SOURCE: Hampton Roads Transit, September 2022
NORFOLK – Hampton Roads Transit cut a ceremonial ribbon on Tuesday, September 13 at the Newport News Transit Center where rebuilt driveways, added shelters, and improved vehicle flow will keep the critical center running smoothly for years.
Located at 150 35th Street and just outside of Huntington Ingles’ southside yard, the center is the system’s second most active location for bus boardings, with an average of 2,018 daily. Twenty-one routes use it on a typical weekday: 11 on the weekends.
“Our investment in transit services that this center represents will pay dividends for years to come. As basic as it might seem, these rebuilt driveways are critical to our customers’ needs, especially those who daily commute and work in the shipyards.”
— William Harrell, President, and CEO of HRT.
The reconstruction project involved removing all the concrete driveways and reconfiguring them to accommodate two additional bus bays and an improved traffic pattern. Buses now exit and enter at 34th Street.
The demolition also involved removing nearly all existing vegetation. But the rebuilt facility makes extensive use of new plants, bushes, and trees for a more pleasant effect. All existing shelters were cleaned — each has a solar light — and signs provide clear notice for which bus route serves a particular bay.
Overall, lighting at the center is greatly improved for the benefit of drivers and customers alike.
Completion of the work is well timed because in October the first of the 757Express services begins on the Peninsula where the first 15-minute service frequency will start. No Peninsula routes currently have 15-minute frequency.
The 757Express also involves the purchase of 24 new buses — each bearing the distinctive 757Express logo — hundreds of new shelters throughout the region, and enhanced technology to make transit use easier and more predictable. Expanded 757Express service is planned for the southside next year.