Light rail won't be operational until May, yet many local residents already want it extended, The Virginian-Pilot
 reports. A recent survey of local attitudes found that more than 91 percent of respondents want to see light rail go beyond Norfolk's 7.4-mile starter line.

Nearly 63 percent want to see it go to Virginia Beach, and close to 47 percent want it at Norfolk International Airport. Other desired destinations: Chesapeake, 40 percent; Newport News, 38 percent; Hampton, 37 percent; and Norfolk Naval Base, 36 percent.

The survey was conducted by Old Dominion University's Social Science and Research Center and released earlier this month. Nearly 700 telephone interviews with Hampton Roads residents were conducted over the summer. The results were weighted to accurately reflect the region's demographic characteristics.

While six percent said they use public transit now, about 44 percent said they would be more likely to be riders once light rail starts running.

Norfolk and Hampton Roads Transit officials have worked out a way to provide ample parking at the Military Highway light-rail station. Two years ago, HRT said it would likely only be able to offer limited, temporary parking after an office building was developed on some of the land identified for a park-and-ride lot.

Of the 11 light-rail stations, the Military Highway station is projected to be the fourth-busiest, with 760 daily passengers. Federal ridership formulas indicate 232 spaces are needed. The lot must also include a bay for connections to HRT buses. The latest plan includes all 232 parking spaces and a bus area.

HRT and the city worked out a land deal that involves purchasing one of Portfolio Recovery Associates Inc.'s parking lots and using adjacent undeveloped Virginia Department of Transportation property for parking.

HRT spokesman Tom Holden said construction of the park-and-ride lots is expected to start in February. The costs are covered in the project's $338-million budget.

HRT received federal transit enhancement grants totaling nearly $2.4 million for signs at light-rail stations and bus stops. About $464,000 will pay for informational signs at every light-rail station showing the route and transit connections. The signs will be manufactured and installed in time for the May opening.