Recent Blog Posts
Just as VRE continues to operate (albeit at a reduced schedule), the Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program and all other Commuter Connections services have remained available. During the pandemic, essential workers in the Washington metropolitan region received support from Commuter Connections to enable them to commute with confidence to and from the workplace.
Commuter Connections is a network of transportation organizations in the region that has assisted commuters for over forty-five years. Whether it’s transit, carpools, bicycling, walking, or teleworking, Commuter Connections encourages and facilitates the use of commuting methods antithetical to the single occupant vehicle (SOV).
The free Guaranteed Ride Home program provides up to four rides home each year, due to illness, unexpected emergencies, and unscheduled overtime. To become eligible, commuters must use VRE (or other SOV alternatives) to and from work at least twice a week.
Many Northern Virginia residents who ordinarily commute on the VRE are temporarily teleworking during the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the nature of certain types of jobs however, some area workers simply do not have that option. These essential and other workers are supported by the services of VRE coupled with the GRH program, which provides a safety net for their commute.
To assist workers during the pandemic, Commuter Connections launched its Commute with Confidence webpage and guide, full of COVID-19 safety guidelines for transitioning back to the workplace. It also includes tips on how to use the region’s public transportation system, in a safe and healthy manner.
VRE has taken protective steps for commuting during the pandemic. For example, VRE passenger cars are sanitized multiple times daily, especially commonly touched surfaces such as seats, handholds, etc. While you are riding VRE to and from work, you can also use the Commuter Connections incenTrip program and earn points that can be redeemed for cash.
To access the free services of Commuter Connections such as Guaranteed Ride Home and incenTrip as well as other commuting options, visit www.commuterconnections.org and set up a free account. For questions and further assistance, call 800 745-7433.
- Seasonal Schedule
-
-
The seasonal schedule will be effective the first service day after Memorial Day through the last service day prior to Labor Day. The schedule on our website will be updated prior to when service resumes after Memorial Day. Look for updated pocket schedules onboard the trains and posters at the stations.
- VRE to Use Everbridge Starting March 9th
-
-
VRE is transitioning to a new system to send Train Talk alerts. For many of you, no action is required to continue receiving Train Talks. However, if you originally subscribed for VRE alerts through another organization, you will need to opt-in to receive messages through Everbridge.
- 7-Day Pass ... Service or Calendar Days?
-
-
The 7-Day Pass is good for seven consecutive calendar days once validated. So, rather than counting the number of service days after you validate, use your calendar to track which days your ticket will be honored.
- USB Tethering
-
-
VRE will not have Wi-Fi available until cell phone towers are put in place all along the route so that riders have 100% connectivity. Sometimes during the ride, however, you undoubtably wish your laptop had an Internet connection. USB tethering may fit the bill.
- OmniRide Launches Real-Time App
-
-
OmniRide now has its own mobile app to provide passengers with real-time bus arrival information and updates.
Use the app, and ride a FREE OmniRide shuttle to catch a VRE train!