You may wonder about the transportation that operates in UTSA that you are able to use there. And of course, you need to know the schedule. So, let’s see the information about it here so that you will not get wrong.
The Schedule of The Runner Shuttle
In the website of UTSA, it is explained that The Runner is the transit system in UTSA. It gives you service to and from on-campus parking lots and select nearby apartment complexes. This service is funded by the transportation fee which is paid by students each semester.
According to the website of UTSA, the schedule of The Runner during UTSA’s period of modified operations at the start of the fall 2021 semester is like this.
- Departure time of the Runner shuttle is at 7 am and the final departure is at 9 pm.
The shuttles will run around every 20 minutes.
If you need live updates on routes and traffic, you are able to follow the Twitter account of The Runner. If you want to transit to and from the UTSA Main and Downtown campuses, it is available with VIA U-Pass.
How about lost & found? As explained on the website of UTSA, drivers will hold on to items which are found on the bus until the end of their shift. At the end of their shift, the items will be turned over to the UTSA Police Department. If you want to recover lost items, you are able to call (210) 458-4242.
The Runner GPS of UTSA
In the Runner GPS, you are able to view shuttle locations in real time. Besides, you are also able to receive important alerts, check schedules, and more. Also, you are also able to have personalized options and those include the ability to save favorite routes and set reminders for frequently used stops.
To have the Runner GPS, you are able to download for free on the App Store or Google Play. Or, you are able to visit the Runner GPS online. In the Google Play and the App Store, you are able to find this app as UTSA The ‘Runner. With it, you are able to get real-time arrival information for UTSA’s bus system. For Android users, it is required to have Android 4.0 and up. The size of this app is 2.7 MB and until now, it has been installed more than 1,000 times. For iPhone users, it is required to have iOS 11.0 or later. For iPod touch users, it is required to have iOS 11.0 or later. The size of this app for iOS is 5.4 MB. For Mac users, it is required to have macOS 11.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip.
Here are some positive reviews from the UTSA The Runner app users.
- Ssspurs, 02/10/2017
“Can track where my bus is live via GPS! No need to wait 20 mins for my bus.”
- Miranda P 02/02/2017
“I’ve been wanting an app like this for the ‘Runner for quite some time now. Glad to see it’s finally in development and I can’t wait to see what features are added over time. Possibly a way to see how full the arriving bus is?”
- Rohit Mehra 11/18/2016
“Really Helpful.”
VIA U-Pass
UTSA and VIA Metropolitan Transit cooperate to provide bus service which is free and unlimited to current UTSA students and paid employees. The program of VIA U-Pass offers cost saving, so it makes it easier for the campus community to leave vehicles at home. As a result, it can reduce traffic on campus roads and parking lots.
How do we ride? If you want to access your VIA U-Pass, you need to download the VIA goMobile+ ticketing app and then you need to sign up with your UTSA preferred email address. If you want to ride, you just have to open your U-Pass and then you must show it to the operator when boarding the bus. If you do not have a smartphone, you are able to contact Campus Services for instruction. Let’s say that you used the original goMobile app previously. If so, you have to download the new goMobile+ and create a new account. It is because your U-Pass is not available on the previous app anymore.
With VIA, you are able to travel throughout the greater San Antonio area. It also offers a number of bus stops and park-and-ride locations. You are able to view routes and start planning your trip. If you want to travel between the Main and Downtown Campuses, VIA route 93 has convenient and quick transportation.
You may wonder why we have to ride VIA. It is because VIA is an eco-friendly alternative to driving your car to campus. With it, you are able to save time and money when you do not have to pay for parking, sit in traffic or maintain a vehicle. It is important for you to know that all VIA buses provide instant access to the Bexar BiblioTech e-library and free 4G LTE Wifi. So, you are able to spend more time studying, reading, checking emails and staying connected.
Other Alternative Transportation
Besides The Runner and VIA U-Pass, there are other alternative transportation according to the UTSA website.
- Carpool
If you are looking for a way to make your commute to campus more eco-friendly, you are able to find a rideshare and then you have to register your carpool with Campus Services.
- Bicycling
You are able to ride a bike to reduce air pollution. Throughout the Main and Downtown Campus, UTSA has bike racks. You have to register your bicycle for free and then you have to remember to practice bicycle safety.
- Taxi Service
Are you in a hurry? If so, you are able to call a taxi. The options of taxi in San Antonio are SAtaxis.com, Aaataxi.com, and Yellowcabsa.com.
Another way to reach campus and the surrounding area of UTSA is by walking. It is important for you to know that if you walk for 30 minutes a day, it can increase health benefits and save gas money. If you want to walk, run, jog or hike, the City of San Antonio has more than 140 miles of trails across the community.
