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.
- Types of Common Rail Systems
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Given rail transport's tremendous efficiency and cost effectiveness, there are many different forms of rail in use today. Ranging from small to large, they all serve a basic purpose: to move people and freight. Here is a basic overview of the railroad industry's main components.
- Rail Jargon 101
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See definitions for ballast, cab, continuous rail, and more.
- The Juice Train
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Originally a single, insulated boxcar that carried orange juice in bulk once a week from Florida to Kearney, N.J., the Juice Train expanded quickly.
- Safety Concerns
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Here are some examples of things that you the rider can do to keep yourself safe.
- The Quiet Car
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Ever since the debut of VRE's Quiet Cars, we've intended for them to be restful, peaceful and quiet, but not necessarily tombs of complete silence. We urge everyone who plans to ride in a Quiet Car to please review the guidelines and respect your fellow quiet-seeking passengers.