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VBTES

Virginia Beach

Welcome to the Virginia Beach Transit Extension Study

HRT has been conducting the Virginia Beach Transit Extension study (VBTES) to examine the best transit options available for a former freight rail right of way that runs from Newtown Road to Birdneck Road in Virginia Beach. The study includes options for extending transit service east of Birdneck Road to the Oceanfront.

Four alternatives are being considered: extending The Tide light rail into Virginia Beach, building a bus rapid transit line, enhancing local bus service or doing nothing at all.

Bus Rapid Transit vehicles seat up to 80 passengers and can operate in mixed traffic or on a separate guideway. Light Rail Transit vehicles can carry 160 passengers per vehicle and operate on a separate guideway. The study also will consider station and park and ride locations, supporting bus services, potential elevated and at-grade stations and crossings, ridership estimates and preliminary capital and operating costs.

In April, 2011, HRT paused the study until 12 months of ridership data from The Tide light rail in Norfolk is collected. This will allow the travel forecasting model for any extension to be calibrated based on actual ridership. During this pause, HRT will work on improving the definition of the alternatives under study. After the data has been collected, HRT will restart the VBTES, currently anticipated in the third quarter of 2012. The study is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.

When it begins again, the study will include an evaluation of phasing options for light rail or bus rapid transit.

On April 24, 2012, meanwhile, the Virginia Beach City Council voted to put on the November ballot a question about whether to extend light rail service to the resort city. The question will read: ”Should the City Council adopt an ordinance approving the use of all reasonable efforts to support the financing and development of The Tide light rail into Virginia Beach?”

The referendum is advisory, which means the City Council would make the final decision.

Important Information about the VBTES:

  • The project corridor consists of the 10.8-mile inactive Norfolk Southern right-of-way, which stretches from Newtown Road to Birdneck Road. Connections from Birdneck Road to the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Oceanfront will be examined.
  • Eight Stations Anticipated in the following areas: Witchduck Road, Town Center, Lynnshores/Thalia, Lynnhaven Parkway, Oceana, Birdneck Road, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and the Oceanfront.
  • Supports the City of Virginia Beach’s Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Growth Areas (SGAs)

Project Goals

  • Improve access, operations and reliability of the public transportation system
  • Provide a cost-effective, efficient travel option that connects residential and employment areas as well as recreational venues
  • Implement service that helps manage growth in vehicle miles traveled and supports the development of sustainable and livable communities
  • Support Virginia Beach economic development activities consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and related land use strategies
  • Support the tourism industry of Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region by providing an alternative to travel on congested roadways
  • Support preservation and protection of the environment

If you’d like more information, click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions on the Virginia Beach Transit Extension Study.

This webpage will provide the most up-to-date information on the VBTES so be sure to check back frequently for the very latest. HRT welcomes your input on the VBTES.