SAN ANTONIO, TX VIA Metropolitan Transit held a dedication ceremony last month to mark the completion of Centro Plaza, the agency's newest, state-of-the-art transit hub. This ceremony included an original poem offered by Texas State Poet Laureate Dr. Carmen Tafolla. The dedication ceremony was followed by a community celebration.

Centro Plaza, located at 909 W. Houston St., marks the completion of the second phase of VIA Villa, VIA's development that started with the renovation of The Grand, a historic train depot across the street from the plaza. Centro Plaza is an exciting new development in San Antonio's culturally and historically-rich West Side that will serve the Greater San Antonio Region. The plaza provides a comfortable waiting area for transfers, free 4G LTE WiFi, digital next-bus arrival signs, air-conditioned waiting areas, and a full customer service center. Bus service through Centro Plaza helps minimize travel times and avoid unneeded trips downtown while maintaining access to downtown destinations.

Centro Plaza's design includes a lighted tower sculpture, "Centro Chroma Tower," which will become an iconic part of the transit center. In addition to the Centro Chroma Tower, Centro Plaza features many decorative elements. 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 lighting."Centro Plaza represents VIA's commitment to offering enhanced services and amenities to our customers and community," said VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt. "The enclosed, conditioned waiting area, next bus arrival information and covered boarding locations provide a safe and comfortable environment for making connections.  Free Wifi and the customer service center increase passenger convenience.  The striking design and iconic light tower create a landmark statement about VIA's vision for the future of public transportation in our fast-growing region."