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San Antonio council approves pilot to provide free VIA semester passes to middle and high school students
Summary
City council approved a pilot program to fund VIA semester passes for students ages 12–18, an initial District 7 commitment of roughly $150,000 will cover this phase; community leaders and educators urged the move as a practical step to reduce chronic absenteeism.
San Antonio City Council approved a pilot to provide no-cost VIA semester passes for middle and high school students as part of a consent agenda on Jan. 15, 2026.
The pilot — which councilmembers said launched Dec. 20 and is already enrolling families — is funded initially with a commitment from District 7 and is intended to test whether free passes increase daily attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism. Councilwoman Marina Aldrete Gabito described the initiative as an 'initial investment' from her office budget and said staff and partners will work to refine and scale the program.
Why it matters: Local educators and community groups said transportation is a significant barrier to consistent attendance. Dahlia Flores Contreras, CEO of City Education Partners, said San Antonio has a 26% chronic absence rate and called the pass program a 'practical step' that can keep students in class. Diane Fernandez, executive director of enrollment for San Antonio Independent School District, told the council the passes would let students reach campuses and after-school supports that otherwise would be inaccessible.
Supporters included school leaders, nonprofit directors and parents. Dr. Atika Shemshak, superintendent of Jubilee Academies, said the policy addresses access challenges families face — work schedules, shared vehicles and temporary housing — and urged the council to approve the funding. Student testimony echoed those points: James Ward, a senior at Triumph Public High School, said access to free passes made attending his chosen school possible.
Opponents raised questions about scope and cost. Jack M. Finger, a public commenter, asked why the city was intervening when VIA semester passes are marketed at $28.50 and asked whether school bus systems and parental responsibilities were being overlooked. Council members responded that school bus eligibility and the reality of families’ transportation options leave gaps the pilot seeks to fill.
Implementation and oversight: VIA representatives told the council they already track student pass usage and can deliver key performance indicators. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and staff asked VIA to report metrics and to coordinate with the chair of the Education Opportunities Committee so the city can assess attendance impacts and cost-effectiveness.
The consent agenda motion (items 7–31) passed; item 31 — the VIA semester-pass agreement — was approved as part of that vote. Councilmembers signaled interest in exploring broader fare-free options if the pilot shows positive results.
Next steps: Staff and VIA will monitor program KPIs and report back to the council; councilmembers said they will pursue additional funding conversations with county and private partners to sustain or expand the program.
