NORFOLK – Free public transit officially returned to Naval Station Norfolk on Friday when Hampton Roads Transit cut a ceremonial ribbon to launch the Base Express.
The two routes, designated as Gold and Blue, will provide connections to some of the Base’s most important destinations including ship piers and the Navy Exchange.
The Gold Route originates at the Navy Exchange bus stop and operates along portions of Maryland Avenue, Virginia Avenue, Bunker Hill and and Gilbert Street. The Blue starts at the Gilbert and First Street bus stop and serves the piers with stops along Massey Hughes Drive, Towway Drive, and Gilbert Street.
Both routes operate Monday-Friday from 0600 to 1800. The Blue will run every 15 minutes and the Gold every 30 minutes. The Gold Route also will operate on the weekend, 0900 to 1800 every 30 minutes, while the Blue is idle on weekends.
“It is an honor to present these important routes to the personnel at the Naval Station. The immense size of the base has long been a challenge for personnel who work there and need to travel from one location to another. These routes will provide connections and convenience that will help them every day.”
William Harrell, President and CEO of HRT
The service is supported by local funding and three-year, $2.3 million grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). The circulator is funded through DRPT’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program, which aims to improve mobility for residents and reduce congestion.
“The Norfolk Naval Base Circulator is a great fit for the Transit Ridership Incentive Program, because it will enhance connectivity for those who work at the region’s largest employer and reduce a reliance on cars to navigate the Navy base,” said Jennifer DeBruhl, Director of DRPT.
“The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation is pleased to fund this service as the region improves its transit network and connects residents to jobs,” DeBruhl said.