Commander's Action Line: Bus Stop by West Gate

Question:  "This is a comment is of general concern for the overall safety of passengers that ride the local off-base transportation shuttle service that have to depart the bus, and wait across the West Gate entry control point as the bus conducts operations around Langley, AFB.  I don't know if someone else has come to you before, but is it possible to place an overhead shelter and bench for personnel to have coverage during the rain and snow seasons?  Again, this is just general concern, for the well-being of others."

Answer:  "Thank you for your question and concern for riders of the base shuttle owned and operated by Hampton Roads Transportation (HRT).  The 633 CES, HRT and City of Hampton met this past September to determine the most viable courses of action to address safety, security and bus route continual improvement.  A decision was agreed upon to address bus passenger safety and JBLE-Langley security concerns.  HRT agreed to place a new bus route drop off at the current parking area just outside the West Gate.  The HRT bus passengers will be dropped off there before the bus continues its route around the installation.  Upon departing the base, the HRT bus will come back to the designated parking area to pick up the bus passengers.  The new drop-off location will eliminate the passengers crossing over traffic, and locate passengers outside the JBLE-Langley secure fence line.  Additionally, the new location will create a new designated area that has minimal traffic.  With regards to a shelter, the majority of HRT operated bus stops do not include shelters, but are instead designated with signage.  In fact, you may have noticed that the HRT bus stop just south of the West Gate on Armistead Avenue is indicated solely by a sign indicating the route it serves, this is typical for our area.  Again, we appreciate your comments and interest in JBLE bus passenger safety."