Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Because of the agency’s budgetary problems, an APTA review recommended it cut or raise rates on a program that provides free transportation for college students, whose colleges pay an annual fee to participate.

The study began in 2009 but has been delayed several times. The study is intended to give officials an idea of ridership, costs and logistics for a light rail extension.

Sixty-two percent of Virginia Beach voters supported a referendum for the city to expand light rail out to the beach. A similar measure was defeated in 1999.

Of the 471 Virginia Beach respondents, 68% support a referendum that would extend Hampton Roads Transit’s The Tide light rail to the beach.

Much higher than predicted average daily ridership has helped propel The Tide to this benchmark sooner than expected.

Replacing 120 of its 200 bus shelters, repainting nearly 200 buses, updating signage with NextBus information at all of its bus stops, is updating its logo and adopting new performance measurement criteria.

William E. Harrell has served as Chesapeake's city manager since June 2007 and is credited with helping the city reduce spending while sustaining core services without an increase in taxes or fees.

The trial bus service to the Norfolk International Airport will test customer interest in establishing permanent local bus service to one of the region’s major transportation hubs.

The new launch date is nearly a year earlier than planned. Trip time between Norfolk and Washington should be about 4½ hours.

In addition, the agency is replacing all 3,500 bus stop signs. The new signs, for the first time, will provide route and schedule information.