A State Funding Success Story with William Harrell – Hampton Roads Transit

“We are going to phase 13 routes in over many years, but once those are in place, we will serve a population of 487,000. That is a 169% increase. On the job side, right now our market share is about 137,500 jobs, and that will see a 127% increase to make it roughly 312,500 jobs. This is a revolutionary change in how we do business.”

William Harrell, President and CEO at Hampton Roads Transit, joins Transit Unplugged to discuss what has been made possible for his community in Virginia as a result of $20 million in secured state funding.

Historically Hampton Roads Transit operations were funded by four major sources: federal funding, state funding, the farebox, and member cities. This proved challenging for the agency and most importantly, its ridership, whose transit trips could take up to three hours compared to 20 minutes by car. Thanks to the hard work and dedication shown by William Harrell, his team at Hampton Roads Transit, and government officials, a strong regional backbone will be built for the Hampton Roads area, including 15-minute service during peak hours, electric buses, and light rail, all as a result of the funding.

After 24 minutes, listeners should walk away with Hampton Roads Transit’s success story feeling inspired and encouraged to better serve their communities and elevate their riders’ experience.

If you want to know more about Hampton Roads Transit, check out their website.