NORFOLK, Va. — Hampton Roads Transit received $850,000 in federal funding to expand its paratransit fleet.
Congressman Bobby Scott secured the money through the recently-passed spending bill, which was backed by Sen. Tim Kaine and Sen. Mark Warner.
“This funding will ensure everyone in the region, regardless of disabilities, has access to timely and efficient transportation,” said Scott.
To get an idea of what it's like to ride Paratransit, News 3 caught up with Portsmouth Resident, Ina Kreps.
“There are people that use it that need to go where they’re going. There are people who have jobs where they couldn’t have that job if they didn’t have paratransit to get them to that job," she said.
Kreps has used Hampton Roads Transit’s paratransit service for 21 years. After polio reduced her ability to use her legs in 2005, the service became essential to her daily life. Paratransit, operated by HRT, provides door-to-door transportation for people with disabilities who qualify for the program, helping them get to jobs, medical appointments, grocery stores, and community activities.
When Kreps first began riding, she said timeliness was a major concern.
“I began to attend therapy meetings at HRT and become familiar with the people at HRT because I needed to know why this service was just so maddening," Kreps said.
But Kreps says the service has steadily improved over the years, thanks in part to increased funding and operational changes.
“It’s the best it’s ever been right now,” she explained.
Watch previous coverage: Hampton Roads Transit expands microtransit service, makes changes for 2026
The funding comes as HRT paratransit ridership grew by 7% last year with about 36,000 customers per month, according to HRT.
"Right now it’s 93 percent on time which is a significant increase from before. And that’s important for people who use the service,” Thomas Becher with HRT told News 3.
To sign up for the service, click here.
