VIA's Centro Plaza Celebrated In Dedication Ceremony

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Nov 20, 2015, 11:00 ET

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- VIA Metropolitan Transit, the region's public transportation provider, held a dedication event on Friday, November 20, to mark the completion of Centro Plaza at VIA Villa, the agency's newest transit hub. The ceremony included the recitation of an original poem by 2015 Texas State Poet Laureate Carmen Tafolla, Ph.D.

VIA Metropolitan Transit, the Greater San Antonio Region's public transportation provider, held a dedication event on Nov. 20, 2015 to mark the completion of Centro Plaza at VIA Villa, the agency's newest transit hub. It will provide a comfortable area for transfers, free 4G LTE WifFi, digital next-bus arrival signs, an air-conditioned waiting area, and a full customer service center. Bus service through Centro Plaza will help minimize transfers while maintaining access to downtown destinations. Centro Plaza's design includes an 85-ft. lighted tower sculpture, "Centro Chroma Tower," a VIA landmark designed by artist Bill FitzGibbons. Visit viainfo.net for more information.

Centro Plaza, 909 W. Houston St., is the second phase of VIA Villa, a development that began with the renovation of The Grand, a historic rail depot across the street from the plaza. Centro Plaza is a state-of-the-art transportation development that will serve the Greater San Antonio Region. The modern plaza, coupled with the renovation of The Grand, returns the grounds to their original purpose as a transportation hub.

Centro Plaza provides a comfortable area for transfers, free 4G LTE WiFi, digital next-bus arrival signs, an air-conditioned waiting area, and a full customer service center. Bus service through Centro Plaza helps minimize transfers while maintaining access to downtown destinations.

"Centro Plaza represents VIA's commitment to offering enhanced services and amenities to our customers and the community," said VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt. "The enclosed waiting area, next bus arrival information and covered boarding locations provide new transportation choices for making quality of life connections. The striking design and iconic light tower create a landmark statement for VIA's vision of public transportation's future in our fast-growing region."

The Plaza's design includes a lighted tower sculpture, "Centro Chroma Tower," a new VIA landmark. The tower, created by artist Bill FitzGibbons, stands 85 feet tall at the corner of Frio and Travis streets and glows with multi-colored LED lights.

The general contractor for the project was Journeyman Construction Inc. Architectural firm Perkins Eastman Company partnered with Ford, Powell & Carson to preserve historic structures in the area, improve overall pedestrian access, and create an iconic public square for San Antonio residents to enjoy and access the city's growing network of transit services.

VIA Metropolitan Transit provides public transportation services to 13 cities in the Greater San Antonio Region and the unincorporated areas of Bexar County. VIA operates seven days a week on 90 routes, and VIA provided 44 million rides across the region last year. VIA's mission is to enhance the community's quality of life by providing regional and customer-oriented public transportation that is dependable, cost-effective and enticing to more riders. VIA's AAA bond rating reflects the organization's sound management and financial practices. Visit www.VIAinfo.net for more information. Follow us on www.facebook.com/VIATransit, www.Twitter.com/VIA_Transit, and www.instagram.com/VIATransit.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151119/289575

SOURCE VIA Metropolitan Transit