Connecting Chesapeake. Connecting the Region. - Summer 2023
Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), in collaboration with the City of Chesapeake, is launching a comprehensive study of high-capacity transit. The purpose of this study is to develop and screen potential high-capacity transit corridors and technology options that connect the Greenbrier Town Center area of Chesapeake to the wider region.
At the conclusion of this study a report will be prepared that outlines the study process and identifies high-capacity transit alignments and technology options that can be carried forward into future phases of analysis
High-Capacity Transit Service
High-capacity transit includes any form of public transit that travels in its own lane or right-of-way for at least a portion of its route, that has transit priority (traffic signals designed to turn green when transit vehicles approach), or that has both of these features to make it as congestion-proof as possible. High-capacity transit vehicles make fewer stops, travel at higher speeds, have more frequent service, and carry more people than local service transit such as typical city buses.
To improve mobility in our region, we need to develop a seamless multimodal transportation system, covering the simplest mobility mode (walking), to the largest mobility modes (express bus, bus rapid transit, and light rail).We also need to explore a range of technologies. High-capacity transit describes transit modes that have more capacity than traditional buses and provide transit services, such as express bus, bus rapid transit and/or light rail.
Where We Are Today
HRT kicked-off the study with a City Council briefing in June. A planning workshop with City staff and regional transportation planners followed in July. The workshop objective was to gain insight into Chesapeake's existing development plans and growth initiatives, and understand the feasibility of high-capacity transit connecting Cheaspeake to the greater Hampton Roads region.
HRT and the City of Chesapeake are committed to ensuring the community has a voice in the conversation at the heart of this transformative project. To shape this, a workshop was held to develop a coordinated public engagement plan that maps out clear touch-points for public input. The study encourages active participation from residents, businesses, commuters, and stakeholders alike with surveys, public meetings, project briefings, and pop-up events. We look forward to gathering valuable community input to inform the study.
Stay tuned, mark your calendars, engage in the conversation, and be a part of reshaping the transportation landscape in Chesapeake and the Hampton Roads region. Together, we can pave the way for a more efficient, accessible, and connected future.