The free ride is over for NET passengers

NORFOLK, VA - Bad news if you ride the Norfolk NET in downtown. The free ride is over.

Dalton Levora takes the Norfolk NET to Granby Street to play his guitar for tips, but today he's singing the blues.

"It's real convenient. It's free. I don't always have a dollar fifty, so I guess I'll have to play a lot of songs to get some tips to pay for the ride," Levora said.

The Norfolk NET was free, but starting August 19 the NET trip will cost riders $1.50, one way.

Tidewater Community College Student Marcea George said, "a $1.50 could go to my eating as opposed to catching something that was free, but is now something I'm paying for. It doesn't  make sense," says George.

The reason for the change is on August 19 The Tide Light Rail begins operating, and it doesn't make sense to charge for the Tide and not charge for the NET. HRT 's Tom Holden said, "we want our students to enjoy our service, but we don't want to provide free service when we are charging passengers for light rail."

So far, this year the city of Norfolk has paid $505,000 for NET riders to ride for free. Last year bill totaled $760,000, the city expects riders to make up the difference with the $1.50 trips.

"I'm pretty upset. I don't understand why they would do that because it has been free. Why can't we keep it free?," asks George.

Shantell Spence gets off the NET after getting on at the Cedar Grove transfer station.

"What am I going to do? Carpool. I'm not paying $1.50 to get on that bus," Spence remarked.

One option for George is to go to a Park and Ride lot, get on the NET, pay $50 for a 30 day pass and get unlimited use of the entire transit system.

"I don't get full grants. I don't get scholarships. I don't get loans. Every little bit helps as far as keeping money in my pockets," George added.

She has a final plea to Norfolk City Council, "I want to keep the NET for free. We are begging you Norfolk City Council, we are begging you to keep the NET free for everyone."

HRT says it is fair for the public to pay for public transportation.