System Optimization Plan

Project Overview & Background

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is developing a System Optimization Plan (SOP) to evaluate and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the local bus transit network that supports the core regional backbone bus transit network. The SOP will support the long-term operational sustainability of HRT by allowing the agency to better focus its resources. The SOP is important to HRT for several reasons:

• Improving service performance and efficiency will ensure long term fiscal sustainability.
• By rethinking the local bus network, HRT can operate a bus network that matches its limited human (bus operators) resources.
• HRT seeks to build back ridership and remain a competitive travel option by improving service reliability.
• Optimizing the system allows HRT the opportunity to evaluate service performance and how to expand access to transit while taking into consideration current and future land-use policies, plans, and financial sustainability.
• HRT’s bus network has not changed dramatically since the agency began transit operations in 1999, even though population and development within the service district has grown and evolved in the intervening decades.

Public and stakeholder education and engagement will occur throughout the development of the SOP.

Phase 1 (Summer 2024) focuses on internal stakeholders, including union and non-union HRT staff, City partners and the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads, to review existing conditions and discuss the priorities and tradeoffs for service recommendations.

Phase 2 (Fall 2024) focuses on external stakeholders and public input on the draft high-level optimized bus network.

Phase 3 (Winter 2025) focuses on external stakeholders and public input on service recommendations.

For more information about the System Optimization Plan, contact the study team at systemoptimization@hrtransit.org.