166 replies to this topic

[EvergreenRailfan]

Now that they can no longer push the inflation adjusted record for Crude Oil back as it traded at $100 per barrel today, all bets are off. We may be seeing more cities consider at least a streetcar or two. Maybe even Spokane Voters might be asking the STA if they are willing to try again to ask them about Light Rail.

[CNJRoss]

Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, 7/11:

Light rail extension OK'd, but process could take years

Legislation to extend Norfolk's light rail line near the Oceanfront was one of the few bills the General Assembly passed this week during a largely unsuccessful transportation special session.

But that doesn't mean prospective riders should expect trains or tracks anytime soon.

It can take years to do planning, acquire land and assemble money needed to advance that kind of mass transit effort, transportation experts say.

Before any of that happens, money for a study of the line called for in the bill must be found. It is unclear now how the study will be funded.

Continue.

[Sloan]

From the Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, VA, 7/27/08:

Righting a wrong on light rail

IN 1999, a week after a referendum in which Virginia Beach voters rejected light rail by a 55-45 margin, the City Council unequivocally resolved to keep the transit system out of Virginia Beach.

Read this story herel.

[KevinKorell]

From the Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, VA, 7/29/08:

Passage of light-rail proposal met with awe

You might call it "the little bill that could."

A proposal to study an extension of Norfolk's light rail line to near the Oceanfront somewhat unexpectedly passed the General Assembly during a largely fruitless transportation special session that ended earlier this month.

This one is here.

[KevinKorell]

From WBVT-TV, Fox-43 in Norfolk, VA, 9/16/08:

Virginia Beach residents in favor of the light rail say consider the possibilities.

All of this article is here.

[KevinKorell]

From WVEC-TV, Channel 13 in Norfolk, VA, 10/16/08:

Is light rail in Virginia Beach’s future? The answer may depend on who’s elected as the resort city’s next mayor.

This story is here.

[KevinKorell]

From WVEC-TV, Channel 13 in Norfolk, VA, 11/11/08:

VIRGINIA BEACH – The mayor-elect of Virginia Beach says it’s time the city got on board with light rail.

"I've gone across this city. I'm hearing a lot for light rail," said Will Sessoms.

More here.

[KevinKorell]

From Norfolk, VA Virginian-Pilot, 11/18/08:

If you’ve ever wondered what’s “light” about light rail, the city’s Web site has the answer, and more.

Comments stemming from a September forum on light rail are posted on http://www.vbgov.com/ , under the heading, “Hot Topics.”

Story is here.

[CNJRoss]

AP via Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, 12/13/08:

Va. Beach to study light rail

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (AP) - Virginia Beach is expected to get $1.5 million to help study the possibility of a light rail in the resort city.

The Hampton Roads Metropolitan Planning Organization is expected to vote next week to allocate the money to partially fund a detailed study on the project.

Continue.

[KevinKorell]

I don't know exactly what they are considering for Virginia Beach, but given its resort implications, I would look at a T-shaped route, with the extension of the now abuilding east-west line from Norfolk running east, and then a north-south line along Atlantic Avenue or a block west on Pacific Avenue. There, I just did your study, and I'm not asking for $1.5 million. But I'll take it if you're still offering.