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. read more