NORFOLK, Va. — Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is hosting additional events between March 23 and April 1 to learn about its System Optimization Plan (SOP). The SOP is a comprehensive initiative designed to align bus service with available resources to deliver more reliable regional transit for everyone.
As with earlier events, those attending this second round can preview potential route changes as HRT seeks to modify or eliminate low-performing or duplicative routes while redeploying assets into routes with higher ridership demand.
“Once fully implemented, the SOP will result in more frequent, dependable and efficient service to improve connections throughout Hampton Roads. Our customers will see many benefits once these changes are fully implemented over the next couple of years.”
– William E. Harrell
CEO and President , HRT
These benefits include:
- Ten additional regional backbone routes, providing 330,000 more people with access (within a half mile) to 15-minute or better peak-period service as part of the 757 Express network for better connections between cities.
- Additional zones for OnDemand Ridesharing, an affordable transportation option for those in areas with limited fixed-route bus service, with wait times of 15 minutes or less.
- Lower wait times for almost all customers and, overall, a more dependable and reliable bus network.
While not every bus route will be affected, most existing routes will see changes. However, fewer than 1 percent of current customers will be more than a quarter mile from a bus stop or an OnDemand Ridesharing zone in the six cities served by HRT.
Here is the list of upcoming events:
Monday, March 23 (Norfolk):
- 2–4 p.m., Evelyn Butts Transfer Center, Evelyn T. Butts and Avenue J.
- 5–7 p.m., Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library, 111 W. Ocean View Ave.
Tuesday, March 24 (Newport News):
- 1–3 p.m., Patrick Henry Mall, 12300 Jefferson Ave.
- 3:30–5:30 p.m., Denbigh Community Center, 15198 Warwick Blvd.
Wednesday, March 25 (Hampton):
- 2–4 p.m., 79th and Marshall Avenue.
- 5–7 p.m., HRT headquarters, 3400 Victoria Blvd.
Monday, March 30 (Norfolk):
- 2–4 p.m., Downtown Norfolk Transit Center, 34 Saint Pauls Blvd.
Tuesday, March 31 (Newport News):
- 2–4 p.m., Newport News Transfer Center, 150 35th St.
Wednesday, April 1 (Hampton):
- 2–4 p.m., Hampton Transit Center, 2 W. Pembroke Ave.
Customer feedback is essential to making transit work better for everyone. Attend an upcoming event or visit gohrt.com/agency/planning-development/system-optimization-plan/, where you will find details of every bus route’s proposed changes.
Also, the public is encouraged to take this survey to provide feedback on proposed route changes.
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.
Media Contact:
Thomas Becher, APR
Manager, Communications
Cell: (757) 354-0564
tbecher@hrtransit.org
March 17, 2026