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.”