San Antonio transit ridership struggles post pandemic
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Ridership on VIA Metropolitan Transit is still struggling to recover from the pandemic.
By the numbers: Public transit ridership in the San Antonio metro area is at 66% of pre-pandemic levels, per American Public Transportation Association (APTA) data.
- In September, there were about 2.5 million monthly VIA trips in San Antonio — down from about 3.8 million the same month in 2019.
Why it matters: Public transit is key to cities' broader health and vibrancy.
- It makes for cleaner, greener cities; opens up possibilities for those who can't afford a car; and frees up parking lots to be turned into housing, green space and more.
The big picture: Most major U.S. metros have yet to see transit ridership recover fully.
- But nationally, ridership stood at 77% of pre-pandemic levels in November 2023, per APTA's latest big-picture data.
What's happening: Cities have been experimenting with a variety of tactics to boost their numbers after rates plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- VIA is hoping its Advanced Rapid Transit route will attract new riders.
- Some cities are also rethinking routes based on people's new post-pandemic travel patterns, with remote and hybrid work affecting how, where and when we move about.
The bottom line: In many cities, it may take years for public transit ridership to reach pre-pandemic levels, if it ever does.
- But many leaders nationwide are investing regardless, given the potential benefits.