The Tide (light rail)

The Tide
The Tide light rail train during a test run in January 2011
Overview
OwnerHampton Roads Transit
LocaleNorfolk, Virginia, U.S.
Termini
Stations11
Websitegohrt.com/services/the-tide
Service
TypeLight rail
Rolling stockSiemens S70
Daily ridership2,200 (weekdays, Q1 2025)
Ridership853,300 (2024)
History
OpenedAugust 19, 2011
Technical
Line length7.4 mi (11.9 km)
Number of tracks2
CharacterAt-grade
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
ElectrificationOverhead line, 750 V DC
Operating speed18.5 mph (29.8 km/h) (avg.)
Route map
The Tide highlighted in blue
EVMC/Fort Norfolk
York Street/Freemason
Monticello
MacArthur Square
Civic Plaza
Harbor Park
NSU
Maintenance and
Storage Facility
Ballentine/Broad Creek
Ingleside Road
Broad Creek
Military Highway
Newtown Road

All stations are accessible

The Tide is a 7.4-mile (12 km) light rail line in Norfolk, Virginia, United States, owned and operated by Hampton Roads Transit (HRT). It connects Eastern Virginia Medical School, downtown Norfolk, Norfolk State University, and Newtown Road. Service began on August 19, 2011, making it the first light rail system in Virginia. Fares match local bus fares and the line accepts HRT's GO Passes. Trains generally run every 15 minutes, increasing to every 10 minutes during peak periods and every 30 minutes during early mornings and late evenings. In 2024, the system had a ridership of 853,300, or about 2,200 per weekday as of the first quarter of 2025.