VIA Employee Union Opposes Free Bus Fare Push

Union president cites concerns about 'undesirables' and disruptions to service if fares are eliminated

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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As proposals to eliminate bus fares on VIA Metropolitan Transit gain support from San Antonio city council members, the union representing VIA employees is pushing back against the idea. The president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 694 says free fares would lead to more 'undesirables' riding the buses, causing disruptions, dirtiness, and confrontations with drivers. VIA officials have also raised concerns about the potential loss of revenue from fares, which make up less than 5% of the agency's budget.

Why it matters

The debate over free bus fares highlights the competing priorities of improving public transit access and maintaining order and efficiency on the bus system. The union's stance reflects concerns that eliminating fares could attract more riders with behavioral issues, potentially deterring regular commuters. This clash between social services and operational concerns will need to be resolved as the city considers the merits of fare-free transit.

The details

At least four San Antonio city council members have expressed support for moving toward 'zero fare transit' on VIA. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has asked VIA to provide a proposal for a six-month pilot program of fare-free rides on the system's five most-used routes, as well as the agency's top concerns about such a test run. VIA officials have said scrapping fares, which make up less than 5% of the agency's revenue, would mean stopping plans for two 'advanced rapid transit' routes. The union president, Robert Garza, says free fares would lead to an influx of 'undesirables' who would disrupt service, make the buses dirtier, and cause more confrontations with drivers.

  • VIA suspended fares early in the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Mayor Ortiz Jones asked VIA for a proposal by March 11, 2026.

The players

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 694

The union that represents VIA bus drivers and other employees.

Robert Garza

The president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 694.

Gina Ortiz Jones

The mayor of San Antonio who has asked VIA to provide a proposal for a fare-free transit pilot program.

Jon Gary Herrera

The CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit.

Jalen McKee-Rodriguez

A San Antonio city council member who has shown support for moving toward 'zero fare transit.'

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What they’re saying

“That didn't work. You get too many undesirables. You get people with no destinations riding. They don't want to get off.”

— Robert Garza, President, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 694 (KSAT)

“I worry that the concern is really about homeless people existing on the bus. And if the fear is that homeless people are going to be sleeping on the bus or sitting on the buses for extended periods of time, I think that's missing the forest for the trees.”

— Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, San Antonio City Council Member (KSAT)

“Let them ride the bus during the pilot program every day. I think they'd see the problem, the challenges that it's going to create. You know, and maybe they would understand a little more, maybe come up with a better plan.”

— Robert Garza, President, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 694 (KSAT)

What’s next

Mayor Ortiz Jones has asked VIA to provide a proposed approach for a six-month pilot program of fare-free rides on the system's five most-used routes, as well as the transit agency's top concerns about such a test run and how to mitigate them. VIA officials will be discussing the mayor's request with the agency's board of trustees.

The takeaway

The debate over eliminating bus fares in San Antonio highlights the tension between improving transit access and maintaining order and efficiency on the bus system. While proponents see fare-free transit as a way to help working people, the union representing VIA employees is concerned it would lead to more disruptive behavior that could deter regular commuters. Resolving this clash between social services and operational concerns will be crucial as the city considers the merits of a fare-free pilot program.