Microtransit

Our experiment with on-demand transit service came to a close on Feb. 5. The pilot program has yielded some interesting data – and a strong reason to explore ways to keep this unique service going as a new mode of service. HRT OnDemand was available in two select regions – Newport News and Virginia Beach – from July 2022 to February 2023. It allowed customers within two designated service zones to request a shared ride using a smartphone app. The data showed 26,258 total ride requests in Newport News, and 13,037 in Virginia Beach. Both cities showed higher demand in the afternoons. Those numbers should not be ignored. While funding is always a challenge when considering service expansion, Hampton Roads Transit is exploring short- and long-term funding options and next steps in exploring OnDemand as a new mode of service.

These are the areas where the service was supplied.

The goal was to explore how on-demand transportation can be used to expand the region’s access to flexible, equitable mobility, and make it easier for residents to connect with existing public transit options.

The data showed 26,258 total ride requests in Newport News, and 13,037 in Virginia Beach. Both cities showed higher demand in the afternoons.

Accounts were created by downloading the Hampton Roads Transit OnDemand app from the App Store or Google Play store and following the simple signup steps.
Customers were encouraged to book a ride by entering their pickup and drop-off addresses. They chose the ride that worked best for them. They also could book online, making sure they tapped the wheelchair icon if it was needed.
Customers checked the app to find out exactly where to meet the vehicle, which may be a short walk from the address provided. They then met the driver.

OnDemand image

Welcome to OnDemand ridesharing service from Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), available in Chesapeake, Hampton and Newport News.

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?

App image

Think of it as a ride on demand, just like 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) 859-8294. 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 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.

How long does it take until a ride gets to me?

Service is available within about 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.

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
Cooper Elementary School
Eaton Middle School
Aberdeen Elementary School

Newport News

This service operates within a 20-square-mile zone in Newport News, 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
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
Places of worship, grocery stores, and other points of interest.

What kind of vehicles will be used?

The service is provided by a fleet of vehicles that are colored white or black, with blue and green accents, and include OnDemand branding. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available upon request.

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 through October 2026, 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.

Announcing

Routes

Updated

Microtransit

Where does it operate?

Virginia Beach

Newport News

Chesapeake

Hampton

Newport News