One Year Anniversary of 757 Express
Hampton Roads Transit is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its 757 Express regional transit service. The agency launched Routes 112 and 980 on October 30, 2022. Real-Time Bus info was also rolled out to the public last October, allowing riders to track the location and arrival times of their bus right from their smartphone.
The 757 Express is envisioned as a mix of high-frequency, express and limited-stop bus services, connecting commuters to major employment destinations. High-frequency buses come every 15 minutes during the weekday peak hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The 112 services Jefferson Avenue in Newport News and saw a 30% increase in ridership in the last 12 months. The 980 services Amazon facilities in Suffolk and Chesapeake. Ridership increased from the twenties to more than 1,800 in the first year.
A second 757 Express route was launched on the Peninsula in May 2023. The Route 114 services Mercury Boulevard in Hampton and has experienced a 35% increase in ridership in the last year.
In addition to more frequent service, the 757 Express also includes enhancements to passenger amenities. HRT has installed more than 200 bus shelters and 46 benches at bus stops across the region.
While the last year was exciting, the next 12 months will be just as full. In November, increased frequency during peak hours will return to Route 20. We also look forward to introducing mobile ticketing. Customers will soon be able to use their smartphone to purchase tickets and board buses, trains, ferries, trollies, and paratransit vehicles without needing cash or using a paper ticket.
To accompany Real-Time Bus info, customers can look forward to Real-Time passenger information displays. Digital signage will be installed at transit centers providing arrival and departure times much like what you see at airports across the country.
