HRT and the City of Virginia Beach Unveil New 'VB Wave' Shuttle Design

Hampton Roads Transit ©
May 21, 2008

Virginia Beach, VA—Today, Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) and the City of Virginia Beach unveiled the new shuttle and design for the VB Wave, the Oceanfront’s seasonal shuttle service.

Virginia Beach Mayor, Meyera Oberndorf, Councilman John Uhrin, and HRT President/CEO Michael Townes were on hand as HRT unveiled the new VB Wave vehicle and design, which included a new hybrid-electric bus with a blue and green color scheme and a surfer upon his surf board. The aging fleet of traditional red trolleys, which have been previously used to operate the VB Wave, will soon be replaced by these uniquely designed shuttle buses.

It was June 2007 when HRT proposed to use $5 million of acquired funds to begin replacing the trolleys with these hybrid shuttles. While the agency could have used the funds to replace any number of aging vehicles in its fleet, HRT knew that Virginia Beach leaders shared its vision of more environmentally friendly community services, making HRT eager to bring this fuel-efficient method of moving people to the resort area.

To commemorate the service’s switch to a “greener” bus, a green carpet was rolled out, leading to the entrance of one of the ten new vehicles lined up on the Boardwalk. Mayor Oberndorf, along with other city officials, snipped a green ribbon before boarding the bus for an inaugural ride.

“We are ecstatic that new hybrid-electric vehicles will soon replace the trolley fleet,” said Townes. “These new buses will improve Oceanfront mobility while being environmentally and economically responsible.”

The VB Wave, which operates from May until September, offers residents and tourists access to shopping at Lynnhaven Mall, the trendy and upscale Hilltop area, as well as shops along Atlantic Avenue. Riders may also catch the VB Wave to visit campgrounds, tennis courts, fun parks, and the Virginia Beach Aquarium and Marine Science Museum.

Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf, Councilman John Uhrin and HRT President/CEO Michael Townes cut the ribbon on the new VB Wave vehicle and design.

An inaugural ride followed the ribbon cutting, which included a parade of the ten new vehicles.

The new vehicle and design of the VB Wave includes a hybrid-electric shuttle with a blue and green color scheme, and a surfer on his surfboard.