Hampton Roads Transit looking to extend Tide light-rail service

Maryland officials have rejected a proposal to build a new rail tunnel underneath the city of Baltimore.

Officials in Virginia do not want the Tide to lose a wave of momentum.

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is currently in the opening phases of a project to expand the Tide light-rail service to Military Circle. Currently the route connects Fort Norfolk to Newtown Road. The extension would take light-rail service north of Newtown Road.

On Oct. 5, HRT invited people to share their opinions about extending the service, and there are two more meetings scheduled this week.

Lengthening the Tide could increase ridership about 40%, and the plan also might include adding a bus rapid transit system, a first for Norfolk. The system would be similar to the Tide.

HRT is aiming to begin the Tide extension project in 2028.

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