Norfolk - Hampton Roads Transit will celebrate the 10 millionth ride on The Tide light rail this Friday at June’s First Friday Downtown Street Party.
“What an amazing accomplishment,” said William Harrell, president and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit.
“My heartfelt thanks to the City of Norfolk, our Rail Operations team, and everyone who keep this wonderful community asset performing every day.”
The Tide has been a success because it provides reliable, convenient and consistent passenger service for commuters, sports fans and students who travel to downtown Norfolk, the region’s center of finance, medicine, art and entertainment.
Following its launch in August 2011, The Tide light rail has consistently exceeded ridership expectations and now boards roughly 4,500 passengers on an average weekday. When the system was developed, it was projected to have just 2,900 average weekday boardings.
Studies are underway to develop an extension to Naval Station Norfolk.
To commemorate the milestone, which was reached officially on May 8, HRT will pass out commemorative t-shirts to Tide customers this week from 6-7 a.m. At the First Friday event, HRT will raffle off two GoPass365 passes. A GoPass365 allows a customer to ride any transit service for a full year, including VB Wave, the Oceanfront trolley service, and Metro Area Express. A photo ID is required.
This month’s First Friday is scheduled for Tidewater Community College’s plaza in the 300 Block of Granby Street, Norfolk. As part of the event, music will be provided by the Hot Gumbo Brass Band, Second Line Funk and DJ CanRock.
For more information on transit services, visit
gohrt.com