stations, land acquisition, street and drainage improvements and other associated project costs. This estimate does not include the operational cost to provide BRT service. This preliminary budget will be refined as the engineering and environmental studies are completed.

How many stations will be located along the corridor?

Initially, 8 stations (16 platforms, 8 in each direction) along the corridor will be constructed.

What will the Primo stations look like?

The Primo stations will be much different than current VIA stops with shelters. While the stations will have a consistent design, the colors and other treatments will complement the neighborhoods where they are located. They will include passenger waiting platforms and other amenities, including real time “next bus” information displays.

What will the Primo vehicles look like?

The VIA Primo vehicle will have a sleek and distinct appearance. The vehicles are slightly longer than a standard bus, allowing for more passenger capacity. Enhanced fare collection and low floors will provide for faster passenger boarding.

How are the Primo vehicles fueled?

In an effort to support VIA’s commitment to reduce emissions, the Primo vehicles will maintain a hybrid clean diesel and electric propulsion system.

When will the first Primo service start along Fredericksburg Road?

Primo service is scheduled to start in late 2012.

How will construction impact businesses nearby or VIA services?

There will be several periods of construction for Primo stations and improvements. Most of the impact to local businesses will occur during the latter part of the construction process in 2011 through 2012. VIA will be working with local businesses and property owners to ensure that access is provided throughout the construction process and that interruptions are kept at a minimum. VIA bus service will be maintained through construction, although revisions to a limited number of bus stops may be required.

How often will Primo run?

A Primo vehicle will depart each station every 10 minutes from 6 a.m. to 6p.m. in each direction. The hours of operation will compliment current bus service, which currently runs 4:00 am to 1:00 am.

Will Primo have a higher fare than standard VIA bus services?

At this time, the fare structure for Primo has not been established. In other cities, however, the Primo fare is the same as standard bus service.

How will Primo interact with other vehicular traffic on the streets?

Primo vehicles operate in mixed traffic along the outside curb lanes. The impact of Primo service on vehicles traveling in the same direction will be negligible, due to the limited number of Primo stations.

Will parking be available at Primo stations?

Providing for parking at stations generally encourages more traffic and neighborhood street parking, therefore parking at Primo stations will be minimal, if at all, and determined on a station-by-station basis. Stations will also be designed to encourage appropriate pedestrian/cyclist access. The Transit Centers may include some limited parking.

Will there be any economic development opportunities associated with Primo?

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is an integral part of VIA’s comprehensive vision for transit in the San Antonio region. The prospect to provide economic development opportunities adjacent to Primo stations will initially be pursued at the transit centers. Future development opportunities may arise at each of the Primo stations, which will enhance many City of San Antonio and Balcones Heights economic development initiatives.

Do other cities have BRT?

Yes, and it has been very successful. In the United States, cities including Cleveland, OH, Eugene, OR and Los Angeles, CA are currently operating BRT. Internationally, BRT also has been implemented in Canada, Mexico, Columbia, Brazil, Australia, Thailand, and China.

How can I get more information about Primo?

As information becomes available it will be posted online at www.VIAPrimo.net. Citizens can also call VIA Public Affairs at 210-362-2222 for any questions or additional information.