All aboard

Hampton Roads' light-rail system, the first in Virginia, was so popular in its debut Friday that officials announced they would give passengers even more time to ride the Tide for free.

Rides originally were scheduled to be free through the weekend, but that period was extended until Aug. 28 because officials said turnout was so high. After that, passengers must pay a $1.50 fare.

The 7.4-mile system took more than three years and $318.5 million to build and opened more than 18 months behind schedule.

The Tide extends from the Eastern Virginia Medical Center through downtown Norfolk. There are 11 stations along the line. Passengers from across the region also can use 18 bus routes that feed into the rail.

Mayor Paul Fraim and other elected officials were at the Newtown Road park and ride station for the inaugural train ride. The first train that left the station was at full capacity, and the crowd cheered when it arrived at the stop.

The Russell family woke up extra early to ride the first Tide.

"We figured it was a good time for the kids, good thing for them to remember later on, and I've been waiting for it myself for 20 years!" Dean Russell told WTKR-TV.

A group of about 50 protesters also attended the grand opening to voice their opinions against the potential light rail expansion to Virginia Beach.

Virginia Beach resident Chris Graff told WAVY-TV the ride was better than expected. A round trip to Eastern Virginia Medical School and back took about an hour. "I've been riding the bus for the last two months, and it's been taking me three hours to get from Virginia Beach to Portsmouth, so this should cut two hours off," Graff said.

The transit agency has been conducting practice runs for the electrically powered trains for the last two months.

Hampton Roads Transit officials estimated there could be as many as 20,000 riders on Friday, according to a report in The Virginian-Pilot. "We've exceeded all expectations," transit president and chief executive Philip Shucet said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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