VIA Better Bus Plan

Foursquare ITP performed a complete bus network redesign through the Better Bus Plan for VIA. In 2019, VIA was considered the most efficient system across the largest Texas transit agencies. Post-pandemic, the agency has struggled with continued operator shortages, similar to many of their peers, and recapturing ridership in a system still at only 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels of service.

Our team conducted a comprehensive needs assessment that reviewed market conditions and existing services to identify transit service gaps for both fixed-route and microtransit. We used innovative techniques, such as our service optimization, microtransit suitability analysis, and market segmentation tools, to identify gaps in services. Using this information, the Foursquare ITP team established where and how to offer transit services in the post-pandemic world as service users have returned to the system. This includes building out fixed-route and microtransit solutions for VIA that will best fit into their network, while also establishing 30-minute or better service for all transit, and coordinating and supporting their advanced rapid transit system, a major capital BRT infrastructure program.

The final Better Bus network was approved unanimously by the VIA Board in April of 2025, and implementation began in May 2025. The final 2031 plan will increase service hours by 30 percent and require at least 1,106 full-time equivalent operators. It will also deliver 35-45 percent more passenger trips.