The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has announced its new Virginia Breeze Bus Line Route along Interstate 64, the Tidewater Current route, with Harrisonburg as the western terminus. This East-West service, connecting Harrisonburg to Virginia Beach, is set to launch in 2025 and will operate bi-directionally 365 days a year
The Tidewater Current will provide HRMPO residents with convenient and efficient travel options to various cities and towns across the state, including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, Williamsburg, New Kent, Richmond, and Charlottesville. This enhanced connectivity hopes to benefit residents along the corridor and also attract visitors and bolster local economies from Virginia Beach to Harrisonburg.
This route expansion is part of DRPT’s commitment to serving underserved and rural communities throughout the Commonwealth. The Virginia Breeze Bus Lines have demonstrated impressive success since their inception, with the original Valley Flyer route achieving an 82% farebox recovery. The network’s ridership growth and the surge in connected trips further underscore the importance of reliable transportation solutions across the Commonwealth. Since its debut, the Virginia Breeze has generated nearly 220,000 rides and experienced significant ridership growth, increasing by over 10% from 2023 to 2024. Connected trips have surged by 53% in the same period, indicating more passengers are using the Virginia Breeze for out-of-state travel connections.
This route is a project spearheaded by outgoing DRPT Director Jennifer DeBruhl whose leadership and dedication to connecting underserved communities throughout the Commonwealth can be seen in this project. As she concludes her tenure, this new route will be a part of legacy she leaves behind and are committed to supporting the continued success of the Virginia Breeze Bus Lines in the years to come.
For more information, please visit www.virginiabreeze.org.