PRESS & MEDIA

Academy is excited to be selected by the Virgnia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) to operate the new Tidewater Current route for the Virginia Breeze service. This route will connect Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads region beginning in the Spring of 2026.

"The Tidewater Current is one of the most significant expansions of the Virginia Breeze to date", said DRPT Director Tiffany Robinson. "This route will provide meaningful new travel opportunities for Virginians, and we look forward to bringing this service to communities across the Commonweatlth."

The Tidewater Current route is designed to strengthen travel options between Coastal Virginia and the Shenendoah Valley connecting key destinations along the I-64 corridor.

Planned stops include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, Willamsburg, New Kent, Richmond International Airport, Richmond Main Street Station, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Harrisonburg. 

"We're proud to partner with DRPT on the launch of the Tidewater Current," said Francis Tedesco, President and CEO, Academy Bus. "This new route is an important addition to Virginia's transportation network, and we're looking forward to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable service for riders traveling throughout Hampton Roads and along the I-64 corridor.

DRPT selected Academy for its extensive experience operating large-scale transportation services along the East Coast. The company's recent acquisition of James River Transportation further strengthens Academy's presence and familiarity with Virginia's travel landscape.

We look forward to starting operation of the Tidewater Current route in the Spring of next year.