VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The VB Wave Trolley, operated by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), resumes its seasonal service along the Oceanfront on Sunday, May 10, with four factory-fresh trolleys joining the fleet.
The 29-foot replica buses, built by Gillig, maintain the old hometown trolley vibe of previous models, complete with iconic sky-blue and sand-colored brown exterior and wooden seating for 29 passengers and room to stand.
A total of 14 new trolleys will join the fleet this year, eventually replacing older versions. They are entirely funded by HRT through state and federal grants.
“This year marks the 42nd season of the VB Wave trolley, and these new trolleys will provide a comfortable, safe and efficient ride for visitors and locals alike,” said William E. Harrell, President and CEO of HRT. “As part of our partnership with the City of Virginia Beach, the VB Wave makes it easy for everyone to visit attractions and explore the Oceanfront and beyond without the hassles of parking or the high cost of gas.”
Trolley season runs through the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, Sept. 25-27.
- Route 30 is the Atlantic Avenue Trolley, running up and down the Oceanfront between JT’s Grommet Island Park to 40th Street. This service runs daily from 8 a.m.- 2 a.m. through the Neptune Festival.
- Route 31 is the aquarium and campground trolley along General Booth Boulevard. It operates daily from 9:30 a.m.-11:10 p.m. through Labor Day and again on Fridays through Sundays from Sept. 11 through the Neptune Festival. Route 31 also extends to Atlantic Avenue and 18th Street.
- Route 35 is the Bayfront Bus. It provides service between Parks Avenue and 19th Street and Shore Drive and Pleasure House Road, enabling customers to visit Chesapeake Bay beaches, First Landing State Park and Bayfront restaurants. It operates daily from 8 a.m.-12:30 a.m. through Labor Day and then Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only from Sept. 11 through the Neptune Festival.
Last summer, the three routes carried a total of 281,507 riders.
The VB Wave connects to HRT bus lines, including Routes 20 and 960, with convenient access to Newtown Road Light Rail Station and the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center.
In addition to the annual start of trolley service, HRT is introducing a new route and a route extension in Virginia Beach. As previously announced, the new Route 981 will connect the new Amazon fulfillment Center on Dam Neck Road with the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center. Meanwhile, Route 33 service is being restored to Atlantic Avenue and 68th Street year-round in support of the Oceanfront’s hospitality industry.
Learn more about the VB Wave Trolley, including fares and maps, here. Plan ahead using HRT’s interactive system map.
GoMobile makes it easy to pay
Fares are $2 one way or $4.50 for an all-day pass. Kids 17 and under ride free with a paying adult.
It’s easy to pay for the VB Wave this summer with HRT’s GoMobile app. Riders can purchase tickets through the app with a credit card:
Download the app at gohrt.com/mobile. With a GoMobile account, you can create and manage multiple virtual cards and reload value for easy group boarding. Each fare-paying rider will require a unique virtual card to be scanned when boarding. Children will not be required to scan a virtual card or pay fare when boarding with an adult. Set up an account using your email address and password.
Create a virtual card and load money. Only one virtual card may be used per rider. To pay for multiple riders, create separate virtual cards or set up an account using another email address on a separate mobile device.
Scan the virtual card when you board. From the “USE” screen on the app, navigate to the virtual card QR code and scan it at the validator upon boarding. If multiple virtual cards are on one device for a group, scroll and scan each unique virtual card for passengers boarding.
An app is not required to ride the VB Wave. Customers can also tap to pay using credit and debit cards. Tickets may also be purchased at certain retail locations, including KOA Campground, Virginia Gift Shop, nine Sunsations locations and Ocean Wave Gift Shop, or with cash onboard the trolley (exact change only).
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
May 7, 2026