News Flash

June 13, 2017 - A study looking at the feasibility of rapid transit on the Peninsula has narrowed 18 potential routes down to three options that could serve key Peninsula destinations and would be eligible for federal funding under the current guidelines.

Bus rapid transit has emerged as the most likely options in the study, conducted by HRT and the cities of Hampton and Newport News. Bus rapid transit typically uses a dedicated travel lane, fewer stops, prepayment and stations that allow quick entry and exit. Service is designed to be quicker than a regular bus, or even cars, depending on traffic. Other high-capacity transit options include street cars and light rail.

The public is invited to give their views on the route options at three public meetings. Two of the options run downtown Newport News to roughly Patrick Henry Mall, with a potential future expansion northward to Fort Eustis, along different paths. The other option connects the downtown Newport News and and Hampton along a route that partially follows Mercury Boulevard, and could extend to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel.

There were 18 potential routes when the project began. They were winnowed based on community needs and the criteria for federal funding. Those factors include: employment, population, development potential, public faciliities served, transit reliability,and travel time savings.

Public meetings will be held:

• Monday, June 26, from 6 p.m. -8 p.m. at the Hampton Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr. in Hampton;
• Wednesday, June 28, from 6 p.m. -8 p.m. at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave. in Newport News; and
• Thursday, June 29, from 6 p.m. -8 p.m. at the Denbigh Community Center, 15198 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News.