Project Description
The VBTES consists of two main parts that will be completed concurrently – an Alternatives Analysis (AA) and Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS).
- The AA is focused on developing and evaluating alternatives for the transit extension. The alternatives we are studying include No Build, Enhanced Bus Service, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Service and Light Rail Transit (LRT) Service.
- The SDEIS outlines the purpose and need for the project and examines the broad and specific environmental impacts of alternatives being evaluated in the AA as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The SDEIS will look at impacts including, but not limited to, physical and natural, social, cultural, and economic.
- A future study will examine a possible extension to Norfolk Naval Station.
Project History
In March 2000, HRT prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement for Norfolk/Virginia Beach. That same year, the City of Norfolk proceeded with a federally funded light rail project solely within its city limits. The City of Virginia Beach decided not to pursue a light rail system at that time. However, there has been renewed interest in the expansion of the system into Virginia Beach based on a variety of issues, including increased highway congestion, rising gas prices, increased environmental awareness, and new urban development patterns in Virginia Beach’s Strategic Growth Areas.
In 2008, the Virginia General Assembly passed House Bill 6028, directing HRT to study the expansion of The Tide in Hampton Roads, including to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. In compliance with this legislation, the Virginia Beach Transit Extension Study is the first step required for the Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts Program, which is a competitive federal grant program that can fund construction of the transit extension.
City of Virginia Beach 2009 Comprehensive Plan
During 2008 and 2009, the City of Virginia Beach Planning held public meetings to get input on the draft 2009 Comprehensive Plan. Comments were received ranging from viable public transportation within the city to increased bus service and extending The Tide from Norfolk to the Oceanfront. The City Council adopted the formal Comprehensive Plan on December 9, 2009.