Hampton Roads Transit is Ready with Free Transit for Weekend Events • Norfolk, VA

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) is providing free transit services from June 19-22 to accommodate thousands of visitors attending Juneteenth, Sail250 Virginia, Harborfest, and the Portsmouth Seawall Festival. According to HRT, free travel applies to all modes on June 19, while the Tide light rail and Elizabeth River Ferry remain free through June 21, with the ferry extending free service to June 22.

How can visitors access free transit from June 19-22?

All HRT modes—including buses, light rail, ferry, VB Wave trolley, Paratransit, and OnDemand Ridesharing—will be free on Friday, June 19, to commemorate Juneteenth and support the Parade of Sail. HRT stated that buses will follow weekday schedules on this holiday.

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On Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, free travel is limited to the Tide light rail and Elizabeth River Ferry through partnerships with the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth. The ferry will also remain free on Monday, June 22, for the final full day of tall ship and military vessel visits.

Did You Know? Juneteenth is one of four annual fare-free days provided by HRT, alongside Transit Equity Day in February, Earth Day in April, and Election Day in November.

What are the expanded light rail and ferry schedules?

The Tide light rail will operate 10-minute service from 10 a.m. to midnight on June 19, and from 7 p.m. to midnight on June 20. On June 21, the light rail will run on regular 15-minute service from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Elizabeth River Ferry will provide continuous service from 5:35 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. on June 19, with extra boats added at 10:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. HRT warned that service delays are expected during the Parade of Sail.

Continuous ferry service continues Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Extra boats will be deployed at various intervals throughout the weekend, including after fireworks shows.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that by offering free park-and-ride lots and expanded transit, HRT is attempting to mitigate the high risk of downtown vehicle congestion and limited parking typically associated with large-scale commemorative events.

Where can visitors park and pay for fares?

Light rail passengers can use four park-and-ride lots for free to avoid driving into downtown areas. HRT recommends this option to bypass traffic congestion.

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For services not covered by the free fare windows, one-way fares are $2 and all-day passes are $4.50. According to HRT, youth ride free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Passengers are encouraged to use the GoMobile app to plan trips and purchase virtual fare cards in advance. Each paying adult must have their own virtual card within the app.

What happens if ridership exceeds capacity?

HRT, a Commemorative Partner of VA250, has prepared for high demand during the Sail250 Virginia events. If light rail ridership exceeds capacity in either direction, the agency may deploy staged free shuttle buses to support operations.

Ferry services on Monday, June 22, will follow the regular summer schedule every 30 minutes. However, HRT indicated that additional boats may be added if demand requires it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all HRT buses free on June 20 and 21?
No. According to HRT, regular bus routes on June 20 and 21 are subject to fares; only the Tide light rail and Elizabeth River Ferry are free on those dates.

Is the ferry free on Monday, June 22?
Yes, the ferry is the only mode of transit that remains free on Monday, June 22.

When does the light rail offer its most frequent service?
The light rail provides 10-minute service between 10 a.m. and midnight on June 19, and between 7 p.m. and midnight on June 20.

Which of these Juneteenth or Sail250 Virginia events are you most interested in attending?