NORFOLK, VA – Congressman Bobby Scott joined Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) and the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) along with several esteemed elected officials and regional leaders for a call to action in support of a sustainable regional transit system on Transit Advocacy Day. The event included members of the Regional Transit Advisory Panel (RTAP).
“A successful regional public transit system is critical to the economic prosperity of Hampton Roads. A reliable, efficient, and well-connected transit system not only connects riders to jobs, healthcare and shopping, it takes vehicles off the road reducing congestion and mitigating air pollution. We encourage all of our business and industry leaders to try transit.”
William Harrell, President & CEO, Hampton Roads Transit
RTAP members and other regional leaders were able to experience a day in the life of an HRT customer. The day began with a ride on The Tide light rail from Norfolk State University Station to Monticello Station. Participants then walked to the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center to board a bus to Monticello and 18th St. The trip concluded with a short walk to HRT’s 18th St. office.
Experiencing transit gave many participants a new perspective on the region’s transit system. “Most of HRT’s riders are millennials between the ages of 18 and 24. It is the largest and most diverse generation in history,” said Sarah Jane Kirkland, Associate Vice President for Coporate Partnerships at Old Dominion University. “ODU students and faculty have really benefited from our partnership with HRT and its commuter options program, TRAFFIX, through its GoPass365 annual pass program. ODU students can purchase a pass for $30 a year to ride any mode of transit, bus, ferry, or Tide.”
Following the transit ride, RTAP members along with community and business leaders convened at HRT’s Norfolk office to hear from Congressman Scott and other regional transit advocates on the impactful role transit plays in Hampton Roads and what the future holds.
“I have been a longtime supporter and advocate of boosting public transportation in Hampton Roads. That is why I was a strong supporter of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which included over $1.2 billion for Virginia to modernize public transportation systems. I am grateful for the work being done by the Virginia General Assembly and Hampton Roads Transit to expand transit options in the region and I look forward to continued collaboration on this effort.”
Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03)
Denise Johnson, a lifelong rider, community member, and chair of the Transit Riders Advisory Committee (TRAC) told the crowded room full of leaders, “I have ridden every single route HRT offers including light rail in Norfolk and the ferry system connecting Norfolk and Portsmouth. I have a valid driver’s license, yet I choose to use the public transit system out of ease and to avoid sitting alone in traffic. It keeps me connected to the community. In fact, you learn a lot about community connections while riding on public transit.”
RTAP is composed of representatives of major businesses and community leaders identified as necessary to provide ongoing advice on the long-term vision for a multimodal regional public transit network in Hampton Roads. It also includes Williamsburg Area Transit Authority and Suffolk Transit.
HRT’s mission is to connect Hampton Roads with transportation solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient, and sustainable.