Map depicting the walkshed area around VIA's Green Line.

A BETTER TRANSIT WALK

Walk safe. Ride easy. Build better connections.

During public meetings, neighborhood gatherings, and on SASpeakUp, one message came through loud and clear: people want safer, more walkable connections to transit. We’re taking action. As part of the next phase of Transit-Oriented Development, the City’s Transportation Department is kicking off four walkshed analyses along the Green Line.

Implementing this recommendation moves our community one step closer to completing one of the objectives of the TOP Framework: Enhance first and last mile connectivity through targeted infrastructure improvements.

TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD) ZONING UPDATE

The City of San Antonio’s TOD zoning code update applies within the TOD zoning boundary. Property owners within this TOD zoning boundary are eligible to apply for TOD zoning. This zoning allows property owners to develop their property in a way that supports transit-oriented communities. The TOD zoning offers housing, workspaces, and recreational opportunities close to VIA Green Line transit stations.

HOW DOES IT CREATE TRANSIT-ORIENTED COMMUNITIES?

• Provides more flexibility on mixing uses on your property
• Allows a wide range of housing types
• Reduces amount of parking spaces required
• Reduces the required distance between buildings and the edges of the property (along the back and sides)
• Traffic Impact Analysis not required

WHAT ARE YOUR TOD ZONING OPTIONS?

TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

Illustration depicting the resilience principle from the TOP Framework.

As part of its commitment to a safer, more connected transportation network, City Council recently adopted several key plans: the Complete Streets Policy Update, Vision Zero Action Plan Update, Bike Network Plan, and the TOP Framework. With these updates comes the proposed creation of a Transportation Commission to advise on policies affecting all road users—pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and more. On March 18, the Transportation and Infrastructure Council Committee recommended creating a 13-member commission, including both council district appointees and at-large members from relevant organizations. To reflect the city’s multimodal goals, the proposed makeup includes:

• 2 Transit Riders
• 2 Cyclists
• 1 Traffic Engineer
• 1 Representative for the “Transportation Disadvantaged” (defined as low-income individuals, older adults, and/or people with disabilities)

The remaining five district-appointed members may come from backgrounds in areas like affordable housing, children’s advocacy, development, sustainability, health, non-motorized transport, or urban planning. One position each will be designated for VIA and the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

City Council will vote on the commission’s formation during the May 8, 2025 City Council meeting.

UPCOMING EVENTS

May 6, 2025: Come out to the Roosevelt Park Clubhouse on May 6th to share your ideas for better, safer ways to walk/roll, cross, and get around. We’re also teaming up with Animal Care Services to feature a pawsome guest at the open house — stop by, say hi, play some ball, and maybe meet your future four-legged best friend! The event takes place from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. For more information on Commissioner Gordon or any other whiskered wingman, please email acsfoster@sanantonio.gov. Can’t make it in person? Share your input online at SASpeakUp: A Better Transit Walk.

Image of May 6th pawsome guest and foster dog, Commissioner Gordon.

Illustration created by MIG, Inc. of a potential Transit-Oriented Community with a center-running VIA Rapid Green Line station.

WHAT ARE TOD, TOC, AND TOP?

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) connects land use and transportation through a compact development pattern. Picture a development project designed so that all essential amenities are easily accessible via public transit or within a half mile of the transit station.

Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) are neighborhoods where all essentials are at your doorstep. Imagine living in a neighborhood where everything you need – your home, favorite shops, workplace, and even the local movie theater – is a just a short walk or bike right away, served by transit.

Transit-Oriented Policy (TOP) is a strategic policy framework that guides the city and investment to ensure that future developments around transit corridors are inclusive, vibrant, and accessible for all communities.

VIA Green and Silver Lines are part of a high-quality, modern public transportation system that’s designed to move more people. They deliver fast, frequent, and reliable public transit service. Rapid Green Line vehicles travel in dedicated lanes outside regular traffic and use bus-friendly traffic signals. The new system will also offer off-board fare collection options for faster boarding. An effective system improves transit frequency and reliability. It offers passenger comfort and more equitable access to affordable public transportation options. The region’s first line, the VIA Rapid Green Line, connects destinations from north to south. A second proposed corridor, the VIA Rapid Silver Line, connects the east and west sides of San Antonio.

Illustrations of the various scales of TOD, TOC, and TOP as shown in the TOP Framework document.