Title
Update on Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) Transit Strategic Plan
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
This briefing is to update Council on the HRT Transit Strategic Plan.
Discussion:
Over the last year, HRT staff has been working with the staffs of its member communities and receiving public input on their Transit Strategic Plan (TSP). This Plan is intended to transform the regional transit system and attract new riders by increasing the effectiveness of the service it provides. At their May 28, 2020 meeting, the HRT Board was briefed on the Draft Transit Strategic Plan that could impact route frequency and route design in the City. The Transit Strategic Plan is required by the state under legislation passed by the 2018 General Assembly. The plan is scheduled to be adopted by the HRT Board at their June 25, 2020 Board Meeting to meet state requirements. The plan includes changes to the design, frequency and run time of routes throughout the Hampton Roads Region. No changes proposed in the plan will be implemented in FY2021. Changes will only be implemented with the approval of the annual Transportation Service Plans by each locality. The plan will be updated annually with a major update planned for every 5 years. The inaugural TSP does not contemplate the new dedicated regional transit funding approved by the 2020 General Assembly, so that is likely to change some of the plan recommendations as the availability of those funds is considered over the coming year, with updates to the TSP are made accordingly.
Overall in Hampton, the service area remains largely the same with the primary changes being increased frequency, streamlining of routes, reducing route overlap and merging some routes to improve their efficiency and effectiveness. Probably the biggest proposed changes relate to increases the frequency of Route 114 that runs along Mercury Boulevard to 15 minute peak service and the potential elimination of Route 118. Route 118 has marginal rider...
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