Light Rail Arrives

Yes, it was millions of dollars over budget.  Yes, it's a year behind schedule.  And yes, voters in Virginia Beach rejected a referendum on it more than a decade ago.  But look at that, the city of Norfolk has a real, working light rail system.

The Tide launched at 6am Friday with a train packed with people and dozens more awaiting their turn at the Newtown Road station.  As of 10:30am Friday, the trains were so busy that Hampton Roads Transit had to put a 7th train into service, the Virginian-Pilot reported.  The interest could be due to the trains'  novelty or the fact that the rides are free during the debut weekend.  It will be a couple of weeks before we'll know how popular The Tide really is.


What struck me about the debut was the presence of a few protestors at the Newtown Road Station.  One was holding a sign reading, "Light Fail."  I understand that you and many others were opposed to the project.  It is a huge expense on a transportation system that we just don't know how many will use.  But to the people picketing the train itself...are you hoping light rail fails?


I plan on riding The Tide into Downtown Norfolk this weekend, assuming the area is clear of smoke from the Great Dismal Swamp wildfire.  I'll write about the experience next week.

Links:
GoHRT.com
Interactive Light Rail Guide from The Virginian-Pilot
Virginian-Pilot article on the smoke issues in some parts of Hampton Roads.