Microtransit
Welcome to OnDemand ridesharing service from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), available in Newport News and Virginia Beach.
This convenient new transportation option provides flexible, on-demand trips in areas with limited fixed-route service, such as HRT buses and The Tide light rail. OnDemand gets customers close to bus lines for travel outside of each zone. It’s a great solution for the first or last leg of a trip, before or after using a fixed transit route.
How does it work?
Think of it as a ride on demand, like the share-option on other ride-hailing apps you may have used. Customers can book through the HRT OnDemand mobile app (available in the Apple Store and on Google Play) or by calling (757) 979-2955. Depending on your trip, you might ride along with just our certified driver or share a ride with other customers going to a location nearby.
How much does it cost?
Fares are just $2 per person per ride, just like HRT’s other modes of transportation. Free fares are available for qualified paratransit riders and Student Freedom Pass holders, though anyone riding with them must pay the fare. Kids under 17 ride free with a paying adult.
What are the hours of operation?
Service will be available Mondays through Fridays from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
How long does it take until a ride gets to me?
Service is available within 15 minutes of a customer’s request.
Where does it operate?
Virginia Beach
This rideshare service operates within a 15-square-mile zone in Virginia Beach, connecting to seven bus routes and the Newtown Road Light Rail Station. Points of interest include Virginia Beach Town Center, the Virginia Beach Treasurer’s Office, Sentara Leigh Hospital, Virginia Wesleyan University, the Virginia Tech Extension Center, ECPI University, Lake Smith, the Virginia Beach Health Department, Williams Farm Recreation Center, Bayside Library, the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, Princess Anne High School, and many shopping centers, places of worship, and grocery stores.
Some of the Virginia Beach residential areas include Pembroke Manor, Aragona Village, Boulevard Manor, Hollywood, Fair Meadows, Easton Place, Pocahontas Village, Huntington, Carolanne Farms, Glenrock, Arrowhead, Fairlawn Estates, Lawson Forest, Garden Wood Park, Lake Shores, Lake View Park, and Smith Lake Terrace.
Newport News
This service operates within a 20-square-mile zone in Newport News, connecting to six bus routes. The zone is adjusted from the previous pilot program. Points of interest include City Center at Oyster Point, the new Newport News Transportation Center & Amtrak station, Patrick Henry Mall, Marketplace at Tech Center Christopher Newport University, ECPI, Strayer University, Denbigh High School, Menchville High School, Riverside Hospital, CHKD Health & Surgery Center, Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, Sentara Port Warwick, Denbigh Community Center, along with places of worship, o grocery stores, and other points of interest.
Some of the Newport News residential areas include Beechwood, Denbigh, Shore Park, Eastwood, Nicewood, Denbigh Plantation, Landsdowne, Summerlake, Village Green, Maxwell, Deep Creek, Wenwood, Hidenwood, Riverside, Deer Park, Turnberry, Oyster Point and Port Warwick.
What kind of vehicles will be used?
The service is provided by a fleet of wheelchair-accessible Chrysler minivans. The vehicles are colored white or black, with blue and green accents, and include OnDemand branding.
What happens if I want to travel outside the zone?
Rides are operated solely within the zones. Customers who want to go beyond the zone are dropped off within distance of a fixed route, such as an HRT bus, for onward travel.
How long will this service operate?
HRT’s OnDemand mictrotransit service is currently a pilot program. It will last at least through September 2025, at which time we will evaluate its success and future potential. We welcome your thoughts and feedback after trying the service by contacting customer service at 757-222-6100.