Donna Brumbaugh

This System Optimization Plan for Virginia Beach, developed by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), outlines strategies to reallocate transit resources to maximize efficiency and ridership. The plan's core priorities include enhancing regional backbone service reliability and frequency, with a goal to extend 15-minute or better service to over 330,000 residents. It also aims to minimize service disruption by limiting rider displacement to less than one percent and reducing wait times through the introduction of OnDemand Rideshare zones. Specific network changes involve adjusting local bus routes, optimizing express routes, and maintaining trolley services.

The System Optimization Plan by Hampton Roads Transit aims to enhance service efficiency by reallocating resources from low-ridership routes to high-demand services. The plan focuses on increasing regional backbone service for improved reliability and access, minimizing service disruption for existing riders, and reducing wait times through the expansion of OnDemand Rideshare zones. Specific changes for Chesapeake include route adjustments, a new Express route, and the implementation of OnDemand Rideshare zones, with one scheduled for launch in January 2026.

This document outlines the System Optimization Plan (SOP) for the Hampton transit network, focusing on reallocating resources to enhance service efficiency and reliability. Key initiatives involve reducing low-ridership local bus services and reinvesting in high-demand routes, increasing regional backbone service to provide more residents with 15-minute service, and establishing OnDemand Rideshare zones to lower wait times. The plan details specific changes including modifying three routes, eliminating five routes, and implementing two new routes, alongside expanding regional backbone and OnDemand services to improve transit accessibility and customer experience.

The System Optimization Plan (SOP) explores how to optimize limited resources by reducing low-ridership local bus service and reinvesting in routes with high ridership demand. The plan aims to increase regional backbone service and improve reliability, limit the loss of service to under 1% of current riders, and lower customer wait times through the implementation of OnDemand Rideshare zones. It seeks to provide over 330,000 additional residents with access to 15-minute or better service within a half-mile.

The meeting included a systemwide ridership update, which featured a detailed presentation and subsequent discussion about route 20 start times and increased ridership on routes with 15-minute service, noting that route 15 will increase to 15-minute service in October 2025. Recruitment efforts were also discussed. Additionally, there was a detailed presentation on 'Connecting Chesapeake: A Study of High-Capacity Transit,' focusing on Alternatives A and B and their end points. A verbal update was provided on the Naval Station Norfolk Transit Corridor Project, mentioning Norfolk Economic Development's update on Military Circle Mall and anticipated engagement with private developers for the new end-of-line station location.