CHESAPEAKE and HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) today expanded its OnDemand Ridesharing to Chesapeake and Hampton, providing a new, affordable transportation option for those without vehicles and in areas with limited fixed-route bus service.
Existing service in Newport News also was extended. OnDemand Ridesharing programs in the three cities will be available through October 2026, after which they will be evaluated for future potential.
To celebrate the new service in Chesapeake and Hampton, OnDemand Ridesharing will be free for the first two weeks, Jan. 12-26. After that, the first two rides are free for any new riders per email address through October.
“Our OnDemand Ridesharing, known in the transit industry as microtransit, is a new mode of transit that is ideal for the first or last leg of a fixed route trip – it bridges an important gap to ensure customers have access to reliable, safe, efficient and sustainable transportation,” William E. Harrell, HRT’s President and CEO, said at kick-off events in both cities today.
“We are delighted to expand our OnDemand service to Chesapeake and Hampton and we appreciate the support of state and local leaders who recognize the benefits of this innovative service.”
The previous OnDemand Rideshare program in Virginia Beach was completed on Jan. 10.
How OnDemand works
Fares are just $2 per person per ride, just like HRT’s other modes of transit. Free fares are offered for qualified paratransit riders and Student Freedom Pass holders, though anyone riding with them must pay the fare. Paratransit and Student Freedom Pass riders must show proof of participation. Kids 17 and under ride free with a paying adult.
Service is available in one designated zone in each city Mondays through Fridays from 5 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m.-8 p.m., within about 15 minutes of your request.
Customers can book on the HRT OnDemand mobile app (available in the Apple Store and on Google Play) or by calling (757) 859-8294.
A fleet of branded vehicles take customers from their requested origin to destination, picking up additional customers along the way who are traveling in a similar direction. When booking with the app, customers will see a map of the service area where rides are offered to include key destinations and transit hubs. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available upon request.
Once a ride is entered with pickup and drop-off locations, the system will provide ride options for time and location. Customers are directed to a nearby virtual bus stop, and a driver is dispatched to meet them at that location. Rides operate solely within the zones. Customers who want to go beyond each city’s zone are dropped off near a fixed route, such as an HRT bus, for onward travel.
Customers are provided with vehicle information such as license plate number, driver name, driver photo, and vehicle ID number, and can track their vehicle in real-time using the app.
The vehicles are operated by HRT’s partner, Via Transportation, Inc. Service is funded through Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) grants and city contributions.
Points of interest
Chesapeake
The 11.3-square-mile zone connects with four bus routes. Points of interest include:
- City Hall/Bells Mill Park
- Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
- Summit Pointe
- Woodford Square
- Great Bridge Shopping Center
- Mt. Pleasant Market Place
- Hillcrest Parkway
- Hanbury Village
- Dominion Plaza
- Tidewater Community College
- Cedar Lakes Shopping Center
- Chesapeake City Park/Arboretum
- Oak Grove Lake Park
- The Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum
Hampton
The 5.9-square-mile zone connects with seven bus routes. Points of interest include:
- NASA Langley
- Hampton Roads Convention Center
- Aquaplex
- Langley Speedway
- Coliseum Crossing
- Boo Williams Sportsplex
- Peninsula Town Center
- Riverdale Shopping Center/Kroger
- Power Plant Shopping Center
- Sentara CarePlex Hospital
- Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute
- Amazon Warehouse
Newport News
OnDemand ridesharing continues within a 20-square-mile zone connecting to six bus routes. Points of interest include:
- City Center at Oyster Point
- Newport News Transportation Center (Amtrak station)
- Patrick Henry Mall
- Marketplace at Tech Center
- Christopher Newport University, ECPI and Strayer University
- Riverside Hospital, CHKD Health & Surgery Center, Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, Sentara Port Warwick
- Denbigh Community Center, places of worship, grocery stores, and other points of interest.
For details and zone maps, please visit www.gohrt.com/OnDemand.
Contact
Thomas Becher
Communications Manager
Hampton Roads Transit
509 East 18th Street
Norfolk, Virginia 23504
Desk: 757-222-6010