San Antonio’s downtown is buzzing with a new eco-friendly transportation option, courtesy of a recent union between Centro San Antonio and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Aimed at easing student travel across downtown campuses, the newly launched pilot program, whimsically named "The Little Runner," began offering free rides aboard its fleet of electric shuttles on Monday, March 18. According to a San Antonio Report, Centro SA launched the initiative in partnership with UTSA, VIA Metropolitan Transit, and the City of San Antonio.
Looking to reduce traffic and support sustainable urban development, UTSA and Centro are offering the shuttle services not just for those affiliated with the university but for all downtown denizens and visitors. The service operates on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays, per the statement UTSA's works to boost both safety and the downtown experience for students, said Mary Hernandez, senior associate vice president for administration and operations, in a communication captured by a UTSA news release.
The innovation sparked delight at its launch, with undertones of educational spirit and whimsy as the "meep meep" of a roadrunner—UTSA's mascot—was used to signal the test rides. Yet, the service is riding on more than just fanfare. It is a calculated trial aimed at gathering data on ridership patterns, which will then inform future transportation solutions in the area, underscored in a statement obtained by the San Antonio Report when referencing eCab's capability to use data to deploy shuttles where needed.
Despite acclaim, the selection process that appointed Austin-based eCab as the service operator raised a question or two during a recent City Council meeting. When examining the choice over other local businesses, some expressed concern for potential missed opportunities for small, local companies. A Centro official, Trish DeBerry, asserted the process aimed to combine specific business objectives with reliable data. Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito pointed out the potential edge given to eCab in future long-term contracts, as reported by the San Antonio Report.
Financial backing for the initiative totals $150,000, as noted by the San Antonio Report, shared between Centro SA, UTSA, and VIA. An additional $100,000 could be contributed by the City Council, pending a proposal slated for April 4. Should this funding fall through, alternative sources are ready to be tapped, given the strong demand for the service. For now, those eager to try Little Runner can hitch a ride by calling, texting, or hailing one of the e-shuttles, or by downloading the eCab mobile app.
