Plan a Trip
How To Ride
Get the ins and outs of boarding, riding, bringing a bike, enjoying free Wi-Fi, and learning about accessibility, safety, and codes of conduct.
Boarding the Bus
As a bus approaches your stop, look for the 1 to 3-digit route number on the digital sign at the top and side of the bus and match it up with the route number on your instructions. Be sure the bus operator sees you, or wave your hand as the bus approaches so they know you want to board.
Activate your mobile ticket or have your paper ticket ready to show the operator.
Real-time arrivals – Several stops and transit centers have digital signs that provide next bus arrival times based on the real-time location. You can also text the 5-digit Bus Stop Number on the bus stop sign to 52020 for real-time information.
Click below to select a bus route to track your bus.
Getting Off the Bus
Sit back and relax until it’s time to get off the bus.
When your stop is next, alert the operator by pulling the yellow cord or pushing the yellow strip near the window. Operators may pass the stop if they are not alerted.
Riding with Bikes
All VIA buses and VIA Link Vans are equipped with bicycle racks capable of carrying two or three bikes at a time. Space on the bike racks is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a bicycle and the rack is full, please wait for the next bus.
- Be sure the bus operator sees you as you are loading and unloading your bicycle, and let the operator know when you are done.
- Large or bulky items on your bicycle, may need to be removed if they interfere with the safe operation of the bus.
- If there are no other bicycles on the rack, place yours in the slot nearest the bus with the handlebars toward the curb. The next bicycle should then be loaded with the handlebars facing away from the curb. Remember, the hook goes over the front tire, not the rear.
- Load and unload bicycles quickly and safely. As a courtesy to your fellow riders, try not to hold up the bus when loading or removing your bicycle.
- When exiting, use the front doors and remind the operator that you will be getting your bicycle.
- If your bicycle is the only one on the rack when you unload, close the rack by lifting it up until it locks.
- Bus operators are not allowed to assist with the loading or unloading of bicycles. Passengers are responsible for placing their bicycles on the rack and removing it. VIA is not responsible for injury or damage arising from the use of the bike racks.
Both traditional bicycles and e-bikes are permitted on VIA buses, which typically can accommodate two to three bikes at a time. Bikes can be placed on external bike racks on VIA buses and on internal racks on VIA’s Prímo buses. Space on the bike racks is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a bicycle and the rack is full, please wait for the next bus.
During transport on VIA vehicles, e-bike batteries must remain attached to the bicycle frame and powered off. E-bikes may not be charged using any power sources on VIA vehicles. Commercially owned e-bikes, public rentals or phone-app-based e-bikes are not permitted. Customers who transport e-bikes must follow all other VIA policies applicable to traditional bicycles.
E-bikes permitted on buses must have 20-29-inch tires and a maximum weight of 55 lbs.
The VIA Experience
Many of our bus routes and stops are accessible. Almost all buses offer ramps for easy boarding, with audio announcements inside and outside of the bus providing helpful information. VIA offers two types of positions for wheelchairs depending on the bus model: rear-facing and forward-facing.
Customers with disabilities can also apply for VIAtrans, our curb-to-curb paratransit service that provides transportation for persons with disabilities who require additional assistance to board, ride, or disembark from a VIAtrans van. Individuals must apply for this shared-ride program to determine eligibility.
To promote access for customers who are disabled, VIA will consider exceptions to existing rules and procedures on an as-needed basis. Please contact us in advance by e-mail or phone at (210) 362-2020 if you believe you require a disability-related accommodation in order to use VIA buses or VIAtrans vans. A complaint process is available if an accommodation request is declined.
NaviLens
VIA makes riding easier for visually impaired customers by using technology available through a phone app (IOS or Android) that uses an algorithm to translate visual signage into audio messaging. NaviLens provides passengers accurate location and distance to the nearest bus stop, next bus arrival and directions onto the bus when it pulls up to the stop.
For more information regarding NaviLens, scan code below with your NaviLens or NaviLensGo app.
Free 4G LTE Wi-Fi service is available on every bus and van, and at every transit facility. Riders can connect to the free Wi-Fi in three easy steps:
- Turn on your mobile device’s Wi-Fi setting.
- Search for VIAFreeWiFi network.
- Read and agree to the terms of service.
VIA is proudly committed to providing safe, secure and reliable service for its riders, employees, and communities across more than 36 million passenger trips per year. Currently our department employs 30 officers to accomplish our safety goals. In 2019, VIA Transit Police earned statewide accreditation recognition for their dedication to service, through compliance with more than 168 Texas law enforcement best practices criteria. The VTPD was one of only two Transit Police departments in the state to receive the distinguished award from The Texas Police Chiefs Association.
Safety Tips
- Board only at bus stops. VIA operators are not permitted to board passengers outside of designated stops.
- Stand at a safe distance. Do not approach a moving bus and remain a safe distance from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop. If you see a bus pull away from the stop, please do not chase after it. Operators are not allowed to board passengers once the bus is in motion, please wait on the next one to arrive.
- Be ready to board. Verify the route number and final destination on the front of the bus prior to boarding.
- Be patient. Don’t crowd. Please allow passengers to exit the bus before boarding to minimize crowding in the doorways.
- Hold on. Have a seat. Use handrails to steady yourself as you find a seat on the bus.
- Stay behind the yellow line. Stay seated whenever possible. In the event that a bus is full and you must stand, please remain behind the yellow line so that you do not obstruct the operator’s view.
VIA Metropolitan Transit Police Department has set forth policies governing the conduct and demeanor of every member of the police department, both on- and off-duty, to promote efficiency, discipline, and good public relations.
It is a violation to commit the following acts on a VIA vehicle, VIA facility or VIA property:
- Smoke or expel the residue of any tobacco product including vapor (whether through an e-cigarette, vaporizing electronic delivery system or otherwise) and chewing tobacco.
- Consume any alcoholic beverage or possess an open container of any alcoholic beverage on a VIA bus, other VIA vehicle, VIA facility or VIA property.
- Eating on a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle unless medically necessary.
- Drinking beverages on a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle without using a spill-proof or screw-top container.
- Engage in disruptive, disturbing behavior such as loud conversation, profanity, rude insults or operating any electronic device used for sound without earphones (radio, MP3 player, etc.).
- Take any animal onto a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle unless the animal’s purpose is to assist a person with a disability; or if the animal is traveling in an enclosed pet carrier.
- Carry or possess any illegal weapon.
- Possess or transport any explosive, flammable liquid, combustible material or other dangerous substance.
- Vandalize any VIA bus, other VIA vehicle, VIA facility or VIA property.
- Beg, solicit or panhandle from another person.
- Spit, urinate, defecate or expose one’s anus, breasts or genitals.
- Illegally possess, use, distribute or sell any controlled substance.
- Engage in any horseplay or fighting.
- Transport a motorized scooter or similar device (non-mobility aid device) aboard any VIA vehicle.
- Ride a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle without evidence that the proper fare has been paid.
- Unauthorized presence on a VIA bus, other VIA vehicle, VIA facility, or VIA property.
- Unauthorized use of a VIA bus, other VIA vehicle, VIA facility or VIA property.
- Interfering with the operation of a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle to include but not limited to harassment, intimidation, distraction and/or interference with the VIA operator. VIA operators are public servants who help ensure passenger safety. Assaulting an operator is a crime that can be prosecuted as a felony.
A person who violates one or more of these regulations may be cautioned or asked to leave the VIA bus, other VIA vehicle, VIA facility, or VIA property immediately by a VIA Police Officer or a VIA Bus or Paratransit Supervisor.
The following items are potential safety hazards due to size or nature of contents and are prohibited on VIA vehicles:
- Bicycles – except folding bikes that do not block the aisle or doors and on Primo articulated buses with onboard bike racks
- Explosives, flammable liquids or materials (including welding tanks or any gas powered item
- Firearms – except for law enforcement officers and security guards
- Fishing poles
- Furniture
- Glass, sharp objects or instruments, unless properly packaged
- Leaking bags or packages that may cause a slip or fall
- Non-folding baby carriages
- Roller skates or rollerblades while being worn
- Vehicle batteries
- Items that may inconvenience or injure other patrons
Social Media Code of Conduct
VIA Metropolitan Transit utilizes various social media platforms to communicate with customers and to share daily information about the transit agency. We encourage customers to engage in conversation, but also to adhere to the Social Media Code of Conduct listed below.
- Facebook® – VIA’s Facebook page feed is intended to keep our customers up-to-date on the latest news and information about VIA programs and services. VIA will also share service alerts here. Because of new Facebook algorithms, not all content may be visible. You can also get service information at VIAinfo.net, by following VIA on X or Instagram, or by calling Customer Service at (210) 362-2020.
- X® – VIA’s X (Twitter) feed is intended to keep our customers up-to-date on the latest news and information about VIA programs and services. VIA will also keep customers informed of service delays, bus detours, and other service information here. You can also get this information at VIAinfo.net, by following VIA on Facebook or Instagram, or by calling Customer Service at (210) 362-2020.
- Instagram® – VIA’s Instagram feed is intended to keep our customers up to date on activities, events and initiatives at VIA. You can find service information and alerts at VIAinfo.net, by following VIA on Facebook or X, or by calling Customer Service at (210) 362-2020.
Code of Conduct for Accessing or Using VIA’s Social Media Sites
All users of VIA’s social media sites: must uphold this code of conduct; must adhere to all applicable local, state and national laws and regulations; are responsible for all activities and content you post, upload, display or comment upon; and are prohibited from posting, uploading, displaying or commenting on, any content:
- containing or could be considered junk mail, spam, chain letters, pyramid schemes, marketing, commercial advertisement, or promotion of goods, sites or services.Inciting, advocating or expressing pornography, obscenity, vulgarity, profanity, hatred, bigotry, racism, violence or terrorism.
- threatening, stalking, defaming, defrauding, abusing, degrading, victimizing or intimidating any individual, group of individuals, entity or organization for any reason, including age, gender, gender identity, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, race or disease.
- promoting or encouraging suicide or self-harm.
- promoting or encouraging sexual advances, sexual harassment or sexual exploitation.
- containing misleading, confusing or infringing brand affiliation, trademark or copyright information, including business name or logo.
- unrelated to the post or posting the same comment under more than one thread.
- providing or creating links to external sites that are not affiliated with VIA or that violate this code of conduct.
- interfering or disrupting VIA’s social media sites or network connectivity, including transmitting, any worms, viruses, spyware, malware or any other code of a destructive or disruptive nature.
VIA is not responsible for the content of any user-created, posting, listing or message. The decision to view content or engage with others is yours. We encourage you to periodically review these guidelines to ensure your compliance.
VIA reserves the right to amend or change the code of conduct or any service at any time without notice; as well as remove any content that violates this code of conduct. VIA reserves the right to refuse access or usage to anyone for violation of, or noncompliance with, the code of conduct or based upon legitimate business reasons.
Have other questions?
We are here to help along the way. If you are still having trouble with your trip, call our customer service center at (210) 362-2020.