Virginia Beach Tide options discussed

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Monday evening, Hampton Roads Transit heard from residents voicing their opinions on which route the Tide should take to the Oceanfront.

The meeting is one of two gatherings sponsored by the HRT in an effort to gage community opinion on the light rail's path.

"I like light rail. Light rail is the future. I've worked with bus systems and I think light rail is a good investment for the area, the Hilltop area and definitely the Oceanfront," Virginia Beach resident Ronald Broughton said.

One more meeting will be held  Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church.

Document: HRT expansion proposals

Three proposals were presented by HRT last week. The first would bypass the Hilltop area of the Beach. It would go straight from Town Center, through the old Norfolk Southern Railroad Right-of-way, past NAS Oceana and to the Oceanfront. 

The second option would take the line up to Laskin Road from Town Center, through Hilltop, then cut down Birdneck Road to the Oceanfront.

The last option would also go up Laskin Road, but would cut south down First Colonial Road and across to the Oceanfront. 

Bringing the line through Hilltop (the last two options) would require extensive construction. If the study introduced Tuesday is passed, it may also include a rapid bus service.