Thursday, May 1, 2008

RAC May 1, 2008

Virginia Beach's Resort Advisory Commission (RAC) met this afternoon. The meeting lasted about 105 minutes.

The big agenda item was a request to expand the horse riding on the beach franchise to year-round operations. It passed 14-1, with CCO representative Henry Ryto the lone "No" vote.
It will now require an Ordinance change by City Council.

Commissioners were given a look at a Locals Campaign to sell residents on the value of Tourism. The campaign would be paid for out of the Tourism Growth Investment Fund (TGIF). The RAC unanimously approved the concept; it will now require City Council approval.

The next round for the Resort Area Master Plan Charetes is tentatively scheduled for June 2 & 3.

The rollout for the new hybrid buses that will begin replacing the trolleys will be on May 21. The ceremony will be at 2 P.M. at 31st Street.

Commissioners accepted an offer for a Presentation on the TGIF at the June RAC meeting.

Sign of Summer: on the bus (Route 20) coming home, leaving Hilltop we had the Route 32 (Shopper's Express) in front of us. With it being May 1, today was the first day of the seasonal VBWave trolley service.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

The 32 isn't express. Used to be for Lynnhaven direct to Atlantic Ave

Michael Ragsdale said...

I would like to see this Value of Tourism campaign. During the Summer, I honestly feel uninvited at the Oceanfront. I would love to spend time there since it's a short 45 minute ride on the 33.

Avenging Archangel said...

VBO,

Technically correct, though the 32 is still commonly refered to by that name. (Yes, I semiregularly ride the 32.)

Michael,

Best part is that there's going to be a cool website. I saw a preview today. I'll link it up once it's active.

Anonymous said...

Why not call it, for example, "Shopper's WAVE" (ditto for the 31: "Museum/Campground WAVE")

Michael Ragsdale said...

Henry: Can't wait to see it

HRT Operator: That makes sense. I've been thinking about those names myself ("Shopper's WAVE" instead of "Shopper's Express"). It's something to think about.

Avenging Archangel said...

vbo,

That was my counterpunch: if you tried to argue the 32 shouldn't be called "Express", I was going to bring up the 31. :)

Wave is okay.

Michael Ragsdale said...

Here's an idea for destination signs. The "/" would be the sign cycling to the next display.

"30 VB WAVE" / "30 RUDEE INLET LOOP"
"30 VB WAVE" / "30 CAVILER HOTEL"
=================================
"31 CAMPGROUND WAVE" / "31 KOA KAMPGROUND"
"31 CAMPGROUND WAVE" / "31 OCEANFRONT"
=================================
"32 SHOPPER'S WAVE" / "32 LYNNHAVEN MALL"
"32 SHOPPER'S WAVE" / "32 OCEANFRONT"
=================================


Funny you saw a 32. It's not supposed to start until Memorial Day according to the HRT Site (http://www.gohrt.com/schedulesandservices/vbwavetrolley.html)

Michael Ragsdale said...

Last year I was on a 29 heading inbound (towards TCC) and at Lynnhaven Mall, the driver called out in a loud voice, "I am not the 32. I am not going to Atlantic Ave. I am not going to the Resort. I am not going to the Boardwalk. I am not going to any hotel. I am not going to the Oceanfront. I am not going to the Beach. I am not going to the Strip. I am the 29 going to TCC."

Someone approached (who was close enough to hear all that), after hearing all that, "You go to Oceanfront?"

Avenging Archangel said...

The VBWave runs May 1 - September 30. The website is wrong.