When a winter storm is projected to affect our region, VRE works with our host railroads, the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to help determine if conditions will allow for the safe operation of our trains.

As always during winter weather, safety is our main priority. While we work diligently to keep the trains operating and on-time, inclement weather can impact our ability to provide normal service. Another key component to safe VRE operations is the ability for you to reach our stations safely.

When we have service during and after winter weather, we want to make sure the lots and platforms at our stations are clear of snow and ice.  We utilize a combination of our facilities contractor, VDOT, jurisdiction crews and third party private contractors to clear the lots, depending on who has responsibility for the specific facility. Our facilities crews begin clearing and treating the platforms the day before weather is expected, and continue through the night if necessary to keep everything clear.  If you do arrive at a parking lot or platform and notice patches of ice or snow, please contact us at gotrains@vre.org and we’ll get it addressed.  We also activate our snow removal plan working with VDOT, the local jurisdictions and our own contractors to clear parking lots, sidewalks and platforms.

In the event that we do need to cancel service, or operate on a modified schedule, we will get that information out as early as possible, usually no later than 4:15 a.m. of the affected service day. All information will be posted to our website at www.vre.org, on our Twitter and Facebook accounts, through Train Talk text and email alerts, on our station signs and our information hotline, 1-800-RIDE-VRE. VRE also contacts local media including TV, radio and traffic reporters.

While we do take the decision by the Office of Personnel Management into consideration regarding the operation of the Federal Government, it does not necessarily dictate whether or not VRE trains operate. We realize that many of our riders are not employed by the Federal Government, or are considered essential personnel who need to get to work, we still make every effort to offer at least an “S” schedule operation.

Stay safe this winter and thanks for riding VRE!