Hampton Roads Transit Secures $850K in Federal Funding for Paratransit Fleet Expansion

The funding will help the agency renew and grow its paratransit vehicle fleet to meet rising demand for the door-to-door service.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has been awarded $850,000 in federal funding to expand and renew its paratransit vehicle fleet, which provides door-to-door transportation for riders with disabilities. The funding will support continued growth and performance improvements in HRT's paratransit service, which saw a 7% ridership increase in 2025 and improved on-time performance.

Why it matters

Paratransit service is a critical transportation option for those with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route transit. This funding will help HRT maintain and expand its paratransit fleet to meet growing demand and ensure equitable access to transportation across the Hampton Roads region.

The details

The $850,000 in federal funding, included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, will be used by HRT to purchase new paratransit vehicles. The project was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott and supported by U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. HRT's current paratransit fleet includes 116 vehicles, and the new funding will help the agency maintain and expand that fleet as demand continues to rise.

  • In 2025, HRT's paratransit ridership increased by 7% compared to 2024.
  • In 2025, HRT's paratransit on-time performance rose to 93.3%, up from 88.4% the previous year.

The players

Hampton Roads Transit (HRT)

The regional public transportation agency serving the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, including Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach.

Bobby Scott

U.S. Representative who sponsored the federal funding project for HRT's paratransit fleet.

Tim Kaine

U.S. Senator who supported the federal funding project for HRT's paratransit fleet.

Mark Warner

U.S. Senator who supported the federal funding project for HRT's paratransit fleet.

William E. Harrell

President and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This new funding will help us renew and grow our paratransit fleet so we can continue to provide safe and reliable service to our customers who rely on this service to get to work, medical appointments, shopping and other destinations.”

— William E. Harrell, President and CEO of Hampton Roads Transit (13newsnow.com)

“This funding will ensure everyone in the region, regardless of disabilities, has access to timely and efficient transportation.”

— Bobby Scott, U.S. Representative (13newsnow.com)

What’s next

HRT plans to use the $850,000 in federal funding to purchase new paratransit vehicles and maintain its existing fleet to meet growing demand for the door-to-door service.

The takeaway

This federal funding will help HRT expand and improve its paratransit service, ensuring that individuals with disabilities in the Hampton Roads region have reliable and accessible transportation options to get to work, medical appointments, and other important destinations.