The Tide: 1 million strong and growing

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Hampton Roads Transit has 1 million reasons to celebrate today.

On April 17, the 1 millionth rider on The Tide light rail climbed aboard. Tom Holden, an operations information specialist with HRT, says this number is higher than predicted daily ridership of The Tide.

Holden says initial projections for first-year ridership were around 2,900 daily rides. Today, The Tide averages about 4,900 daily rides, putting the 1 millionth rider on board 150 days earlier than expected.

"What a thrilling accomplishment, " said William Harrell, President and CEO. "This threshold in less than a year of operation shows the strong support that light rail has in the region. I'm proud of the work our staff has done to help The Tide reach this important milestone. I also extend a warm thank you to our loyal customers for their patronage."

The ridership milestone comes on the heels of an announcement that a referendum to extend light rail into Virginia Beach may appear on the Nov. ballot. The measure would not count as a vote to expand the tide, but would give council the authority to look into the cost and development.

Even light rail opponent Robert Dean agreed, Tuesday's milestone was a big deal.

"And its even more wonderful for Paul because when you rob Peter to pay Paul, Paul never complains," Dean  said.

Dean represents the Libertarian party which does not want light rail to expand into Virginia Beach, at least not based on numbers from HRT anyway.

Harrell insists ridership numbers are true and do not include the free ride days. A worker showed WAVY.com how they count riders with a sensor at the entrance/exit of each car.

Tide rider Paul Domke said, "I'll definitely vote for it when it comes on the referendum in November...I wish I could use it more."

Domke uses the service a few times a month. He added he will continue to do so if light rail expands to Virginia Beach or to his work at Norfolk International Airport.

Virginia Beach city council will vote next week on whether to put that referendum on the ballot, and they are expected to approve it.