Norfolk might end free NET downtown shuttle

NORFOLK

With light rail on schedule to launch in six months, the city is contemplating ending the free NET downtown shuttle and relocating the bus transfer center closer to downtown.

When the $338 million light-rail system begins passenger service in May, it will become the focal point of transit in the city, especially downtown. Meanwhile, the free NET bus shuttle runs along a similar route through downtown.

"We don't believe it's a good idea to have a competing free service to light rail," said Philip Shucet, CEO and president of Hampton Roads Transit.

City staff on Tuesday recommended to the council's transportation committee eliminating the NET as it now exists and instead run an evening-only NET shuttle from the Fort Norfolk light-rail station through the Ghent and Church Street communities, connecting many entertainment venues. It would carry the same fare as light rail and buses - $1.50 with free transfers.

About 1,246 people board NET on an average weekday, according to HRT.

"It's something worth trying, and we'd evaluate it as time goes by," Mayor Paul Fraim said. The City Council is expected to make the final decision in about two weeks.

Another proposal is to relocate the bus transfer center from Cedar Grove to Wood Street next to Norfolk Fire-Rescue's Station 1, between St. Paul's Boulevard and Church Street.

John Keifer, special assistant city manager for light rail, said the new location is closer to downtown and within walking distance of several rail stops. There would be no feeder bus service at three of the five downtown light-rail stations.

City and transit officials have wanted to move the Cedar Grove transfer site for a couple of years. Some council members have complained that it's inconvenient, poorly lit and unsafe, especially after dark. It's tucked between a parking lot and a cemetery.

Keifer said the move would happen by May 1, but first the city needs to make lighting, sidewalk and signal-timing improvements. The transfer center serves 16 bus routes, six of which go through downtown.

Council members on Tuesday also learned from HRT that 21 bus routes would be redrawn to serve light-rail stations as feeder buses. One route would be added, which would connect the western end of the light-rail system, at Fort Norfolk, to Old Dominion University through Ghent.

The feeder buses would run during the same hours as light rail: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, 6 a.m. to midnight on Saturdays and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

The additional cost to the city of operating the feeder bus routes and light rail is $5.9 million annually. Norfolk's contribution to HRT operations will jump from $9.2 million to $15.1 million next fiscal year.

While light-rail operations will cost about $14 million per year, the city's share in the first year is just over $3 million after collecting passenger fares and federal and state operating assistance.

Assistant City Manager Stanley A. Stein said input would be sought from residents and businesses before final decisions are made about adjusting downtown transit services.

Debbie Messina, (757) 446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline.com