Coming home from Newport News this afternoon, I was on Hampton Roads Transit's (HRT) Route 961. We got to Interstate 64 in Hampton and sat...and sat...and sat. (Memo to self: next time you come home from Newport News at rush hour, take the 967 to the 962 instead of the 961 over the friggin' Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel!) The HRBT was clogged- again. While I've been on buses that have creeped across the HRBT before, this time we were at a standstill.
Folks, this happens virtually daily at the HRBT. We're not going to be able to asphalt enough lanes to tackle the problem by cars alone. Norfolk is building it's light rail Starter Line. Newport News is planning a Minimal Operating Segment (MOS) for what is hoped to eventually be a Williamsburg to Hampton line. If we can connect across the water, those budding systems can get people around the region without clogging the bridge-tunnels.
Those driving on Interstate 64 were burning $4 per gallon gasoline, and needed to be ready to move at any minute. Me? I was on a premium express bus, relaxing in my high-backed, reclining seat. No road rage on my part.
3 comments:
i tell u, i DREAM of the day that the light rail line will come through Hampton.
"(Memo to self: next time you come home from Newport News at rush hour, take the 967 to the 962 instead of the 961 over the friggin' Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel!)"
Sounds like you found a solution without the need for a light-rail spur.
Wally,
At best you'll move a few dozen people daily that way.
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