EVMC/Fort Norfolk Station

The last stop for the Tide light rail in Norfolk. It's suppose to be an open "Park and Ride" station, however, the parking isn't clarified or labeled. Kind of confusing, but we risked it and parked in an "Authorized Staff Parking." It was right behind the station so we figured it would only make sense for the city to make that the actual park and ride parking lot. Fortunately for us, our car was still there when we got back and no ticket. This stop is within walking distance to EVMC and Colley area. Most everyone we know in the area takes this station to head out to Granby and the Harbor Park. I did notice that there are a lot more stops from this end to get to the Tides game but far less people.

Can pay with cash or card, train schedule posted, clean trains in good condition, and bench and shelter from the weather too. Woo.Train doesn't go very far, HRVA desperately needs to expand the service.

Riding the Tide is something I do only on occasion, and only to indulge The Toddler.The Tide is a fairly new addition to HRT's lineup, having had its first run in Aug2011. It's been successful as a starter, and there are studies in the works looking into expansion. Keep your fingers crossed for it to hit Ghent, ODU, and Norfolk Naval. It has to happen, guys.So, on to this particular stop. It's the western terminus of the line, ending along Brambleton just south of the main EVMS/CHKD complex. There's no sidewalk over to the elevator/stairs to the elevated walkway over Brambleton, but people have worn a fairly nice desire path. The parking lot behind the station (again, to the south) actually belongs to EVMS and not the City of Norfolk, but EVMS very generously allowes Tide patrons to park there on Saturdays and Sundays for no charge. You'll have to do a little creative path-forging, as the chain-link fence wraps around most of the lot closest to the station, but if you park center-west, if that makes sense, you should have no problem walking through the parking lot of the neighboring building to the west (I want to say it's Norfolk Health Services) and onto the desire path previously mentioned. There are two kiosks to buy tickets, where you have several options. Pick the one(s) you want, pay, and hop aboard. The ride is smooth and the trains are clean.

The Light Rail system is well run. Trains are clean and on time. I ride the Tide frequently.