Why We Oppose Light Rail
Light Rail Comes with Heavy Costs
INITIAL COST
Even with the $155 million from the state of Virginia, no one really knows what the project will eventually cost Virginia Beach taxpayers.
TRAFFIC
Contrary to claims made by officials and light rail supporters, light rail doesn’t have the capacity to alleviate congestion.
HIGHER TAXES
Virginia Beach taxpayers are
paying higher taxes for Light Rail without a foot of track having been constructed.
DECLINING RIDERSHIP
Hampton Roads Transit and the Tide Light Rail has seen declining ridership each and every year since 2013 with a decline of over 3.4 million trips taken.
SAFETY & SECURITY
A 2014 Connect Hampton Roads survey indicated that safety, security and clean vehicles were important factors. 13.1% of respondents had safety concerns.
COST OVERRUNS
Taxpayers were hit with over $106 million dollars of cost overruns on the Norfolk segment of the Tide, which was completed a year behind schedule.
