Norfolk Ferry Service Coming Closer to Reality

It's not secret that traffic has increased throughout Hampton Roads and this has prompted the discussion of several potential remedies, including extending light rail, passenger rail, a second Midtown Tunnel, and a third crossing.  According to the Pilot, now the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation is looking to test ferry routes between the Peninsula and South-Side.

CC Image courtesy of infomatique on Flickr

This idea was mentioned about two months ago.  If tests proves successful, this would help lay the groundwork for federal funding for a regular service that would most likely make stops in Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk Naval Station and Downtown Norfolk.  

The ferries being looked at are faster low-wake catamarans holding up to 149 passengers.  They would not carry vehicles, thus would have to connect well with public transit on land to work (Hello, Harbor Park!).