NORFOLK, Va. — Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has been recognized for excellence in community engagement and outreach, including a unique partnership with the Norfolk Tides baseball team and the City of Norfolk that provides fans with free rides on light rail on game days.
The Virginia Transit Association (VTA) presented HRT with the Outstanding Community Program Award for Multifaceted Community Engagement and Outreach. The award, given at the association’s annual meeting in Harrisonburg, Va., recognized the partnership with the Tides as an outstanding contribution by a business. The VTA also feted two other HRT initiatives – Transit Equity Day and Student Freedom Pass.
Under a partnership with the Tides and the City of Norfolk, the Triple-A baseball team provides free rides on HRT’s Tide light rail for all 75 regular-season home games. Complimentary rides are available two hours prior to and after each game at Harbor Park stadium.
“This award recognizes HRT’s commitment to the community while demonstrating how our mission improves quality of life in Hampton Roads,” said William E. Harrell, President and CEO.
HRT’s Transit Equity Day and Student Freedom Pass also recognized
HRT also was recognized for two programs that make riding transit easier. In honor of Transit Equity Day, Feb. 5 this year, Hampton Roads Transit provided free rides on all bus, light rail, ferry and paratransit services.
Transit Equity Day is a National Day of Action celebrating the courageous acts of civil rights icon Rosa Parks while highlighting the importance of equitable transit. Transit Equity Day is one of four free fare days HRT offers, including Earth Day (April 22), Juneteenth (June 19), and Election Day (Nov. 5 this year).
Meanwhile, the VTA recognized HRT’s Student Freedom Pass, which provides teens 13-17 years old with unlimited free rides on bus, light rail and ferry in HRT’s six service cities. The Student Freedom Pass provides teens with mobility through safe and reliable transportation while saving parents time and money. For more information, please visit https://gohrt.com/programs/student-freedom-pass/.
About HRT
HRT’s mission is to connect Hampton Roads with transportation solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient and sustainable. For more information on transit services, visit gohrt.com.