NaviLens is a technology developed to empower people who are blind or have low vision and allows them to independently navigate unknown places by translating visual signage into audio messages. The technology consists of two mobile phone applications and a multi-colored QR-style code.

The codes can be:

• Detected from up to 50 feet away
• Read and detected within a second
• Read unfocused even when the user is unaware a code is within range
• Read from an angle of 160 degrees
• Read in all light conditions
• Provide the user real-time bus information or any other information stored in the code.
• Provide the user with accurate orientation to the code
• Provide audio or text messages in 33 languages and utilize the user’s preferred phone language setting to deliver the message.

Click here to learn more

• Assistive Technology

Bexar County has refreshed its BiblioTech “Ride & Read” program, allowing VIA riders to access thousands of free eBook and audiobook titles through the BiblioTech app.

VIA Metropolitan Transit and BiblioTech Public Library partnered in 2016 to bring Bexar County’s all-digital public library to commuters. The program continues VIA’s support of BiblioTech’s mission to enhance education and literacy, promote reading as recreation, and equip residents with the necessary tools to thrive in our modern landscape.

BiblioTech Digital Library is the first all-digital public library in the United States. It can be accessed 24/7 on mobile devices using VIA’s free 4G LTE WiFi, available on all buses and at all transit centers.

Free

• Free Wi-Fi

VIA Link is a new on-demand ridesharing program that offers affordable public transit options to neighborhoods and cities in the VIA service area where traditional bus routes are not feasible.

Similar to Uber or Lyft ridesharing services, customers in the Northeast and Northwest Zones – and coming soon, the South Zone – may use a convenient app or make a phone call to request a VIA Link passenger van to go to their location for a trip that can begin and end anywhere within the zone. Customers may also connect to regular VIA bus service to continue their trip to bus stops across the VIA service area. As many as three people may be picked up during a VIA Link trip.

Click here to see the service area and hours of operation.

Ride VIA Link and enjoy the same low fares as VIA bus service.

A VIA Reduced Fare ID or Student ID must be presented when riding to pay reduced fares or use discounted passes (children ages 5-13 years old and active-duty U.S. military in uniform are not required to show ID).

VIAtrans is a transportation service option for customers who cannot utilize regular bus service because of a disability. It is a shared-ride, curb-to-curb service that offers independence through mobility and expands access to opportunity via transit.

VIAtrans trips are available for any purpose and can be scheduled at least one day in advance using VIA’s online or call-in scheduling system.

VIAtrans uses vans in the same areas and at the same times as the VIA bus service. Van operators help passengers on and off vehicles but do not provide medical assistance or emergency service.

Individuals may apply to determine eligibility for VIAtrans.

• Eligibility is based on an individual’s functional ability to use regular city bus service, in keeping with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) criteria.
• As part of the VIAtrans eligibility determination process, applicants may be asked to participate in a physical functional assessment by a skilled and trained professional therapist.

Vanpool makes it possible for groups of five to 15 persons to share a ride to work while splitting the cost of van rental and fuel.

Why use VIAWorks Vanpool?

• It eliminates driving a personal vehicle and reduces gasoline and emissions.
• It saves parking costs and traffic hassles.
• It’s tax-free for riders if done as a payroll deduction.
• Vanpool drivers may keep the van during evenings and weekends, in exchange for keeping a daily log and managing the group’s finances and scheduled maintenance.
• It offers an attractive benefits package on behalf of employers.
• There is always a guaranteed ride home in case of emergency with VIAWorks and the Alamo Commutes Emergency Ride Home program.

How does vanpooling work?

VIAWorks Vanpool vehicles may travel almost anywhere, as long as trips start or end within VIA’s bus service area.

Employees of participating workplaces may receive IRS tax benefits for Vanpool expense reimbursements. VIA also provides a subsidy discount ($20 per person, per month), insurance, 24-hour roadside assistance, and van maintenance.

Click here for more information about Vanpool.