House committee OKs light rail extension to near Oceanfront

I like it. A lot.

Yeah I'm sure TeriDavisNewman that no tourist will ever use the light rail for an afternoon in town center or maybe for an historical trip to downtown norfolk, that must be crazy talk to even suggest that. And no, busses are not more feasible, the routes are difficult to learn and it too depends on traffic condition, and the increase in stops actually makes it worse...this means you spend more time stopping and going. Light rail has a easy STRAIGHT line going across town with 3 hugh epicenters (downtown, towncenter, and the oceanfront). Try to think through this everyone. Higher Gas prices + population growth + unpredictable traffic = LIGHT RAIL) Not to sound too over-zelous but we ARE on the verge of a traffic crisis. Not to mention an energy crisis! We should be so glad that the lines are already there, LESS EMINENT DOMAIN!! There are so many reasons why this is a GO! Has anyone looked at the map

Submitted by hatterasnc Other innovative proposals, such as alternative working hours/weeks or telecommuting are far more practical than this solution looking for a problem.

This is a great concept that has been discussed for 10 years, but guess what? No one is buying it. Besides, I doubt the largest employer in the area (US GOV) will change its working hours or allow telecommuting.

Proposals such as this are just smokescreens to delay a real solution.

Oh Virginia Beach, yes we know you voted no to light rail yet it's your vehicles that are pretty much responsible for the majority of morning and afternoon traffic jams on I64,I264 and major roadways. VDOT had to draw a special "SOLID WHITE LINE" to prevent accidents when idiots going home to VB, attempt to go from 60 mph to a complete stop in order to cut in line on off ramps.

I live in VB and have driven countless miles all over Hampton Roads. I don't mind leaving the driving to someone else. And yes, it does have to be safe on board and where you park because yes Virgina Beach, there are criminals in your city too. I've used THE MARTA in Atlanta and THE METRO in Northern Virginia/Washington DC. I was never nervous using them. Anyway, I hope this rail system comes true, because a gallon of gas may cost 7 dollars by the time it's complete:)

Virginia Beach will build the rail even without the other powers at be. With the Council's backing, they will purchase the Norfolk Southern Railroad right-of-way for somewhere between 15-40 million dollars.

It's on the City Comprehensive Plan to utilitize the right of way.

I hope that rail will be extended.

"The major traffic jams in Hampton Roads [occur] at the HRBT, MMBT, high rise bridges and all along I-64..." (now MY WORDS) and only during brief, specific periods of the day. Resist the overdramatized traffic "crisis" movement. The insulting "SOV disorder" commercials. The rail line should not be extended to the Oceanfront; the financial reason is one of many. If folks want to drive alone, or carpool, for convenience or financial reasons, that individual choice is what should be encouraged. Other innovative proposals, such as alternative working hours/weeks or telecommuting are far more practical than this solution looking for a problem.

DBOM is the only way this project should be built. Without tax dollars. The only way it is feasible. NO SUBSIDIES.

I too voted NO to light rail all those many years ago. But guess what? Times have changed, and if the vote were held today, I would enthusiastically vote YES to light rail. I would prefer an elevated monorail, though. I can't wait to ride the Tide! The nearest station will only be 1 mile from my house. HRT should add more bus routes, how about more express buses from the Southside to the Peninsula to reduce automobile traffic on the HRBT?

http://www.vbgov.com/file_source/dept/planning/complanupdate.pdf

Is it possible Delegate Tata and State Senator Wagner have been influenced by the new (since 2000) LRT line now operating in Bergen and Hudson Counties, NJ? Specifically, New Jersey Transit contracted with a private concern to Design/Build/Operate/Manage [DBOM] the line, which has been constucted in several phases. However, whether this concept is under study for extending TIDE east of Newtown Road is conjectural, at best. Frankly, I'm dubious, but one never knows!

Closer to Tidewater, VA the new LRT line now in-service in Charlotte, NC has been well patronized, and additional LRV's have been ordered [these cars are similar to those contemplated for TIDE].

Surprize! You and I! I'll bet you didn't see that coming, did you? It's that old smoke and mirrors line, "Oh, we'll get the Government to foot the bill." Well, guess what? The only money the Government (local, state, or federal has) comes from you and I. And Tata and Wagner, you are supposed to represent the wishes and desires of the people who you represent, remember? And we overwhelmingly voted NO to light rail already. We don't want it!
So, who bought you out?

This makes so much sense to not extend it. Change is good and lightrail will be great for the city. Finally, I was starting to wonder if it would ever happen.

Congestion along 264 keeps getting worse and worse. The light rail project is but a start. It can be grown from there once it is proven or disproven to work in this area. With all the traffic between the two cities, it should help out a lot. All transit problems have to start somewhere, and with the existing condemned line already in place, that part of the issue is settled already.

As a 43 y/o NATIVE of HR, I remember this area when it was farmland and sand dunes... even the concept of a traffic jam at Bowers Hill was unthinkable... it was in the very middle of NOWHERE. AS a native (and the other NATIVES to this area that I have conversed with) I voted YES to a tax increase a couple of years ago to fund the roads that are absolutely NEEDED... the population explosion in HR didn't arrive by natives having 38 children in every family, it arrived with the people who MOVED here from elswhere..

My perspective is I will gladly pay a few cents more in sales tax or whatever to be able to drive freely again around the area where I was born and grew up--- when people MOVE here from where ever they came from and dare to complain about taxes to build the roads, etc. that their very presence demands, I get a bit annoyed TBH.

At this point, I would gladly pay tolls if necessary, just to be able to get where

If you live near one of the stops in VB get a lojack for your car.

Taking this insane light rail project all the way to the beach is the ONLY way it makes any sense at all. No one who is commuting would drive 90% of the way to downtown and then stop and get on the train. It's just a stupid thing to do. This way the violent criminals in the slums of Norfolk will have easy access to the victim-rich environment of the tourist-laden beach and makes for easy crack delivery to VB. This should definitely KILL all hope of ever attracting world class resorts and clientele to the Oceanfront. Smooth move morons.

because the investment is much smaller and they provide flexibility. I don't think many people will ride the train because it is difficult to get to a station . Busses are able to have more stops.

So who is going to pay for this pipe dream? Natual gas up 38%. electrical up 18%. Gas at $4.00 a gallon. I have to cut spending, when does the government?

What does Norfolk think about the state selling their light rail to the highest bidder? After all, it's not like private VAB extension trains are going to stop at a border crossing station so everyone can transfer to Norfolk's public trains. When are these politicians going to quit trying to get one over on the average joe?

Mike B had you confused with Big Mike sorry. Please disregard. But still how can you agree with squirelly?

Mike B and squirelly, yall are so doom and gloom. It's because of shortminded thinking like yall's that we have a transportation problem. We need to begin to think about the future of this great region. I'm not saying it's the solution, but it is a start. God Bless Virginia! ...and Mike B just thought you should know, squirelly who you're agreeing with is from New York City.

I've been posting, not posted. :)

I've been posted for a little under a week now and I can't help but notice that it seems nearly impossible for us to maintain a respectful dialog even within the confines of pilotonline. Very quickly we degenerate to snarky, rude, overly defensive comments when confronted by anybody who disagrees with our point of view. Is it really a miracle that elected officials do the same thing preventing us from getting anywhere? I mean they are indeed a reflection of us. The fact is none of us are experts or mind readers, but I didn't see anywhere that said those were prerequisites for leaving a comment. We are all voicing our opinions. If you don't like somebody's there is no rule that says you have to tell them so.

Light rail for Virginia Beach was reported out of the House Transportation Committee 18-0, and all you can do is fret?

It's a great day for Virginia Beach. Enjoy.

Quote:"The incredible profusion of legislation introduced this session is intended to be a smoke screen to hide their inaction for the last decade, the fact that they passed legislation last year only if others were responsible,...They have clearly decided as a party that Virginians are simply uninterested in transportation improvements. They are sold on the fact that we like congestion, that we are willing to endure any delay, congestion, and lack of safety.." WOW!!!!....pretty far reaching conspiricy there eh Mike? So did "they" (all the Rep's)meet in some secret location wearing black hoods and capes and conjure up this "smoke screen" in the fluttering light of burning candles? Was the decision about our lack of interest unanimous or did they have to kill off a few goats to get a concensous? You've just revealed your mental state too clearly. Your tin foil hat is too tight obviously. If we had the LOWEST tax rates in the country, business and inhabitants would be rushing here with expendable income and the tax base would explode with funds. Take a drive through Atlanta sometime when you get out of the institution.

I can't resist. "Genius", chief - not "genious".

Encyclopaedia Britannica says "A person of extraordinary intellectual power. See Mr. Fabulous."

For the record I don't support tax-payer funded light rail as a solution to our traffic problems. I just find it incredible that people can continually come onto these forums and pass themselves off as mind-readers. I wish I was as gifted.

jmo

Well, since Mike Barrett is such an authority not only on the actions but the underlying motives of republicans in the GA I would find it only natural for him to run for office and fix things. With his clarvoyence and deep insight into the minds of his sworn enemies he's a shoe-in that I'd surely support.

jmo

Norfolk started it 'cause they need it the most. The branches of the system will grow as it becomes obvious that cars are not the most efficient mode of mass transportation.

Yes Squirrelly, you are absolutely correct, but the republican play book never misses a good story for want of a few facts. The incredible profusion of legislation introduced this special session is intended to be a smoke screen to hide their inaction for the last decade, the fact that they passed legislation last year only if others were responsible, and that the Governor's proposal or some reasonable facsimile thereof, will pass in the Senate and they will have to deal with it in the House. They have clearly decided as a party that Virginians are simply uninterested in transportation improvements. They are sold on the fact that we like congestion, that we are willing to endure any delay, congestion, and lack of safety in order to have the lowest tax rates in the country. They simply believe that we are so poorly informed that we will fail to see that their intransigence has led our system to go from one of the best in the nation to one of the worst in just a short decade. And they have been in charge. I really hope we are not that stupid.