I'm not really sure why Via Crossroads Metro Transit has some low or poor ratings. I have to admit that, based on these ratings, I kept my expectations low when my sister and I tried this out for the first time for Paul McCartney's "Got Back" concert at the Alamodome a few months ago in October 2025.
However, I have to admit that we really enjoyed taking it to and from the Alamodome :D ! VIA Crossroads Park & Ride was pretty straightforward, being located in a shopping mall area with a Burlington Coat Factory and Target, and with plenty of signs and other people heading the same way to the lines to board the shuttles. It certainly helps to get to the parking lot early so you can find a parking space. As it gets closer to the start time of the concert, it gets harder to find a parking space, and you might have to circle around like some people.
We had no issues at all boarding the shuttles. For the particular day we boarded (which was Sat, October 25), VIA shuttles were free because it was the city's way of trying to streamline traffic, which was expected to get heavy, due to Paul's concert, Dia Los Muertos, and other events taking place downtown.
But even on days that we would have to pay, we would gladly pay the VIA shuttle fare because it's just a no brainer to take public transportation stress-free, without having to drive yourself or take Rideshare (which would cost significantly more).
Some other reviews mentioned that no one from VIA directed traffic. I can't speak for their experiences. But for ours, there were plenty of VIA employees directing people where to line up at both the pickup and drop off sites, and the drivers themselves were very courteous and friendly :) ! The shuttles appeared to be well-maintained, and were very comfortable and air-conditioned :) !
VIA reminded us very much of the Hollywood Bowl Park & Ride shuttles in Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, we dare not even attend a Hollywood Bowl concert unless we could hop on the Park & Ride. Likewise, if it wasn't for the VIA shuttles, we dare not attend a concert at the Alamodome. We know all too well what a zoo and nightmare it can be to get to a concert venue, then out of one, if we don't use public transportation to get to and from there!
However, VIA is even MORE generous than the Hollywood Bowl shuttles in stopping trips to the concert venue only an hour past the show time, and stopping trips back from the venue only an hour after the show ends. The Hollywood Bowl shuttles didn't have as extensive of a run time and stopped trips to the venue already just an hour or so before the concert.
We would certainly take VIA again for any trips and for any major events downtown :) ! It really helps a lot! And despite some of the negative reviews here, I think if everyone supported VIA and gave it more of a chance, it might truly make getting around San Antonio so much better for everyone :D ! read more