Effective Jan. 12, VIA Metropolitan Transit launched its largest set of service improvements that has ever been simultaneously implemented.

In a nutshell: According to a news release, the changes were feasible due to the hiring of 107 new full-time bus operators and the accelerated progress of the Better Bus Plan—VIA’s multiyear initiative designed to improve frequency, reliability and overall system performance. The changes affect 30 routes across VIA’s service area, the release states.

According to the release, VIA used data—such as bus operator availability, current travel patterns, requests from the public and opportunities to maximize improved customer experience with faster, more reliable service—to determine route changes and updates.

Some context: VIA’s Better Bus Plan is an initiative designed to create a faster, more direct service on traditional bus routes. Using this plan, VIA is adding to both its bus service and VIA Links zones by evaluating existing bus routes, adding new routes and finding potential areas for change.

A popular nationwide car wash chain is continuing its expansion in the San Antonio area, adding a new location.

Long story short: Quick Quack Car Wash opened its sixth San Antonio-area location on Dec. 29, car wash staff told Community Impact.

The new business replaced the Pirate’s Cove Car Wash that once sat at 18054 Bulverde Road, just north of Loop 1604 in North San Antonio.

According to previous reporting from Community Impact, the car wash chain plans to add another location in Northeast San Antonio soon, at 14094 O’Connor Road.

What’s special about it? Quick Quack Car Wash offers a traditional touchless car wash experience, according to the company’s website.

Customers can choose from a selection of custom wash options, use free vacuums and dash wipes and sign up for memberships that include unlimited washes.

• 18054 Bulverde Road, San Antonio

A new golf simulator has officially opened in the Boerne and Fair Oaks Ranch area, a spot that Co-Owners Brendan Bean and Chad Taylor said is unique to the region.

Long story short: Inside 9 Golf officially opened on Dec. 30, Bean announced in a Facebook post.

It’s situated at 27650 I-10 W., Ste. 207, in the Napa Oaks Plaza near Fair Oaks Ranch.

Featuring simulators, co-working, and community gathering, Bean said he wanted to create a space for locals to enjoy.

The conditions: Inside 9 features three public golf simulator bays for 24/7 member access, and a fourth, private, rentable bay for small events, Bean told Community Impact.

Aside from golfing, the hangout spot also has a co-working space with standup desks, a lounge, liquor lockers and more.

“There really wasn't one that meshed work, play, social all in one,” Bean said.

• 27650 I-10 W., Ste. 207, Boerne

United Way of Comal County is expanding its services for the first time in 80 years.

What you need to know: The local nonprofit will be serving Guadalupe County residents in addition to its current territory, Executive Director Terry Robinson said in a news release.

“This evolution comes after years of collaboration and a shared commitment to improving lives and strengthening the communities we call home in both counties,” Robinson said in the release.

Stay tuned: The expansion necessitates a name change for the nonprofit and other minor restructuring. The organization’s board will hold a strategic planning meeting in February, Robinson said in an email to Community Impact.

“I’m hoping they will tackle any name change at that time,” she said. “Once they do, we will establish a timeline for all legal and public changes.”

• 468 S. Seguin Ave., Ste. 403, New Braunfels

Texas health officials are proposing sweeping new regulations on the state’s hemp industry, including raising the fees required to sell and manufacture consumable hemp products by roughly 10,000%.

The overview: In late December, the Texas Department of State Health Services published a slate of proposed rules regulating consumable hemp products. The proposals include:

• A prohibition on sales to customers under 21 years old
• Stricter testing and labeling requirements
• Guidelines for product recalls
• Tens of thousands of dollars in annual fees