San Antonio City Council B Session: VIA Transit Update and Diversion/Recovery Center Discussion - February 11, 2026

The City of San Antonio held a B session on February 11, 2026, from 1:13 PM to 5:14 PM, featuring two major agenda items: an update from VIA Metropolitan Transit on the Keep San Antonio Moving Plan and Advanced Rapid Transit (ART) projects, and a presentation on a proposed joint city-county diversion/recovery center for individuals with mental health, substance use, or intellectual/developmental disabilities.

VIA Transit Update

• VIA Board Chair Laura Cabanilla, CEO John Gary Herrera, and Rod Sanchez presented the agency's progress. VIA reported 31.6 million passenger trips in 2025, a 28% increase in ridership, and a 98% customer satisfaction rating. The agency hired 107 new full-time bus operators in 2025, reaching an all-time high of 907 operators.
• The Better Bus Plan, a frequency-focused network redesign, is 65% implemented (two to three years ahead of schedule). As a result, 72% of the system now operates at 30-minute intervals or better, up from 30% a year ago. The goal is no route worse than 30 minutes.
• VIA Link on-demand service grew by 35% and now provides 1 million rides annually. Park-and-ride ridership increased by 50%.
• The ART Green Line (10.3 miles, $480 million budget, $268 million federal) will run from Isom to Steves with 10-minute frequency, 25 new stations, and 17 articulated buses. Construction began in early 2026 with utility work; heavy construction starts in March 2026.
• The ART Silver Line (7.3 miles, 10-minute frequency) will run from General McMullen to the Frost Bank Center, with 18 stations and 14 articulated buses. Construction is expected to begin in 2027 and be complete by January 2030.
• Council members raised several concerns and requests. Mayor Ron Nirenberg asked about the telecom tax (currently not collected by VIA, estimated at $6–8 million annually) and requested a memo by March 11, 2026, detailing a six-month fare-free pilot on the top five routes (covering 24% of riders). The memo should include options to offset the cost (5% of operating budget or 3% if telecom tax is collected) and outline mitigation strategies for safety and operations.
• Councilman McKee Rodriguez requested data on ridership growth per route and cost per rider. Councilman White asked about revenue sources and efficiency metrics. Councilwoman Castillo requested a list of new bus shelters and asked about the return of Route 54. Councilman Galvan requested a deeper analysis of free fare, and Councilman Mesa Gonzalez asked about shade structures and benches.
• VIA acknowledged that the agency is the most underfunded major transit agency in Texas, with only one-eighth cent sales tax compared to a full cent for peers like Houston Metro. Fare box revenue accounts for only 5% of operating budget ($18 million).

Diversion & Recovery Center

• Maria Vargas (Director of Integrated Community Safety), Eric Epley (STRAC), and Jalen Jameson (CEO of Center for Health Care Services) presented on a Council Consideration Request (CCR) by Councilwoman Castillo to establish a centralized diversion and recovery center as an alternative to jail for individuals with mental health, substance use, or IDD needs.
• The presentation reviewed pre-arrest diversion models in Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, and Travis counties. Harris County reported that for every $1 spent on jail diversion, $5.54 is avoided in criminal justice costs. The Dallas Deflects program saw referrals increase from 184 in 2024 to 1,087 in 2025.
• Currently, 80–100 individuals are booked daily in Bexar County for low-level misdemeanors with behavioral health needs. The jail costs $1,750 per day per inmate; a diversion center costs approximately $500 per day. The proposed center would offer short-term residential treatment (up to 14 days), stabilization, and 90-day aftercare, with a focus on connecting individuals to housing and social services.
• The Center for Health Care Services released an RFP for a feasibility study, awarded to Dr. Alexander Testa. The city will contribute $30,000 toward the $100,000 study. The study will validate need, determine workflows, and assess financial justification.
• Councilwoman Castillo proposed a city-county ad hoc committee to oversee the effort, with membership including Sheriff Salazar, Chief McManus, District Attorney, judges, University Health, ACOG, and housing representatives. Council members expressed strong support. Councilman McKee Rodriguez noted the lack of Black representation on the proposed committee and asked for inclusion. Councilwoman Mesa Gonzalez and Castillo volunteered to serve on the committee.
• Council members emphasized the importance of wraparound services, including permanent supportive housing and transitional housing, and noted the impact of recent federal policy changes (e.g., executive order on homelessness and potential Medicaid cuts) on the urgency of this initiative.

Key Outcomes

• VIA: The Mayor directed VIA to provide a written memo by March 11, 2026, outlining a six-month fare-free pilot on the top five routes (24% of riders), including financial analysis on offsetting costs via the telecom tax or budget adjustments, and mitigation ideas for safety and operational concerns. The memo will be agendized by the Transportation Committee.
• Diversion Center: The Public Safety Committee approved the city's participation in the feasibility study ($30,000 contribution) and the creation of a joint city-county ad hoc committee to establish a centralized diversion and recovery center. The committee will be formed with stakeholders including the city, county, law enforcement, health authorities, and housing providers. Councilwoman Castillo and Councilwoman Mesa Gonzalez will serve on the committee.