HRPTA Blog
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William E. Harrell hired as Hampton Roads Transit’s new President & CEO
Source: HRT NORFOLK, VA – The Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads on Thursday selected William E. Harrell as the new president and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit. The vote was unanimous. Harrell, the city manager of Cheapeake, will replace Philip A. Shucet who was hired in February 2010 to help complete construction of The Tide light rail. After rail service began in August 2011, Shucet initiated a series of internal reforms to improve HRT’s overall management practices and make HRT a more publicly accountable organization. Shucet is returning to his private transportation consulting business. Harrell has served as Chesapeake’s [...]
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HRPTA Board of Directors Meeting Set for February 14, 2012
Below is the official press release announcing February 14th as HRPTA’s first Board meeting of 2012 on the Peninsula. You are cordially invited and we would love to see you there to talk public transportation in Hampton Roads. Hampton Roads Public Transportation Alliance HRPTA.COM @HRPTA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sylvia Hill, Program Committee Chair Phone: (757) 962-0134 Email: info@hrpta.com Date and Location for HRPTA’s February Board of Directors Meeting set for February 14th at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center Newport News, January 23, 2011 – The Hampton Roads Public Transportation Alliance (HRPTA) has set a date for the February Board [...]
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Virginia (and Norfolk to Petersburg) Amtrak Service Funding Restored
Source: HamptonRoads.com By Debbie Messina The Virginian-Pilot December 2, 2011 Virginia will not lose the bulk of its Amtrak trains because of federal budget cuts as was feared. The new federal appropriations act restores the money the House originally eliminated for regional train service. Under the proposal, Virginia would have immediately lost 64 percent of its Amtrak trains, including Newport News service and the anticipated Norfolk service that’s to start in less than two years. State rail advocates, including Virginians for High Speed Rail and the Piedmont Rail Coalition, mounted letter-writing campaigns to congressional members to save the services. The [...]
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Governor McDonnell Announces Northern Virginia Transportation Commission Appointment
RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced appointment to Northern Virginia Transportation Commission. Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) James W. Dyke, Jr. of McLean, Partner at McGuire Woods, LLP and former Secretary of Education under Governor L. Douglas Wilder ** Will also serve as Virginia’s representative on the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board Be Sociable, Share! Tweet
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Local bus driver receives award for service ‘above and beyond’
By: James Clements – Editorial Columnist Published: August 15, 2011 » 0 Comments | Post a Comment “Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you and scorn in the one ahead.” – Mac McCleary You see people doing all kinds of things while driving these days: eating lunch, talking on cell phones, watching other drivers. But one thing you don’t see a lot of is patience. In a world full of “multi-tasking” drivers, it’s refreshing to hear about someone focused on the road and the safety of the others in their vehicle. And that was the case last [...]
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DOT Selects Six U.S. Agencies for Transit Management Pilot Program
The Federal Transit Administration is inaugurating its Transit Asset Management pilot program and has selected six U.S. public transportation agencies to participate. Those agencies are Boston’s Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board in San Carlos, CA, operator of Caltrain commuter rail; Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA); the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) in Salt Lake City; Valley Regional Transit, Meridian, ID; and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. The purpose of the program is to encourage urban, suburban, and rural transit agencies to find new, cost-effective ways to manage and maintain the condition of their [...]
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Tide construction to end about $20M below revised budget
Posted to: Light Rail News Norfolk Traffic – Transportation Login or register to post comments Traffic cameras Live views of highways, tunnels and bridges around Hampton Roads ready to ride? The Tide begins accepting riders Friday at 6 a.m. There is no charge Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Starting Monday, passengers must pay a $1.50 fare. By Debbie Messina The Virginian-Pilot © August 16, 2011 NORFOLK The final bill for building the beleaguered light-rail line will come in nearly $20 million less than expected, Hampton Roads Transit’s chief said Monday, just days before The Tide opens. The Tide’s latest cost-to-complete, set [...]
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Southeast Va light rail system opens
Updated 03:37 p.m., Friday, August 19, 2011 NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Hampton Roads’ light-rail system was so popular in its debut Friday that officials announced they would give passengers even more time to ride the Tide for free. Rides originally were scheduled to be free through the weekend, but that period was extended until Aug. 28 because officials said turnout was so high. After that, passengers must pay a $1.50 fare. The 7.4-mile system took more than three years and $318.5 million to build and opened more than 18 months behind schedule. The Tide extends from the Eastern Virginia Medical Center through downtown Norfolk. [...]
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Flooded tracks? No power? Light rail plans are in place
Posted to: News Norfolk Traffic – Transportation Login or register to post comments Click a thumbnail to view the full-size image. Buy Pilot photos here. Close Gallery In order to get the best experience with our full-size images, you should enable JavaScript in your browser. A test train approaches the York Street/Freemason Station on Monday morning, June 20,2011, in Norfolk. (Bill Tiernan | The Virginian-Pilot) View full-size photo | Buy Pilot photos Traffic cameras Live views of highways, tunnels and bridges around Hampton Roads Related Follow the rules of The Tide or it could cost you – Aug. 17, 2011 [...]
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Connaughton: State eyeing new revenue streams for road projects
File By: Kipp Hanley Published: August 17, 2011 » 3 Comments | Post a Comment WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Virginia is looking to address its transportation issues as best they can through a variety of measures, according to Commonwealth Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton. The former Prince William Board of County Supervisors chairman told a Prince William Chamber of Commerce lunch crowd at Old Hickory Golf Club on Wednesday that the state’s main goal is to plug a $400 to $500 million hole each year that could be devoted to capital projects but instead is funneled to pay for road upkeep. However, [...]
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Who’s lining up for Norfolk’s light rail?
Posted to: Light Rail News Norfolk Traffic – Transportation Login or register to post comments Click a thumbnail to view the full-size image. Buy Pilot photos here. Close Gallery In order to get the best experience with our full-size images, you should enable JavaScript in your browser. Mike Frazier bought his home on Marshall Avenue, left, in part because it’s close to Brambleton Avenue and within walking distance of light rail. He plans on riding it, and he and his wife may get rid of one of their cars. (Ross Taylor | The Virginian-Pilot) count me in About one-fourth of [...]
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Transit agencies hike fares, cut services to offset less government funding, APTA says
Public transit systems are faced with cutting services and hiking fares — on top of similar steps enacted during the past budget cycle — to deal with less funding assistance from state and local governments, according to a new study by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Nearly 80 percent of public transit agencies implemented fare hikes or service cuts in 2010, and some are considering them for the future “because of flat or decreased local and/or regional funding,” APTA officials said in a prepared statement. The report, “Impact of the Recession on Public Transportation Agencies,” noted the top causes [...]
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Residents Issue Plea for Public Transportation in South Boston
Written by Doug Ford 07:57 am 08/10/11 Two South Boston residents came before town council Monday night to air their concerns over a shortage of public transportation. Kim Bucknam, an Irish Street resident, told council she and other residents lacked individual transportation options others take for granted, such as access to an automobile. She, along with Woodcrest Apartments resident Helen Bucknam, are circulating a petition urging action be taken to find a solution to the problem. Kim Bucknam said she already makes use of the Hart (Halifax Area Rural Transportation) bus but finds the service limited. “I can take the [...]
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The TIDE….ALL ABOARD
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NSU Student on The Tide
Posted By HR Partnership on August 8, 2011 wordpress plugins and themes automotive,business,crime,health,life,politics,science,technology,travel By Arielle Arroyo, rising senior at Norfolk State University (Class of 2012) and summer intern at the Virginia Port Authority and Hampton Roads Partnership NEXT: The Tide: Community & Business Briefing will be hosted Wednesday, August 10, at 6pm in the New Student Center, Room 149, at Norfolk State University, 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA. Please enter the campus from Corprew Avenue at Lost #34, which is located beside the University Police Building. RSVP to (757) 664-4338 or development@norfolk.gov. On July 20 at the Chrysler Museum, the [...]
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ALL ABOARD THE TIDE
As the 19th of August approaches, excitement builds up to ride the well awaited TIDE light rails! Many citizens, companies and community organizations are planning to ride The Tide during the weekend launch. This is a historical event that will take place and people are anxious to be a part of such an event! August 19-21, 2011, free rides are available to those who share in the success of the launch as well as pure curiosity, either way, it is still supportive of the launch…all aboard The TIDE! Sylvia Hill Be Sociable, Share! Tweet
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50Tons of Responsibility
The cab of a light-rail train has no steering wheel, no brake pedal and no gas pedal. Controlling the vehicle is one lever, aptly named the master controller. Push it forward and the train accelerates. Pull it back and the train slows. In the middle, the train coasts. Because it runs on tracks, there’s no need for manual steering. Sounds simple enough, right? Think again. This is a 94-foot-long, 100,000-pound behemoth, which will begin carrying thousands of passengers daily beginning Aug. 19. The only functions that are automated are steering and station-stop announcements. Speed and braking are controlled by the [...]
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HRT Is The Way To Go!
Hampton Roads Transit subscribe Highlights Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), the regional transportation system, makes seeing Norfolk’s sights and attractions easy for visitors, meeting planners, and business travelers. Hampton Roads Transit is a regional system, providing transit routes and connections within and between the cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News, and Suffolk. Routes cover virtually all major shopping centers, schools and military bases. Hampton Roads Transit also operates the free Norfolk Electric Transit (NET) shuttle bus service in downtown Norfolk. Hampton Roads Transit’s Paddlewheel Ferry is a system of three 150-passenger paddle-wheel ferry boats. The ferry [...]
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Small Communities Use of City Transit
Chapel Hill NC Transit Chapel Hill, NC is a relatively small community and therefore relatively easy to navigate. Though many residents prefer to travel via private automobile, there are many who prefer to use the city transportation. From bus routes to taxi cabs, the Chapel Hill, NC transit system is both convenient and cost effective. Click Here For Chapel Hill NC Transit! One of the most popular methods of Chapel Hill transit is via city bus. Students are particularly fond of the Chapel Hill bus system in that it provides reliable and inexpensive transportation to and from the neighboring universities. [...]
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Public Hearing Announced on the (free) NET Bus Changes
Service changes are proposed for Route 310 and the Norfolk NET, the downtown shuttle services. HRT will hold public hearings on July 12, 2011 to solicit comments on the proposals and to provide advanced public notice as required by the Federal Transit Administration. With the introduction of The Tide light rail service in downtown Norfolk, the need for two downtown shuttles is unnecessary. The 310 shuttle serving the Cedar Grove transfer center is proposed for elimination to address duplication of downtown services. An enhanced NET connector is then proposed to better serve Cedar Grove, downtown and Ghent communities. In addition, [...]
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No Date Set for Light Rail Start in Norfolk
By Debbie Messina The Virginian-Pilot © June 16, 2011 NORFOLK The president and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit said Wednesday he’s not prepared to set an opening date for Norfolk’s long anticipated light-rail line despite vowing to do so by June 15. Philip Shucet said an announcement for opening The Tide could come as early as next week depending on the results of tests of the safety and communications systems, which have not been completed to his satisfaction. Despite the delay, he is standing firm on an internal HRT deadline of finishing its work on light rail by Aug. 1. [...]
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Why Support Public Transportation?
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs – Public transportation is an economic lifeline. Over 70% of transit riders in Hampton Roads rely on public transportation to get to and from work. Every $1 invested in transit generates $3 in business sales (APTA). Mobility is a major concern for workers, students, the disabled and the elderly. After healthcare and financial security, Mobility is the top concern of older Americans (AAA). Modern and reliable transit alternatives like light rail enhance mobility and quality of life, connecting people to work, school, medical, retail and recreation opportunities. Over 15 million trips per year are made using public [...]
