VIA Metropolitan Transit planners Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013 recommended that San Antonio pursue the longest of several streetcar alternatives being considered.
Alternative 6, at 5.9 miles in length, would cost $280 million to construct. But VIA consultant Kyle Keahey said the route would generate 1.4 million passengers per year.
VIA currently has identified only $210 million in funding, generated from state, city, and sales tax sources, to build a starter line. Other funding, presumably including federal support, would be required to drive Alternative 6.
Alternative 6 is a north-south line using Broadway and St. Mary's and Navarro streets. Planners recommended extending the line further south on St. Mary's into Southtown, all the way to Alamo Street.
The recommendation must still be presented to the full VIA Board. So far the recommendation has been presented only to the Board's planning and project development committee. A public meeting on the routes also is scheduled Sept. 18. VIA board members could vote on the proposal at the regular board meeting Sept. 24, according to local media.