Hampton Roads Transit, Partners Win Industry Awards

NORFOLK, Va. – Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) won an industry award for excellence in transit marketing for the VB Wave trolley’s record-setting 2024 season.

The Virginia Transit Association (VTA) also recognized two HRT partners – the U.S. Navy and August Bullock of Newport News – for their long-standing support of transit and transportation options.

With the VB Wave trolley in Virginia Beach turning 40 years old last year and ridership declining over the previous two years, HRT created and implemented a multi-media marketing and communications campaign that included events, digital advertising, videos and more. As a result, ridership on trolley routes rose by 59 percent last summer, buoyed by enhanced service frequencies, increased marketing, and popular Oceanfront events.

The awards were presented at VTA’s annual meeting May 29 in Richmond.

U.S. Navy recognized

The VTA recognized the U.S. Navy with the Outstanding Contribution by a Partner award.

The Navy understands how vital public transit is to support mission readiness. A strategic relationship with HRT over the years has grown to include the wildly successful Base Express shuttle service operated by HRT at Naval Station Norfolk, a transit office at the base to help sailors commute smarter, and coordination of community and base events promoting transit to enlisted personnel, dependents, civilian employees, contractors and veterans.

The Base Express started in December 2022 to transport personnel and visitors along two routes on the base. Just two years after its founding, the free shuttle has carried more than 100,000 riders on and off base – far more than the 25,000 projected for the first three years.

With 60,000 military and 25,000 civilian personnel stationed at the base and upwards of 20,000 vehicles passing through the gates during the morning rush hour, the Navy strongly supports transit and alternative transportation, including vanpools and carpooling offered through goCommute, a program administered by HRT.

Outstanding Individual: August Bullock

The VTA also awarded August Bullock of Newport News, a former member of the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads, with the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual award.

During Bullock’s tenure on HRT’s board from August 2020 to December 2024, his leadership and commitment to advancing public transportation in Hampton Roads left an indelible mark on the Commission and the six cities served by HRT.

His ebullient and inspirational advocacy on behalf of public transportation – at the state Capitol in Richmond, in the halls of Congress and throughout Hampton Roads – led to more than $8 million in congressionally directed spending in support of new paratransit vehicles, buses and infrastructure improvements.

Through Bullock’s leadership, HRT began annual presentations to all six City Councils to inform officials about agency developments, network enhancements and finances. He also wrote a proclamation to make Transit Equity Day an annual program at HRT, one of four fare-free days throughout the year.

Hampton Roads Transit representatives receive the award for marketing excellence in tourism for the VB Wave trolley’s record-breaking 2024 season. From left, Caleb Smith, Katie Fenimore, President & CEO William Harrell, Chief Communications Officer Alexis Majied, and Amy Jordan.

Steve Jones, Community Plans and Liaison Officer for Naval Station Norfolk (center), receives the Outstanding Contribution by a Partner Award on behalf of the U.S. Navy. Joining him are HRT President and CEO William Harrell (left) and Caleb Smith, HRT’s military outreach liaison. 

August Bullock (center) was honored with the Outstanding Contribution by an Individual Award from the Virginia Transit Association. With him are Virginia Beach City Councilwoman and HRT Commissioner Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond and HRT President and CEO William Harrell (right).

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.

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