Texas Transit Association

… by holding public hearings. The one-square mile size Balcones Heights held public meetings in which residents voiced their opposition.

Speakers want to keep VIA
By Patrick Driscoll
San Antonio Express-News 01/27/2004

Balcones Heights leaders, on a mission to find out whether it’s worthwhile to keep VIA service, found out Monday that a lot of residents want to keep the buses.

Most of the nearly two dozen people who spoke at a public hearing on the issue said it’s a bad idea to oust VIA Metropolitan Transit.

Only two liked the plan, while a few had neutral opinions.

“There are just too many people who need VIA,” one resident said. “For many people, that’s a lifesaver.”

Not all the speakers in opposition were bus riders. Several, including a couple of business owners, defended those who can’t drive or afford cars.

“My employees, they need this bus,” said Mike Alcoces. “Hopefully, we’ll keep VIA here in Balcones Heights. It’ll do us a lot of good.”

City officials are questioning whether the half-cent sales tax that VIA collects in Balcones Heights could be better spent on economic development, a change that voters would have to approve. The tax raises about $500,000 a year.

“We give our money away,” said Edna Moellering, one of the speakers at Monday’s hearing. “I’m against it. Get out of it while you can.”

A recent report from the Texas comptroller’s office said Balcones Heights could opt out of VIA but still enjoy decent access to transit while paying nothing. Because the city covers just one square mile, riders could easily walk to bus stops outside city limits, it says.

On an average weekday, 2,700 people board buses at 20 stops plus Crossroads Park & Ride in Balcones Heights, according to VIA. The town itself has about 3,000 residents, but its huge commercial area draws workers and shoppers from outside.

The plan being considered advocates avoiding responsibilities to share costs and help regional efforts to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, said VIA Chairman Shelton Padgett in a letter last week to Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn.

“As public officials, whether we be elected or appointed, our efforts should be focused on the common good,” the letter states.

The Balcones Heights City Council will wait two more weeks before deciding whether to ask voters to consider opting out of VIA, said Councilman Steve Walker, who asked for the hearing. If called, a referendum would be held May 15.

Meanwhile, a second public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. next Monday at the Justice Center Court Room, 3300 Hillcrest.

Some residents attending Monday’s hearing said they will probably be relying on public transit someday.

“I won’t be able to drive in a little while,” said Arnoldo Muniz. “I’m going to be reliant on VIA a lot because I’ll still want to get around.”

“It’s a good idea we’re listening to the people — I was hoping more business people would show up,” Walker said. “Based on the numbers VIA gave us, it makes you stop and think, is this really feasible?

“Also, remember, it is the citizens who would vote,” he said.