Going Places

In early 2026, Mariia Zimmerman was appointed the Director of the Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transit (DRPT). Alexis sat down with Mariia to talk all things transit in the commonwealth, plus talk about a few things specific to Hampton Roads. -------------------------Learn about DRPT's services - including the Virginia Breeze bus service - on their website.-------------------------Follow Going Places on Facebook!Follow Going Places on Instagram!Check out the Going Places website.Send us a message at [email protected]!

Did transitioning from mass transit to highway installation impact specific communities right here in Hampton Roads? Here's what the experts have to say.For Part 2 of Transit Tea You Didn't Know You Needed, we sat down with Dr. Johnny Finn and Audrey Hale, both with Christopher Newport University. They've been studying the impacts of highway noise pollution in communities across Hampton Roads. Dr. Finn is an Associate Professor & Department Chair of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology at CNU. Connect with Dr. Finn on LinkedIn | Check out Dr. Finn's SubstackAudrey is currently a senior at CNU and works with Dr. Finn as an undergraduate researcher.Missed part one? We've made it easy for you ➡️ Listen to part one of Transit Tea.---------------------Love this episode? Leave us a review! Give us 5 stars and tell us why you love Going Places, the podcast about all things transit in Hampton Roads. ⭐---------------------Follow Going Places on Instagram | Like Going Places on Facebook

Ever looked at a road map of Hampton Roads and wondered "Why are you the way that you are?" Yeah, us too. On this episode of Going Places, we sat down with acclaimed local historian and Norfolk State University professor, Dr. Cassandra Newby-Alexander, to talk all things transportation history in Hampton Roads. And what about the lasting effects of these transportation decisions? Did they have any impact? Stay tuned for Part 2 with Christopher Newport University professor Dr. Johnny Finn!------------⭐ Love this podcast? Leave us a review or rate us 5 gold stars! ------------Like Going Places on FacebookFollow Going Places on InstagramSign up for emails from Going Places-----------Like Norfolk State University on FacebookFollow Norfolk State University on Instagram

Did you know that prior to the mid-1900s, most of the transit system in Hampton Roads was via electric streetcar? 🚃Greg Siegel and a dedicated group of volunteers are working hard to restore Streetcar 390, a piece of history they hope will soon be on display in Downtown Hampton. In this episode, Amy sits down with Greg to talk about the project and the history of streetcars in Hampton. Like the project on FacebookStay Connected with Going Places! Like us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramSign up for emails

Passenger rail is ✨ that ✨ girl - and Virginia is at the forefront! We sat down with Karina Romero from the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority to talk record-breaking ridership numbers and the growing demand for more rail options in the Commonwealth. Check out VPRA's websiteFollow VPRA on InstagramLike VPRA on FacebookConnect with Going Places PodLike us on FacebookBookmark our website - and sign up for emails!Follow us on Instagram

Do transit agencies across the nation experience similar successes and struggles? What is coming down the federal pipeline for public transit, and how does public transit impact the economy on a national level?In this episode, we chat with American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President & CEO Paul Skoutelas, who keynoted the bi-annual State of Transit Summit in October 2025.Liked this episode? There's more where that came from! Follow Going Places on InstagramLike Going Places on FacebookVisit the Going Places WebsiteWe want to hear from you! Have an episode topic suggestion? Want to compliment our hosts or guests? Send us a message at [email protected].

For many survivors of domestic violence, getting to safety starts with something as simple as a bus ride. Public transit connects to shelters, counseling, jobs, and the everyday independence needed to rebuild.In this episode, we speak with Dr. Cheryl Chavers of the Newport News Police Department on how access to transit supports survivors and strengthens communities. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Here's how you can get involved ⬇️ Join DV agencies across Hampton Roads for the annual Day of Unity on October 6 at the Slover. Register to attend the inaugural Domestic Violence Awareness Summit in Newport NewsConnect with the Newport News Police Department Domestic Violence UnitLike them on FacebookFollow them on Instagram--------------Stay in the know with all things Going Places PodLike us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramSign up for emails

Access to reliable transit isn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It reduces barriers and strengthens communities. In this episode, we sit down with Cierra Lewis, Gender & Equity Practitioner at YWCA South Hampton Roads to explore how public transit reduces community disparities. From connecting survivors of domestic violence with safe housing and support, to ensuring families can reach jobs, education, and healthcare, transit plays a critical role in creating opportunity and stability.Stay up-to-date with Going Places:Like us on FacebookFollow us on InstagramGet connected with YWCA South Hampton RoadsDonate to the missionCheck out their website + upcoming events

Public transit content does well on social media? There's no way...Yes, way! For this month's episode, we sat down with Hayden Clarkin - who you probably know as @thetransitguy - to talk all things transit social media and how he built his platform. Where does the transit content inspo come from? How did he get inspired to transform his Adele fan account into a transit-walkability-planning-engineering-masterpiece? Get these answers - and more - in this special episode of Going Places. Follow Hayden on Social 👇@thetransitguy on Instagram@thetransitguy on X (fka Twitter, in memorium)@thetransitguy on threads@thetransitguy on Substack@thetransitguy on BlueskyThen, give us a follow, while you're at it 👇Going Places Podcast on FacebookGoing Places Podcast on InstagramCheck out the Going Places Podcast website to learn about hosts, guests and more 👉 www.goingplacespod.com

Driving alone seems convenient, but it is a huge personal expense. Lots of people prefer driving alone, but you don't have to. goCommute is the Hampton Roads region's Transportation Demand Management Program (TDM, for short). We sat down with Monique Lynch, the Program Specialist for goCommute, to talk about all the ways people can ditch driving alone and explore the benefits of commuting smarter. Get Connected with goCommuteCheck out goCommute's websiteFollow goCommute on InstagramLike goCommute on FacebookStay Connected with Going PlacesLike Going Places on Facebook Follow Going Places on Instagram

Did you know that Hampton Roads is actually served by three separate transit agencies? That's right - HRT covers Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach; Suffolk Transit serves the City of Suffolk; and the Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) covers James City County, York County/Yorktown, and Williamsburg. Join us for this conversation featuring Ben Goodill, the Director of Planning & Administration, and Iyanla XO, the Marketing & Administrative Specialist, to learn about all things WATA!Want to contribute a name option for the new transportation center in North Williamsburg? Take the survey! Hurry - it's only open until June 16!Stay connected with WATA:Like them on FacebookFollow them on InstagramConnect with them on LinkedInStay connected with Going Places:Like us on FacebookFollow us on Instagram

The evolution of transit continues! In this episode, we chat with Severine Koen, the Northeast Team Lead of Via, the mobility partner of Hampton Roads Transit providing OnDemand Rideshare services. OnDemand is currently a pilot program in Hampton Roads, available in select zones of Newport News and Virginia Beach. Listen to Severine talk about what OnDemand Rideshare - aka Microtransit - is, how it works, and who's currently using it in Hampton Roads. For more information, check out OnDemand.

Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha are turning away from the driver's seat. In this episode of Going Places, we sit down with Scott Campbell, millennial and President of VIA Design, an architecture firm located steps away from Norfolk's MacArthur Square Tide light rail station, to talk about how young professionals feel about public transit. Like Going Places on FacebookFollow Going Places on InstagramVisit the Going Places Website

Each year, public transit agencies, staff and supporters visit Richmond, VA to speak with legislators about the importance of transit in our communities. Hosted annuallyby the Virginia Transit Association, this event is the perfect opportunity to talk all things transit on a legislative level.Join host Amy Jordan for an on-site experience during Transit Advocacy Day! Hear from elected officials and transit organization representatives about the impact of public transit.Our guests this episode:Sen. Aaron Rouse (D, District 22)Sen. Danny Diggs (R, District 24)Bob Crum, Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO)Danny Plaugher, Executive Director of the Virginia Transit Association (linked above)Don't forget - like Going Places on Facebook and follow us on Instagram!

Developing transit takes time, patience and a lot of public input. Hear from HRT's Director of Transit Development (*not* transportation!) in this episode of Going Places. Looking for information on all of HRT's current Transit Planning Studies and Projects? Check out the list and read up on all the current docs. Interested in learning more about Connecting Chesapeake? Visit the study website to sign up for updates! Like Going Places on Facebook Follow Going Places on Instagram Meet the Hosts of Going Places Pod on Our Website

Funding for transit requires more than fares and local contributions. Amy Jordan sits down with Noelle Pinkard, HRT's Organizational Advancement Officer, to discuss all the ways transit agencies develop relationships with elected officials to secure funding that fills the gaps needed in transit. Plus, hear a bit about the phenomenon called the 'Transit Death Spiral' - which most transit agencies are facing now that Covid-19 emergency funding is ending. Learn more about Government Affairs with Hampton Roads Transit. Have questions for Noelle or Amy? Leave a comment! Follow Going Places Pod on Instagram Like Going Places Pod on Facebook

If farebox revenue doesn't come close to covering the operational costs of public transportation, then why not just have free fare? In this episode, we tackle the free fare debate: what it is, who's debating it and the reasons many riders don't want to see fares become free (or even reduced). Wondering about representation in transportation? Check out COMTO - the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials!

Not to get too wonky, but it takes money to run transit. And the cash collected from fare boxes or automated machines doesn’t nearly cover the costs.   In this episode, fittingly at the start of the fiscal year, we’ll break down how we’re funded, how every Hampton Roads city contributes, how grants and other funding work and where they come from, and how to get involved to support transit through your commissioner, city council etc.  

Rodney, Sheri and Matt are back to share the results of Hampton Roads Transit's Origin & Destination Study - the first since 2016. In this episode, we talk who's riding transit, where they're going, and what it means for the future of public transit here in Hampton Roads. Read the O&D Study Report Follow Going Places on Instagram Like us on Facebook

Exploring Hampton Roads just got easier, all thanks to public transit! In part 1 of this 2 part series, hear from HRT's very own about how you can plan your trip, find the next upcoming stop times, and even how to buy fares. This episode's guests are: Rodney Davis, Director of Customer Relations Sheri Dixon, Director of Revenue Matthew Sutherland, Customer Service Supervisor Stay tuned for part 2, where we talk with these same folks about transit by the numbers.

Meet Thomas, Royall, Amy, and Alexis, the rotating hosts here on Going Places, a podcast that brings a new perspective to transit. Whether you’re a commuter, employer, invested in making transit more accessible for all, or simply want to know how we operate, this podcast will cover topics and trends with Hampton Roads Transit experts, industry thought leaders, community trailblazers and everyday transit users. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Send us a note