The Virginia Transit Association (VTA) also recognized William E. Harrell, HRT’s outgoing President and CEO, with the Helen Poore Transit Professional Distinguished Service. The awards were presented at VTA’s annual meeting May 20 in Fredericksburg, Va.

HRT’s OnDemand Ridesharing combines the flexibility of a service like Uber with the affordability of public transit to provide accessible transportation options for those without vehicles or in areas with limited fixed-route bus service. To promote a new pilot program in Newport News and Virginia Beach, HRT launched a creative and comprehensive content marketing campaign to re-engage previous riders and attract new customers.

The campaign generated more than 1 million impressions from broadcast and streaming channels while paid and organic social media posts led to 332,304 views and 154,858 engagements.
Harrell honored for lifetime of public service

The VTA, representing transit agencies across Virginia, lauded Harrell for his distinguished leadership in public transportation and local government. In February, he announced his retirement beginning this summer after 14 years with HRT and a total of 40 years in transit and municipal leadership.

The Helen Poore Transit Professional Distinguished Service award recognized Harrell’s many contributions to finance, operate, grow, promote and sustain public transportation in Hampton Roads, his influential leadership shaping the future of public transportation in the region, and his lifetime of public service.

Under his tenure, HRT secured the first-ever regional funding source of dedicated revenue created by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020, launched the Base Express at Naval Station Norfolk, introduced OnDemand Ridesharing, grew the Paratransit fleet, and celebrated the 40th anniversaries of the Elizabeth River Ferry and VB Wave Trolley

HRT President and CEO William E. Harrell (right) receives the Helen Poore Transit Professional Distinguished Service from the Virginia Transit Association executive director Danny Plaugher (left) and president Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond, a Virginia Beach City Council member and HRT commissioner. (Photo courtesy Hampton Roads Transit.)

Hampton Roads Transit received the Excellence in Transit Marketing award for its campaign promoting OnDemand Ridesharing. Accepting the award: Chief Communications Officer Alexis Majied (second from right), Caleb Smith, Military and Government Outreach Liaison (second from left), and Angela Gregory, Strategic Communications Specialist (far right). Also pictured: Virginia Transit Association executive director Danny Plaugher (left) and association president Dr. Amelia Ross-Hammond (center), a Virginia Beach City Council member and HRT commissioner. (Photo courtesy Hampton Roads Transit.)

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
June 4, 2026

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is providing free rides on the Tide light rail and Elizabeth River Ferry for the glow-in-the-dark games on June 5 and 6.

Courtesy of the City of Norfolk, free rides on The Tide will be available starting at 2:30 p.m. for each game as well as two hours after each game. Trains will operate about every 10 minutes prior to each game and about seven minutes afterward.

Meanwhile, special ferry service, compliments of the City of Norfolk, will operate between North Landing in Portsmouth and Harbor Park, just steps from the stadium. This service runs every 30 minutes starting at 3 p.m. until the ferry dock is clear after each game ends. Fans can show their game tickets for free rides.

A block party begins outside the stadium at 4:30 p.m. each day. Gates open at 6 p.m. with game time slated for 7:30.

Free parking is available at four park-and-ride lots to catch The Tide:

• Newtown Road Station, Newtown Road and Kempsville Road.
• Military Highway Station, Curlew Drive and Corporate Boulevard.
• Ballentine/Broad Creek Station, Ballentine Boulevard and I-264.
• EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station, Brambleton and Colley Avenues. This location is available for Saturday’s game only.

Fans can also park for free at both MacArthur Center garages and take the Tide from Monticello Station, MacArthur Square or Civic Plaza stations to Habor Park Station.

When leaving the stadium, fans using light rail are urged to be patient and observe lines that will be set up outside the stadium, near the main entrance. One line will be for eastbound Tide light rail traffic in the direction of Newtown Road, with the other for westbound travel toward EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station.

HRT reminds fans to be safe around the tracks. Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks to reach the station. Don’t stand on or near the tracks.

HRT staff will be available at key light rail stations and at ferry docks to assist fans.

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
June 2, 2026

The System Optimization Plan (SOP) aims to increase ridership by allocating service where it is most needed, improving reliability, and making the system more cost effective.

The SOP proposes eliminating or modifying low-performing or duplicative routes while redeploying those assets to routes with high ridership demand. HRT also will add new zones for its OnDemand Ridesharing service, providing wait times of 15 minutes in areas with reduced fixed-route service.

“Today’s board approval marks a critical milestone for HRT as we proactively build a more efficient bus network for the future—one that preserves customer access and mobility while better aligning service schedules with operator and vehicle availability,” said Karen Kitsis, HRT’s Chief Planning and Development Officer.

One benefit of the plan is to increase the number of regional backbone routes from three to 13, providing 330,000 more people with access to 15-minute service during peak hours. Fewer than 1 percent of current customers will lose access to transit under the plan.

The SOP will be implemented in phases starting in May 2027. Changes will affect local bus routes in HRT’s member cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

Maps and details of every bus route’s proposed changes are available here.

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 28, 2026

An unprecedented array of festivals and special events coincides with a global gathering of tall ships and military vessels celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

HRT will offer free transit on all modes of travel on Friday, June 19, in commemoration of Juneteenth and in support of the Parade of Sail featuring more than 60 ships from 20 countries.

Then, on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, in partnership with the City of Norfolk, free travel will be available on the Tide light rail and Elizabeth River Ferry for Sail250 Virginia, the 50^th anniversary of Norfolk Harborfest and the 47th annual Seawall Festival in Portsmouth.

“As a Commemorative Partner of VA250 – the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission – HRT stands ready to meet increased demand for one of the largest events on the East Coast this summer,” said William E. Harrell, President & CEO. “Public transportation is uniquely positioned to move people quickly, safely and efficiently across the region for high-profile events that connect communities and cultures. For those who haven’t tried transit, this is the perfect opportunity to save on gas and avoid parking hassles.”

Free fares for Juneteenth

Riding HRT buses, light rail, ferry, Paratransit and OnDemand ridesharing will be free on June 19 in commemoration of Juneteenth.

There’s no need to buy or show a ticket when you’re heading to the Juneteenth Norfolk Celebration, Parade of Sail or anywhere you’re going. While Juneteenth is a holiday, HRT buses will run on weekday schedules. Light rail and ferry will operate on expanded service in support of Sail250 Virginia.
Juneteenth is one of four fare-free days offered by HRT throughout the year. Election Day in November, Transit Equity Day in February and Earth Day every April are the other days that Hampton Roads residents can try transit at no cost.

Free light rail and ferry
HRT is offering free service on the Tide light rail and Elizabeth River Ferry on June 20 and 21 to accommodate demand for Sail250 Virginia. Free shuttle buses will be staged in support of light rail operations if ridership exceeds light rail’s capacity in both directions. Regular bus routes on these days will be subject to fares.

The light rail will operate as follows:

Friday, June 19

• 5:12 a.m. to 10 a.m. (15-minute service)
• 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. (10-minute service)

Saturday, June 20

• 5:12 a.m. to 7 p.m. (15-minute service)
• 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. (10-minute service) 

Sunday, June 21

• 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (regular, 15-minute service)

Extra service will be provided as needed.

Additional ferry service and hours
The Elizabeth River Ferry will operate all weekend with extra boats:

• Friday, June 19: Continuous service between 5:35 a.m. and 12:15 a.m., with extra ferries added at 10:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. through the fireworks show. Expect service delays during Parade of Sail.
• Saturday, June 20: Continuous service between 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., with extra ferries added at noon, 4 p.m. and after fireworks show.
• Sunday, June 21: Continuous service between 10 a.m.-11:45 p.m., with additional ferries between 11:40 a.m.-7:30 p.m. and noon- 6 p.m.

Times are subject to change based on crowds.

Park for free at 4 park-and-ride lots
Light rail customers can park for free at four park-and-ride lots at these stations to avoid downtown vehicle congestion and limited parking:

• Newtown Road Station (Newtown Road and Kempsville Road)
• Military Highway Station (Curlew Drive and Corporate Boulevard)
• Ballentine/Broad Creek Station (Ballentine Boulevard and I-264).
• EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station (Lot 6 and Lot 19 gates will be open from 6 p.m. Friday, June 19, through midnight Sunday, June 21).  

Getting to Downtown Norfolk from the Oceanfront, Naval Station
Visitors staying at the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach have two options to get to downtown Norfolk:

• Drive to Newtown Road Station, park for free and hop on the Tide light rail for free.
• Take the Route 960 from Parks & 19th near the Virginia Beach Convention Center for an express bus to the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center. The bus also stops at Newtown Road Station to connect to light rail for additional destinations. Buses are free on June 19, but fares apply on June 20 and 21.

Those traveling between Naval Station Norfolk and downtown can take HRT’s Route 2 bus between the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center and the Naval Exchange at Hammond & Admiral Taussig.

Schedule and fares 
All fares are free on June 19 for all modes of transit. Fares are free for light rail and ferry only on June 20 and 21.
For bus service on June 20 and 21, it’s $2 one way or $4.50 to ride all day, and youth are free with a paying adult. Plan and pay in advance on the GoMobile app. Each fare-paying adult will need their own virtual fare card in the GoMobile app.
Plan your trip with HRT’s online route map.

Take your bike on transit
It’s easy to get around on your bike all weekend. With bike-ready buses, light rail and ferry, HRT can get you where you want to go without driving.
HRT customers are encouraged to take their bicycles on any mode of transit at no additional charge. Every HRT bus has a bike rack for two bicycles on the front of the bus and riders can stow their bikes before boarding. For light rail and ferry, just walk on your bike and look for bike storage racks.

To learn how, watch this video with step-by-step instructions for all three modes of transit.

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 27, 2026

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

Route 112, which runs from Lee Hall to Newport News Shipbuilding via Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, saw a ridership increase of 79 percent between April 2022 and March 2026.

Route 114, serving Mercury Boulevard and Downtown Hampton, was up 61 percent between June 2023 and March 2026.

And Route 20, connecting downtown Norfolk with the Virginia Beach Oceanfront via Virginia Beach Boulevard, saw ridership increase an average of 37 percent between December 2023 and March 2026.

Routes that share stops with 757 Express buses also are seeing ridership increases due to increased transfer opportunities.

“Customers respond to frequent, reliable service to move around Hampton Roads,” said William E. Harrell, HRT’s President and CEO. “We will build on the successes we’ve seen with these three routes as we continue to expand future 757 Express routes.”

The 757 Express is envisioned as a regional transit system, including a mix of high-frequency, express, and limited-stop bus service connecting commuters to major employment destinations. The 757 Express will eventually consist of 13 bus routes connecting the highest densities of people and jobs in the region.

Buses operate every 15 minutes during the weekday peak hours of 6-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m.

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
April 30, 2026