Norfolk expands HRT fare-enforcement authority for Transit Security Officers—rider guide

Norfolk City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance on June 23, 2026 that updates Norfolk City Code Chapter 34.2 (Light Rail Public Transit Services) to grant enforcement authority to Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) security officers. The change is driving new rider questions about what Transit Security Officers (TSOs) can do, how fare checks connect to the passenger rules, and where complaints go.

What Norfolk Council approved—and what it does

In the City’s formal action record for June 23, 2026, the ordinance item labeled R-3 is described as an amendment and reordaining of Chapter 34.2 so it will grant enforcement authority to HRT security officers. The record shows the measure was adopted unanimously.

WHRO reports that the decision also updates the city code definition of “fare enforcement officer” to include HRT’s internal Transit Security Officers (TSOs). Previously, WHRO says, fare enforcement on The Tide was limited to contracted private security and off-duty police working in secondary employment.

How this connects to rider-facing rules (fare, proof of fare, and removal)

Riders may not experience “the ordinance” directly—but they will experience the passenger rules that enforcement is tied to.

HRT’s Passenger Code of Conduct sets expectations that include:

Proof of fare matters: customers are required to show proof of fare to access certain amenities, including restrooms in transit centers.
If you refuse proof of fare, removal can follow: the code states a passenger who refuses to provide proof of fare payment (or conform to lawful regulation) may be removed from the public transportation system, light rail vehicle, or rail transit platform by an authorized person.
Fare-evasion is explicitly prohibited: the code lists “attempting to elude payment of the proper fare,” including non-payment and use of counterfeit fare media or counterfeit passes.

Practically, that means riders who are asked to verify fare should be prepared to comply with the Passenger Code’s proof-of-fare expectations—and riders who refuse proof are exposing themselves to enforcement outcomes the code describes.

Accountability and complaints: where riders should report concerns

Because the ordinance expands who has fare-enforcement authority, residents are asking how oversight works—especially when there are disagreements about how an interaction was handled.

WHRO reports that Councilman Carlos Clanton said the enforcement guidelines are publicly available and that issues raised were addressed.

WHRO also provides a specific complaint pathway:

Start with HRT Customer Service: WHRO reports that any complaint against an HRT agent—including internal staff, contracted support, or police working in secondary employment—should be reported to HRT’s Customer Service.
Then routing depends on the agent type: WHRO reports that complaints against private guards go to Sentry Force Security management; allegations against off-duty police are referred to extra duty law enforcement supervisors; and complaints against TSOs are handled directly by HRT management.

What riders can do next

Review the GoHRT Passenger Code of Conduct before riding, focusing on sections tied to fare compliance and conduct that can lead to removal.
Have fare/payment ready before boarding (the Passenger Code instructs riders to do so).
If you’re asked to show proof of fare, comply—the code describes removal scenarios for riders who refuse proof or lawful regulation.
If you have an enforcement-related concern, report it to HRT Customer Service and be clear whether the person involved was an internal TSO versus other security or police working secondary employment.

If you’re tracking how Norfolk governs transit enforcement, the June 23 action record and the Chapter 34.2 ordinance item show what Council adopted. WHRO’s explainer fills in how the change affects fare enforcement in practice—and the Passenger Code of Conduct shows the rule set riders are expected to follow.

Sources

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