The Virginian-Pilot
©
RICHMOND
The House Transportation Committee unanimously approved today a proposal to extend the light rail system now under construction in Norfolk to within blocks of the Oceanfront.
The measure now goes before the full House of Delegates.
The legislation was introduced by Del. Robert Tata and state Sen. Frank Wagner with little apparent discussion with local elected city leaders.
Tata and Wagner are calling for a major expansion of a $232.1 million rail system already under construction that will run 7.4 miles from downtown Norfolk to Newtown Road. The Tide is expected to begin operating in early 2010.
Tata said he envisions the rail running all the way to the Virginia Beach Convention Center. He said it would offer a hassle-free commute to those who live in Virginia Beach and work in downtown Norfolk.
Under the bill, HB6028, the extension would be built with public and private money . The legislation calls on the state to solicit a private partner. The company would theoretically recoup its investment and a profit by being given a contract to run the rail and charge riders a fare.
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light rail heck yea
I like it. A lot.
Ok get real
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
Gues what?
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.
Great news
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
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.
squirrely has it right
"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
DBOM is the only way this project should be built. Without tax dollars. The only way it is feasible. NO SUBSIDIES.
Voting on Light Rail
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?
Virginia Beach comprehensive plan comment form
http://www.vbgov.com/file_source/dept/planning/complanupdate.pdf
DBOM
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].