Posted: 29 Jun 2011 07:08 AM PDT
by Cleve Bryan
WVEC.com
Posted on June 28, 2011 at 4:04 PM
Updated today at 8:00 AM
NORFOLK – Light rail is coming soon to Norfolk. But are drivers and pedestrians prepared?
The Tide officially starts August 19, although tests are being run now. Hampton Roads Transit spokesman Tom Holden says the dangers of light rail should not be taken lightly.
“Accidents will happen. It’s our responsibility to do the most that we can to make sure that they don’t,” said Holden.
Officials say it’s important to obey traffic lights especially where the roadway and track cross together.
“The signs for traffic and for trains are coordinated so that the trains and traffic can co-exist without trouble,” added Holden.
There is apparently great concern about drivers exiting from parking garages near the rail line like the one at Plume Street and also intersections where drivers turn left across tracks like Freemason Street.
Officials say pedestrians really need to pay attention to avoid disaster. The train is relatively quiet when it’s not ringing its bell. It’s something to keep in mind for walkers who might wear headphones or talk on the phone.
Rail traffic will continue to increase as opening day approaches.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
UPDATE
Silverleaf Transit Center: Closed Thursday
Posted: 22 Jun 2011 01:36 PM PDT
The Silverleaf Transit Center will be closed beginning Thursday, June 23, 2011 due to technical difficulties. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you during our closure. We look forward to reopening the transit facility as soon as the issue has been resolved.
Please contact our customer service department at (757) 222-6100 for any additional assistance.
Light Rail: THE TIDE
Norfolk officials take a spin on light rail
Posted: 23 Jun 2011 07:15 AM PDT
By Debbie Messina
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 22, 2011
NORFOLK
City Council members who took their first ride on The Tide light rail Tuesday said they liked what they saw.
“It has a big-city feel,” Andy Protogyrou said. “And the views are unparalleled.”
“I’ve been on trains in other cities, and I think this is fabulous,” Angelia Williams said.
For many, their enjoyment quickly turned to worry as they wondered whether the public will see it the same way once it opens Aug. 19 and use it enough to make it successful.
Hampton Roads Transit estimates 2,900 riders will use The Tide daily the first year and 7,200 in 20 years.
“Of course, I’m nervous about not meeting the ridership projections, especially because this is coming on line in my watch,” Protogyrou said.
Tommy Smigiel said: “It’s here, so we have to find a way to make it work. I don’t want light rail to be a failure, because we’ve invested so much in it.”
Construction is costing $338 million. About $196 million comes from federal sources, $71 million each from the state and the city. The city also will pay $6 million to $9 million annually to operate the trains and feeder buses.
Protogyrou said that as soon as he opened a feeder bus schedule for The Tide at Tuesday’s council meeting, he mapped out his route for getting from his home to the rail without using a car.
“My natural thought process was to find ways to use it,” he said, adding that he’s not so sure others will.
Smigiel agreed: “How do I get someone in Bayview, the side of the city I represent, to ride? How will they know about bus connections?”
Protogyrou noted that a monthly rail pass costs $50 while monthly parking rates downtown are nearly double that.
The city and HRT are working on campaigns promoting The Tide. Advertisements already run before movies at the MacArthur Center; other ads will start rolling out later this month. Officials are working with businesses and colleges served by the line to develop group discount programs so that employees or students ride free. Partnerships will be formed with entertainment venues to promote rail use.
“We need to make sure everyone knows why it makes sense to use the light rail,” Mayor Paul Fraim said. “I’m confident we’ll meet the ridership numbers within a reasonable amount of time. And I think the numbers will grow.”
Posted: 23 Jun 2011 07:15 AM PDT
By Debbie Messina
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 22, 2011
NORFOLK
City Council members who took their first ride on The Tide light rail Tuesday said they liked what they saw.
“It has a big-city feel,” Andy Protogyrou said. “And the views are unparalleled.”
“I’ve been on trains in other cities, and I think this is fabulous,” Angelia Williams said.
For many, their enjoyment quickly turned to worry as they wondered whether the public will see it the same way once it opens Aug. 19 and use it enough to make it successful.
Hampton Roads Transit estimates 2,900 riders will use The Tide daily the first year and 7,200 in 20 years.
“Of course, I’m nervous about not meeting the ridership projections, especially because this is coming on line in my watch,” Protogyrou said.
Tommy Smigiel said: “It’s here, so we have to find a way to make it work. I don’t want light rail to be a failure, because we’ve invested so much in it.”
Construction is costing $338 million. About $196 million comes from federal sources, $71 million each from the state and the city. The city also will pay $6 million to $9 million annually to operate the trains and feeder buses.
Protogyrou said that as soon as he opened a feeder bus schedule for The Tide at Tuesday’s council meeting, he mapped out his route for getting from his home to the rail without using a car.
“My natural thought process was to find ways to use it,” he said, adding that he’s not so sure others will.
Smigiel agreed: “How do I get someone in Bayview, the side of the city I represent, to ride? How will they know about bus connections?”
Protogyrou noted that a monthly rail pass costs $50 while monthly parking rates downtown are nearly double that.
The city and HRT are working on campaigns promoting The Tide. Advertisements already run before movies at the MacArthur Center; other ads will start rolling out later this month. Officials are working with businesses and colleges served by the line to develop group discount programs so that employees or students ride free. Partnerships will be formed with entertainment venues to promote rail use.
“We need to make sure everyone knows why it makes sense to use the light rail,” Mayor Paul Fraim said. “I’m confident we’ll meet the ridership numbers within a reasonable amount of time. And I think the numbers will grow.”
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