SAN ANTONIO - City council approved $40 Million dollars in funding to help VIA initiate a five year transportation improvement plan that includes street cars.
VIA spokesperson Priscilla Ingle says the money will be issued in several installments and the city is hoping to add another $15 Million in private funding.
Those street cars are expected to carry as many as 75 passengers when buses typically hold 35-40 riders.
Ingle says the transportation plan will total about more than $180 Million dollars with some funding coming from VIA and the Bexar County. She says the plan includes street cars running from downtown to the Pearl Brewery, giving commuters parking options to avoid finding a spot downtown.
Ingle says the transit plan also includes two high tech bus terminals on the east and west ends of downtown. Those terminals include real time read outs, so commuters know exactly when a bus is expected to arrive.
Ingle also says VIA's plan includes building park-n-ride stations, a downtown circulator bus route and upgrades to bus shelters downtown.
