Join the Conversation: Help Shape High-Capacity Transit in Chesapeake

Chesapeake is growing—and with it, the need for smarter, more efficient transit options. That’s why Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is inviting residents to weigh in on the next phase of the Connecting Chesapeake study, a major effort to explore high-capacity transit options in the city. Your voice can help shape how we move through Chesapeake for decades to come.

What Is High-Capacity Transit, and Why Now?

High-capacity transit refers to transportation systems that can move large numbers of people quickly and reliably. In Chesapeake, that could include options like express buses, bus rapid transit (BRT), or even light rail. HRT is evaluating different modes and routes through a two-phase process:

• Tier 1 narrowed down 16 potential corridors to four.

• Tier 2, now underway, is refining those options to determine two preferred routes and the best transit mode for each.

This is about more than buses or tracks—it’s about planning a connected, accessible future for Chesapeake.

Upcoming Events: Share Your Feedback

This July, HRT is hosting a series of pop-up events and a public meeting to share the latest findings and gather feedback from residents. These are drop-in style and free to attend—just stop by, look at the maps, talk with staff, and share your thoughts.

Pop-Up Event Schedule:

• July 8 (7–9 a.m.) – Downtown Norfolk Transit Center

• July 9 (7–9 a.m.) – Liberty & Seaboard Transfer Center, Chesapeake

• July 10 (7–9 a.m.) – Robert Hall Transfer Center, Chesapeake

• July 15 (4–6 p.m.) – Robert Hall Transfer Center

• July 16 (4–6 p.m.) – Downtown Norfolk Transit Center

• July 17 (4–6 p.m.) – Liberty & Seaboard Transfer Center

A full public meeting is also planned, where you can learn about the recommended options in more detail.

What You’ll See at the Events

At each pop-up, HRT staff will present two potential route alignments and a recommended transit mode. You’ll get to:

• Review interactive maps of the corridors

• Ask questions and talk to project team members

• Give feedback that will be used in the final study

Your input will help inform what recommendation HRT brings to the Chesapeake City Council later this year.

Why It Matters

Transit is about more than getting from point A to point B—it’s about economic opportunity, community growth, and how we connect with our region. Whether you ride transit today or might in the future, your input helps ensure the system meets real community needs.

Stay Involved

To follow updates and learn more about the study, visit ConnectingChesapeake.com. You can also sign up for email updates or follow HRT on social media.