Norfolk, Va. – Things will be slightly different on the Tide on Monday – the doors will no longer open automatically.
Riders will have to press a button on the train door to enter the train.
Why?
Hampton Roads Transit says ridership on The Tide varies hour to hour. Some hours, such as in the evening or just after rush hour, fewer people are riding the rails. Yet each time the train stops at a station, the doors open wide, letting out heat in the winter and cool air in the summer.
Wasting that conditioned air adds wear and tear to train system components.
According to HRT, pressing the button will reduce wear and tear and keep the train comfortable.
On days when crowds are big – such as exhibition baseball games or major downtown festivals – the doors will be set to open automatically.
