VB Wave Drivers, Honor my 30-Day Pass

(click for larger version)

According to data I've received from Hampton Roads Transit, VB Wave shuttles honor all regular bus passes, including the Seniors & Persons with Disabilities passes. This is ditto for the Ferry.

Any time a driver refuses to honor my pass, I will instruct them to contact (Trolley/18th St) Dispatch. I will have the Fare Study Structure - Validity Table ready to be presented (assuming my laptop is with me).

Any time a driver flips out, I will immediately contact the Dispatcher and inform them of the situation. I don't want to do this, but if I have to.

Go Figure

I'm not surprised that several posters are attacking HRT and Virginia Beach over the new Gillig Lowfloor Hybrids that are replacing the antique trolleys. The only bus riders who are complaining are the riders who, like myself, are stranded after 7 PM and on Sundays (and we're wanting evening / Sunday service).

I think it's time to clean The House of No before the damage gets worse. Yes folks, (even you VBTA) it does cost money to do things.

As far as transit in Virginia Beach into the evening and Sundays, we're working on that. HRT President & CEO Michael Townes charged Henry Ryto and myself to lobby for mass transit dollars for Virginia Beach.

In the long range, I support these projects:
TRANSIT:

• Expanded bus AND light rail service
• A better organized fare structure for HRT (in the works according to HRT)
  
• Transit to ORF (there's a plan in the works for the next General Assembly session)
• Commuter Rail to Richmond (bi directional, see Trinity Railway Express, which is all day bi-directional commuter rail between Dallas and Ft. Worth, for ideas)
  

ROADS:

• Tolling (I used to drive from Ocean View Station to Busch Gardens and I would've been more than happy to pay a toll to cross - this is also the reason I gladly paid $0.75 to use the Jordan since there wasn't much of a line even at rush hour)
• Expanded HRBT (4 lanes per direction at minimum in the long run from U.S. 460/Wards Corner to U.S. 258)
• The "4th" crossing, if there's demand for it
• U.S. 460 between Suffolk & Petersburg
• I-64 3 lanes from Newport News to Richmond
  

VB Wave Grand Opening

Well, they're here!!! Trolleys are (almost) History!!!!Mayor Meyera Oberndorf & VB City Councilman cut the ribbon

Route 30 Atlantic Ave

Podium

The new VB Wave logo, a surfer

About The Green Carpet

Since these are environmentally friendly buses, this is made-from-recycled carpet that is highly recyclable. Yes, green for environmentaly friendly.

Cussed out on Route 32

The 3 PM 33 broke down so I started making my way to 19th & Pacific to catch a 20. I noticed a 32 preparing to make a left onto US-58/Laskin so I made a mad dash to catch it.

I inserted my 30-Day Pass into the farebox and when the box complained ("reject"), the driver asked to see it. "We don't take those passes."

"This is an HRT bus and an HRT pass. Is there a problem?" I asked politely

"We don't take those God-damn passes!"

Be lucky I didn't 10-5 Trolley Base on the spot. Next time this occurs, I WILL 10-5 Trolley Base IMMEDIATELY and I will REFUSE to deboard the bus.

Route 29 is $1.00

Saw this the other day on Route 29. I guess all trolleys are $1.00 now? Has to be a glitch.

VB Wave Shuttle Service

Click the images for larger versions. This is the VB Wave Shuttle Brochure HRT will be putting out for the VB Wave Shuttle. Note that the 31 and 32 are now called "Shuttles" instead of "Express" which makes much more sense. This weekend, I will be getting further information on the new Fare Structure which will allow complete portability between all the different bus services.

For example, inserting a VB Wave pass into a regular bus fare box and you'll be prompted for $0.50. Inserting a regular 30-Day card into a MAX bus will prompt you for $1.50. Inserting that same card will soon work on the VB Wave.

Look for a rollout of the new Hybrids Wednesday May 21st at 2 PM at 31st Street. I will be there.



Some notes reading this map (could someone hopefully give me correct information please)

• Apparently, the 32 does NOT go into Lynnhaven Mall any more
  
• Apparently, the 32 does NOT go into the Hilltop Shopping Centers any more
• Apparently, the 31 does NOT go into Ocean Breeze any more
• Apparently, the 31 does NOT go into either VA Aquarium building parking lots any more

The Local Pass

$1.00 All Day Trolley Pass (valid on Routes 30, 31, and 32 only)

I just got off the phone with HRT and inquired about the Locals' $1.00 day pass for the WAVE. "An announcement will be made later this month," was the reply.

I say, continue to sell them. Even better, let us use our 30-Day passes on the WAVE.

Route 25 Holiday Inn <--> Oceanfront Express

The other day, as I was preparing to board the outbound 25 at the Holiday Inn to head to school, someone asked if the bus was a hotel shuttle to the Oceanfront. I replied, "Take this bus to TCC and transfer to the 33."
"No, I want to head to the Oceanfront."
"Take this bus to TCC and transfer to the 33," I repeated.
"Is this a hotel shuttle?"
"No it's not," I answered.
"How much is it?"
"$1.50 each way," I finished as the Outbound 25 pulled up.