Building the next generation of Transit leaders. By: Angela Gregory June 8, 2026 It's graduation season, and in May, I was honored to be among 15 transit professionals who graduated from the Virginia Transit Association's (VTA) Virginia Transit Leadership Institute (VTLI). Hampton Roads Transit were the third cohort to complete the program since its launch in 2023. VTA Executive Director Danny Plaugher says the program was created to build a stronger pipeline of transit leadership. "Getting that exposure and seeing a little bit, even if it's a quick snapshot of how other agencies do things, so that we as a community can grow and improve," Plaugher says. Building on national models, VTLI is based on a leadership program from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). Noelle Pinkard, Organizational Advancement Officer at Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), was on the committee that developed the curriculum. "We wanted every participant to walk away with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing public transportation in Virginia, and the confidence to make a difference in their communities," Pinkard says. A Network of Transit Advocates Participants, selected through a competitive application process from transit agencies across the Commonwealth, formed a diverse group. This year's cohort included people in various stages of their careers, from novices like me to long-time transit advocates. Multiple departments were represented, including marketing and communications, government relations, operations, planning, safety, training, finance, procurement, maintenance, and more. The program kicked off in September, when Hampton Roads Transit hosted the first session. Participants heard from HRT President and CEO William Harrell, who is retiring later this year. "The Virginia Transit Leadership Institute is growing the next generation of transit leadership," Harrell says. "We need strong leaders to advocate for the future of public transit." Over the next nine months, I crisscrossed the Commonwealth, visiting transit agencies, planning commissions, and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). The program provided an opportunity to network with other transit professionals, learn how their organizations operate, and gain a broader understanding of the challenges and successes within public transportation. Hampton Roads Transit also heard from senior executives about their leadership journeys. Fellows also had an opportunity to participate in the VTA's Transit Advocacy Day in Richmond. The group met with Virginia lawmakers to advocate for public transit. The cohort was even recognized in the House of Delegates and Senate chambers. Reflections from the Cohort Cynthia Porter Johnson is the Manager of Grants and Procurement for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission and OmniRide. She described her experience as "incredible" and "exceeding all expectations." "The opportunity to visit transit agencies across Virginia and see firsthand how transportation services are delivered to diverse communities was truly eye-opening," Porter Johnson says. "One of the most rewarding aspects was connecting with fellow VTLI participants, learning about their roles, and gaining insight into how they support their respective agencies." Porter Johnson says she walked away from the program with personal growth and meaningful connections. Jeannie Leonard, Director of Transportation at Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia in Norfolk, shared a similar sentiment, calling the experience "insightful and rewarding." "VTLI strengthened my understanding of leadership - not just from an operational standpoint, but in terms of communication, collaboration, and supporting both staff and riders effectively," Leonard says. "Overall, the program gave me a greater appreciation for the role transit plays in connecting communities and the importance of strong leadership within the industry." My colleague, HRT Marketing Communications Strategist Katie Fenimore, was selected for the second VTLI class in 2025. She said it was a wonderful experience. "I visited new cities, tried new transit systems, and met other transit professionals, all working in different roles," Fenimore recalls. "It was helpful to reflect on what our organization does well and areas where we could improve. Each region, though perhaps different from one another, all need public transit options for their citizens." Lessons Learned Feedback from previous VTLI cohorts has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Plaugher. One of the most valued aspects is hearing senior executives share their personal career journeys, providing insight into the many pathways into public transit leadership. "Everybody gets to transit different ways," Plaugher points out. "It's critically important to convey that no matter how you got here, you're here and we want to keep you here." Plaugher says one of the most important things emerging leaders can do is "get out there and learn a little bit about your own agency." This perspective inspired this year's final project, where fellows interviewed a community partner, a customer, and a colleague, then delivered a three-minute presentation on how public transit impacts their region. The project encouraged firsthand exploration and reflection on transit's role in the community. "The incredible diversity of the presentations was one of the most exciting parts," Plaugher says. "It was inspiring, and I fully enjoyed it." "VTLI is one of [VTAs] most exciting programs," Plaugher adds. "I am hoping the fellows who have gone through the program have a greater appreciation for everything that goes into public transit." As I reflect on my experience with the Virginia Transit Leadership Institute, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from inspiring leaders, connect with talented peers, and gain a deeper understanding of the vital role public transit plays across its communities. The program broadened my perspective and strengthened my commitment to advocating for reliable, efficient, safe, and sustainable public transit. I look forward to applying the lessons learned and continuing to grow as a transit professional alongside this remarkable network. Latest video edition. Momentum quarterly. Going places podcast.

New bus route set up to serve workers at Virginia Beach Amazon warehouse. The route stop locations were identified using employee zip code data and shift times provided by Amazon. PUBLISHED: April 13, 2026 at 5:04 PM EDT Hampton Roads Transit will unveil a new bus route next month aimed at helping the workers at the new Amazon fulfillment center in Virginia Beach with their commute. Starting May 10, the new Route 981 will run from the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center on St. Paul's Boulevard to the fulfillment center along Dam Neck Road, with stops along the way at the light rail stations on Ballentine Boulevard and Newtown Road, and at Tidewater Community College's Virginia Beach campus. Stops will be coordinated to serve the morning and evening shift changes, following the same path in both directions, according to HRT. The city and Amazon requested the route to serve roughly 1,000 employees at the 3.2 million square-foot facility, which opened last fall. The $195,577 cost of Route 981 is fully funded through the Hampton Roads Regional Transit Fund, requiring no city money. The stop locations were identified using employee zip code data and shift times provided by Amazon to determine the feasibility of providing service directly to the new facility, according to an HRT spokesperson. This route is similar to Route 980 which already serves the Amazon facilities in Chesapeake and Suffolk. It will not operate on Amazon company holidays, according to a news release. "The route stops at key locations for transit connectivity within employee home locations utilizing our existing bus stops for other routes," the spokesperson said in an email. HRT President and CEO William E. Harrell said in a statement that Route 981 shows that HRT and local governments can "together to develop transportation solutions that benefit everyone in our region." "We look forward to launching this service with the full support of a partnership that recognizes how transit supports jobs, recruitment and the economy," Harrell said. The morning bus will leave the transit center in downtown Norfolk at 6:06 a.m. each day, arriving at Amazon by 7 a.m. The evening bus will leave Norfolk at 4:58 p.m. for a 6 p.m. arrival at Amazon. The return trip leaves the Dam Neck Road facility at 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., arriving at the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center at 6:26 a.m. and 7:28 p.m., respectively, according to HRT. "Getting to work shouldn't be a barrier to opportunity," Virginia Beach City Manager Patrick Duhaney said in a news release. "This new route helps connect people to jobs, supports our local economy and reflects our commitment to working with partners to deliver practical solutions that meet the needs of our community." Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, [email protected]

Hampton Roads Transit receives $10.6 million to upgrade bus fleet. The money will go towards replacing 15 buses in the fleet Posted 3:40 PM, Mar 26, 2026 NORFOLK, Va. - In our area, the early months of the year are typically a busy time for Hampton Roads Transit (HRT), as federal funding begins to arrive. This year is no exception, with the organization securing $10.6 million to improve its bus fleet. The funding comes through the Federal Transit Administration's 2025 Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program and will allow HRT to replace 15 aging buses as part of its ongoing fleet renewal efforts. Officials say the investment will help extend the overall life cycle of the fleet while reducing maintenance costs and improving reliability for riders. "We are grateful for the support of our congressional delegation, which recognizes the need to help us continually refresh our buses to increase efficiencies, reduce maintenance costs, and provide modern amenities for our customers who rely on HRT every day," said William E. Harrell, President and CEO of HRT. For daily riders like Heather Cutrone, the upgrades can't come soon enough. Cutrone commutes from Virginia Beach to downtown Norfolk five days a week using a combination of bus and light rail services, a routine she has maintained for nearly a decade. "It's only once an hour that the bus comes," she said. "So if we have old buses or anything like that, they're going to break down, which means that puts me behind by two hours sometimes versus just my normal transit." Transit officials say that while maintenance teams work to keep buses running smoothly, older vehicles eventually become less reliable. "We've got superb maintenance here, but after a while buses, like your personal vehicle, may not be worth running once it hits a certain stage," said Thomas Becher, a spokesperson for HRT. "So these new buses are important to help refresh and keep that fleet updated." Federal lawmakers say the funding will have a direct impact on service quality across the region. "I was proud to support this $10.6 million grant for Hampton Roads Transit," said U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott. "This funding will help modernize and upgrade the fleet, ensuring our region meets its essential economic needs while providing high-quality transit service to thousands of my constituents." In a joint statement, U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine added that the investment will help deliver "state-of-the-art buses" that improve reliability and accessibility for passengers. The new buses are being manufactured by Gillig, a California-based supplier, before being transported across the country to join HRT's fleet. Becher says the upgrades will result in fewer breakdowns and delays, making public transportation a more dependable option. The new buses are expected to be in service later this year. More transportation news Marketplace. Powered by