A New Transit Vision for Norfolk

Wyatt Gordon reports on plans to revitalize public transit in Norfolk, Virginia, after eight years of low ridership numbers on The Tide, the Virginia light rail system. "Hoping to boost the Tide’s passenger volumes, [Amy] Inman and other Norfolk city leaders have looked westward to the Greater Richmond Transit Company’s Pulse bus rapid transit (BRT) line for reference."

The addition of a second line to improve connections to key destinations and access to transit is one plan under consideration. Norfolk is considering a redesign of the area’s bus network to provide more frequent and reliable service and improved last-mile connections for travelers. "[Also, the city] is looking into the possibility of creating a 'one stop shop mobility app' that would allow riders to switch modes and pay for the bus, light rail, bikeshare, and scooter rides through a single interface," says Gordon.

Norfolk is also taking steps to improve multimodal roadway safety, including biking and pedestrian infrastructure improvements, reports Gordon. "Inman believes a new mindset has taken hold in Norfolk—one in which city leaders see doubling down on the promise of light rail and walkability as the natural path to revitalize and grow urban neighborhoods."