Hampton Roads Transit was the first transit agency in Virginia to develop and adopt a transit strategic plan (TSP) which set the stage for a new transit network that provides higher frequencies and longer spans of service across the region. Foursquare ITP developed HRT’s first major TSP in 2020 and has developed detailed annual updates each year since.
HRT had previously, through the regional Transformational Transit project (also conducted by Foursquare ITP) identified a need to significantly improve mobility in the region to create opportunities and bolster economic sustainability. The TSP comprehensively evaluated the transit market and services provided and offers detailed plans to support a 13-route Regional High-Frequency Network, along with supporting local fixed-route and on-demand services, in the six-city region.
The TSP provided HRT an opportunity to update its service guidelines, leading to the creation of four new service category types, each with type specific levels of service and performance measures that will help to standardize bus service across the region.
Foursquare ITP’s efforts assisted HRT with successfully securing over $31 million in dedicated annual capital and operating funding from the Commonwealth to fund the regional services. Foursquare ITP developed HRT’s first major TSP in 2020 and has developed detailed annual updates each year since, with the latest annual update adopted in December 2022.
Solutions and Outcomes
- Helped HRT obtain $31 million in annual dedicated transit funding in support of high frequency bus services.
- Initiated multiple microtransit pilot zones.
- HRT’s TSP report was used as an example for other TSPs in Virginia for the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).