NORFOLK, Va. — A popular bus route on the Southside is now even easier to catch!
The Hampton Roads Transit’s (HRT) Route 20 buses travel between Downtown Norfolk and the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Starting Monday, Director of Communications Amy Jordan said people can hop on an HRT bus every 15 minutes during peak weekday hours, which is between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Jordan said more than 2,000 people use that route every day.
"That route is actually the busiest route in the Commonwealth of Virginia," Jordan said. "Pre-pandemic it was over 3,000 riders a day but we continue to see that ridership return."
These 757 Express high-frequency routes also run in Newport News and Hampton.
HRT just rolled out 12 new low-emissions buses, equipped with Wi-Fi, to get people from point A to point B.
"They can hold between 36 to 44 passengers, which includes the strap hangers," Jordan explained.
The 15-minute peak period service is exciting for riders like Dina Wanamaker.
"Sometimes the train might be a little late, and you are getting off as your bus is pulling away, especially with the 20," Wanamaker said. "So, no it’s perfect!”
But some people said they want HRT to add extra weekend pickups, too.
"It could be more convenient," said HRT customer Mark Anthony. "On Sundays, it is every hour and I need to get to work”
HRT is looking to hire more bus operators to add more high-frequency routes across Hampton Roads. New drivers can even get a sign-on bonus.
The 757 Express, HRT’s regional transit system, is funded through the Hampton Roads Regional Transit Fund (HRRTF). The HRRTF was established in response to legislation passed in 2020 and supplies resources for the development, operating, and capital needs for both expansion and state of good repair of reliable regional transit operations.