October

• Dave from Manassas asks
  Many times there are announcements made that refer to car number, but as far as I know the ONLY place you can see the number inside the car is on that emergency panel. How about painting the car-number on the inside doors where we can quickly see it? Thanks in advance.

  VRE Response
  Thanks Dave.  The car number is also on the end doors inside each car and over the doors in the vestibule.

• Elizabeth from Fredericksburg asks
  It was recently announced that the VRE was implementing a 30(1?) day ticket. Will these tickets be the same price as monthly tickets? Or because it would allow FRCs to be useable for basically a monthly rider, will you get rid of your "5-day free for delays" price reduction?

  VRE Response
  We will be introducing a 31 day pass on VRE Mobile to replace the calendar monthly pass.  It will be priced the same as the current calendar monthly pass.  The calendar monthly will still be available through the paper ticketing system.

  We will communicate the actual rollout date, in conjunction with the VRE Mobile upgrade as soon as we know the specific date.

• Kevin from Springfield VA asks
  Referencing the 327 train on Sept 25th ( 50 mins late arriving in to L'Enfant), I filled out an online request for a FRC on Sept 26th since none were offered during the ride home. How long does it take to process the request?

  VRE Response
  We'll follow-up Kevin and make sure staff gets all requests filled.

• Dave from Haymarket, VA asks
  I'm a daily VRE rider, but happened to be out of the office today and missed the survey. Do you also conduct it online, or is it just an in person/specific day kind of thing for statistical quality purposes?

  VRE Response
  This one was specific for the riders today to help determine originations and destinations.

• Davin from Woodbridge, VA asks
  Last week when Train #327 was delayed out of the mid-day storage yard, the conductors could have done a better job by announcing that the next train was right behind us and that passengers waited until the next train instead of all packing the first train. Train #329 was mostly empty when it left L'Enfant Plaza while Train #327 was packed. Same for the Fredericksburg trains

  VRE Response
  Thanks Davin, we made announcements at the station but there's always room for improvement.

• Davin from Woodbridge, VA asks
  Passengers chatting with conductor, do not hold the door open. The vestibule door should stay closed until the train is stopping on the platform. Do not open the door too early and keep holding it open. Also, just because the conductor or someone opens the door, doesn't mean you hold it open. Let the door close. When the weather gets cooler, we don't want the cool air coming in because you wouldn't let the door close

  VRE Response
  Agreed.  We'll reiterate with the conductors as well.

• Davin Peterson from Woodbridge, VA asks
  Did the VRE Board approve the 31 day pass and if so when it will be in VRE Mobile? Also, will be VRE Mobile be upgraded this month?

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the question Davin.

  The 31 day pass was approved for VRE Mobile and will be launched in conjunction with the upgrade of the mobile app.  We are working with Moovel today and receiving training on the new platform, so the upgrade should be completed within a month.

• Kevin from Warrenton, VA asks
  When exiting Broad Run station on to Piper Lane, it is difficult to see oncoming traffic because of vegetation growth where Piper Lane curves. A few years ago, VRE worked with Prince William County to cut back the vegetation. It really helped, but now that a few years elapsed, it has grown back. Can VRE/the county trim the vegetation again?

  VRE Response
  Thanks Kevin, we'll share this with the county and our facilities crew.

• David from Spotsy asks
  Can you all please consider having the 300 Express leave 15 min's earlier each morning?

  VRE Response
  Sorry David, no plan to make that adjustment.

• Albert from Fredericksburg Va asks
  I know the answer about providing wireless to passenger, what is your view regarding providing electrical outlets for passenger to charge their phone, laptop, etc......Amtrak did a great job with that..... Thank you

  VRE Response
  Retrofitting the existing fleet would be cost prohibitive, and the spec for new coaches does not include this similarly expensive option.

• Brad from Alexandria, VA asks
  This is not actually a question but something that I thought might be of general interest to train enthusiasts. I noticed that you were doing a history of CSX in RIDE magazine. I thought of something to possibly mention when the Chesapeake and Ohio railway is discussed. You can actually visit the C & O Heritage Center in Clifton Forge, VA and see quite a bit of rolling stock and a really good history of the railroad in the old freight building on the site. It is roughly 3 hours away - depending on where you are starting from - and there are other fun cities such as Staunton and Lexington to see in the area. Thanks for letting me share this information!

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the info Brad.

• Sam from Lorton asks
  A couple of weeks ago when there was an issue in Union Station and all passengers had to "get off the train", how did you handle the passengers with mobility issues as the only way to get to the street was stairs which wheel chair and such cannot navigate?

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the question Sam.  Once the trains depart the station, passengers needing assistance were able to cross the tracks utilizing the wooden crossing to get back to the station side where accessible ramps are available.

• Troy from Spotsylvania, VA asks
  If I can have WiFi in my personal vehicle, how is it not possible on VRE since you have a known route and other signals and communication? Thanks.

  VRE Response
  The issue with WiFi  for us is the lack of cell phone towers in many of the areas we pass through, which result in a loss of reception at multiple locations. Therefore, we will not implement WiFi until wireless coverage is consistent all throughout our entire rail service.

• Troy from Spotsylvania, VA asks
  Why did the Step up price go up to $7, back to $5and now up to $8? I know it's Amtrak but just curious whether you guys know. Thanks.

  VRE Response
  The total price VRE pays Amtrak for the step-up tickets is $13. Currently VRE pays $5 of the fee and the passenger pays $8.  During the Metro Platform Improvement Project, we worked with Amtrak and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to temporarily lower the price to $4 for our passengers.

• Debra from Burke VA asks
  The signs in the parking lot say commuters only and no trespassing. At Rolling Road there is a group I call the Jesus Gauntlet that shows up at least once a week to block the bike racks or handicapped ramp and take an unknown number of precious parking spaces throughout the morning commute. (Jehovah's Witness actually, but several months back it was a group promoting a new protestant church.) What is the policy on marketing activities in VRE lots?

  VRE Response
  VRE does not allow any type of solicitation on the actual platforms.  Groups may be at the entrance to the platforms but are informed not to interfere with the free flow of foot traffic and may not harass passengers in any way.  Our experience with these groups is they simply say good morning or good evening as folks walk by.  If you experience something different, please let us know at GoTrains@vre.org and we will get it addressed.

• Mark from Spotsylvania, VA asks
  On September 12, 307 was delayed out of the yard due to switch issues, and 329 arrived at Lenfant first. What followed was a disgusting display of human behavior. Manassas line riders laughed at Fredericksburg riders, clapped, and pushed and shoved them (which is technically assault). I witnessed a fight nearly break out next to the train with some heated verbal jousting. I wish I could say this behavior was surprising, but having ridden Manassas for 5 years and having witnessed someone hit another person with an umbrella and seeing people bumped into by cars in the broad run parking lot, it's sadly not surprising at all. I'm not sure what it is about that line, but people need to treat people like people in Manassas.

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the feedback Mark.

• Andrew from Manassas Park, VA asks
  Has anyone investigated the wheel flat spots on car 816? They are bad - hammering the track, feeling it in your feet when it passes bad.

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the feedback Andrew. The cars are checked daily.  We'll ask the mechanical crews to take another look at V816.  Is there a specific end or set of wheels where you believe there are flat spots?  If you are onboard the train, let a conductor know and he/she can also report it on their trip report.

• John from Manassas, VA asks
  When a train pulls in to Union Station, the announcement says "Crossing the tracks at Union Station may be considered illegal." Why does it say "may"? Laws are laws and something either is illegal or it's not.

  VRE Response
  Walking on the tracks at non-designated crossing areas is trespassing, and this is the message Amtrak has asked us to communicate to our passengers.

• Kevin from Springfield VA asks
  The VRE & Metro have a deal for reduced parking fares at the Franconia Springfield stop. This requires the app tickets and you must go to the Executive Offices to get a new Metro card. Could VRE announce in advance and then have a rep at the Franconia Springfield stop ? Could you refer to the Executive Offices as the Executive Offices instead of HQ? Could you put any kind of sign outside the Executive Offices to ID the VRE? The front doors are not on King Street as the address would imply. Why can't we keep the paper tickets ?

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the feedback Kevin.  The process to allow VRE passengers to qualify for the Metro rider parking rate at Franconia/Springfield requires VRE to verify eligibility on a monthly basis and provide the proof to Metro.  We can do that remotely through VRE Mobile, but would require a monthly visit to VRE HQ if paper tickets were permitted.

  Our goal is to make it as convenient as possible for the passengers while still abiding by the agreement with Metro.

  VRE HQ is located at 1500 King Street in Alexandria at the corner of King St and South Peyton.  The entrance is actually around the corner on South Peyton.

• Ly from Burke, VA asks
  Would be nice if there is a train coming from DC that stops at Crystal City at 3:30pm besides the one at 4pm; since the 4pm gets very crowded. Thanks.

  VRE Response
  Thanks Ly.  We have heard from others about the desire to have a train between the midday train 325 and the first afternoon Manassas Line train 327.  While we do not have the ability to make a change right now, we will continue to look for opportunities to make this happen.

• Taylor from Lorton asks
  Will you implement a plan to reactive monthly TLC passes? Each month I receive an entirely new card in the mail and have a stack of useless SmarTrip cards piling up. The point of the SmarTrip cards was to reduce waste by having a reusable pass. It would be more efficient to track the pass number and reactive the cards each month once payment has been received. The stickers would still need to be sent but it will cut out the unnecessary plastic waste from the useless cards.

  VRE Response
  We'll share your comments with both Metro and CommuterDirect who administer the TLC program.

• Wanda from Woodbridge VA asks
  When is the station in Potomac Shores going to open?

  VRE Response
  The current projected completion date is 2022. For the latest updates, please follow the Potomac Shores Train Station at https://potomacshores.com/lifestyle/train-station/

• Dave from Woodbridge asks
  I just wanted to say a big thank you to Jennifer Wilbert at the VRE. We had some issues with the app and she was an amazing help!! Great service and super friendly. Thank you thank you thank you!!

  VRE Response
  Thank you! We're always happy to hear positive comments about our staff!

• TJ from asks
  When will you publish this year's May passenger survey results on your website? Thank you.

  VRE Response
  You can see the results at :

  https://www.vre.org/about/passenger-survey/

• Josh from Manassas, VA asks
  Why is your schedule tilted so heavily in favor of people who travel early? Trains at 9 or 10 AM and PM would greatly increase the flexibility for people like myself that work time shifted hours in the other direction. Why is it more reasonable to arrive in DC at 6am than it is to arrive at 10am? And why is it more reasonable to be done with work at 3:30pm than at 8:30pm?

  VRE Response
  The current schedules are based on a combination of demand and our operating access agreements with the host railroads.  Right now, the heaviest demand is for earlier trains.  

• Jacqueline from Alexandria, VA asks
  I will be asking WageWorks and by agency's HR, but any advice on how we can get use federal transit benefits to purchase tickets that give us the WMATA Metro parking rate?

  VRE Response
  You can use the benefits to purchase the VRE fares which will then allow you to qualify for the Metro rider rate at the parking garage,  We're not sure how you could fund the special SmarTrip card with benefits funds for the daily parking fee.  Transit benefits and parking benefits are handled differently, but the folks at WageWorks or your company's benefits coordinator should be able to assist.

• Jacqueline from Alexandria, VA asks
  Any plans to spiff up some of the stations? Franconia-Springfield could use a coat of paint and most of the signs identifying the station are faded almost to white. Thanks for the great job you do.

  VRE Response
  Thanks Jacqueline.  We do have a new sign package for Franconia/Springfield and two other stations.  The Engineers are now working with our Facilities Manager to have the signs manufactured and installed, so...coming soon.

• Tammy from Rolling Road asks
  Your online link to information about the Rolling Road platform extension hasn't been updated since 8/10/2017, Would you please provide an update to the project. Also, the stairs at Rolling Road are in need of repair. Thank you. I enjoy riding VRE and look forward to the improvements to infrastructure.

  VRE Response
  From last month's forum:

  VRE continues to work with our partners at the Host Railroad and County for required easements and permits. Meanwhile we have completed the design and have added significant station rehabilitation work to enhance the overall project.

  We have also asked the project team to update the website with the most current information.

• EVC from Burke, VA asks
  When will the 30-day trip ticket come out?

  VRE Response
  We're working to complete a concurrent project of upgrading the VRE Mobile app, so the 31-day pass will be available once the upgrade is complete, hopefully within a month.  We'll communicate through Train Talk and at VRE.org when we have a firm date.

• David from Fredericksburg asks
  When does VRE plan to refurbish the failed foam in the seats?

  VRE Response
  We hope to complete a procurement for new seat bottom cushions soon. Unfortunately, we do not have an exact date yet.

• Michael from Spotsylvania asks
  You guys are making it hard to complain very much. The on-time service has improved greatly, burdened mostly by heat delays. But when there's a problem, it tends to be pretty huge. I am not sure you understand how important it is (not just to riders but to VRE) to let people know immediately when there's a major equipment or other delays like last week's debacle, people who are more flexible in their work hours may decide not to show up and compound the crowding problem for earlier trains at L'Enfant, electing to stay at the office and work until the congestion clears. It seems like we routinely get notices of service issues sporadically, or too late to be very helpful. You're just adding to a crowd of frustrated people when you don't let us know there's a problem. Just a suggestion.

  VRE Response
  Thanks Michael.  We have an effort underway to look at our entire communications process to see how we may be able to get relevant, accurate information out quicker through the channels utilized by most riders.  The process will also include better educating passengers on what limitations we may have with respect to current technology or railroad operating rules to help better align expectations.  For example, we do not have direct contact with train crews during a trip, so often passengers receive updates through Train Talk before the conductor even knows a delay may be forthcoming. Stay tuned for information on how everyone can participate in this effort by providing constructive, actionable feedback.

• John from Fredericksburg asks
  Early in the month, 307 was delayed and allowed a manassas line train to arrive at lenfant first. With no where for fres riders to move, the manassas line riders simply pushed their way through, physically shoving people around an active railroad track. Will the VRE take any steps in the future to insure this dangerous situation isnt repeated?

  VRE Response
  During this specific incident John, the trains had to be dispatched out of Union Station in the order they arrived from the mid-day storage location due to a switch issue.  We did make announcements, but we do not have staffing at stations for crowd control.  We're happy to listen to any ideas you may have which could have improved the experience.

• Marie from Manassas asks
  Isn't applying makeup considered personal grooming? If so, can you please remind riders that personal grooming is not acceptable on the train and ask conductors to direct folks to the restroom for this type of thing? Sharing a seat with someone who spends 20 minutes grooming is ridiculous.

  VRE Response
  We're happy to emphasize this in our courtesy reminders in RIDE and on our Train Talks.  We'll also share your comments with the train crews.

• Alison from Manassas asks
  Has VRE ever considered organizing a trash clean up at its various stations? It's obviously not the VRE's fault, or even responsibility, but the amount of debris surrounding the stations and along the tracks is just really sad...

  VRE Response
  We can work with our facilities contractor and the jurisdictions for stations and parking lots, and we can share feedback with the host railroads for specific areas on the railroad right of way.  If you would, please share specific observations with us at GoTrains@vre.org (put Online Forum in the subject line) and we'll do what we can.

• Sam from Bristow, VA asks
  Near the doors on each train car, there's a red "emergency " button. When pressed, there's an announcement that says "passenger needs assistance in car....,". Can you put an article in the VRE magazine that explains when to use it, who hears it, and what are the duties of the conductors when they hear the announcement? Thanks

  VRE Response
  We'll work with the Editor of RIDE and get something written.  Thanks for the idea.

• Jack from Brooke asks
  We've read a lot on improved reliability of PTC, yet 304 inexplicably gets stopped south of Quantico more times than not. Can this be fixed?

  VRE Response
  The stability of the PTC system has certainly improved, but there still may be occasional issues.  We are currently upgrading the modems on all equipment which should help minimize some of the lingering communications issues.

• Al from Woodbridge asks
  The signs in the quiet car are easy to miss. Many times I've had to inform people of the quiet car rules. Most of the time they say they are new and didn't see the signs. Can we add a sign to every window? Or is there a way to make the current signs more visible?

  VRE Response
  The signs need to be transparent to allow visibility, and we have received complaints about having too many interfering with the view through the side windows, so the current placement is a compromise that seems to work for most.

• Al from Woodbridge asks
  Can the mobile app be updated to show the current train status on the route map (like the monitors do at the stations)?

  VRE Response
  We will be upgrading the mobile platform in the next month or so and will have more capabilities.  In the meantime, you can select vre.org on the main menu instead of Train Status, and access the route map there.

• ED from Broad Run asks
  Is there a way to transfer tickets I purchased on the mobile app to someone else with the mobile app on a different phone? I have unused Ten-Trip tickets that I won't put to use before they expire and my spouse could use them instead. Thanks!

  VRE Response
  It depends on how they were purchased Ed.  If benefits were used for the purchase, the tickets are non-transferrable, otherwise just give us a call at 703-684-1001 and we'll assist as best we can.

• Bill from Burke asks
  Not a complaint, just a question. I distinctly remember in years past that both lines were effected by heat restrictions. What's changed that the Manassas line has been spared heat restrictions all summer long, while F'burg had almost daily heat restrictions?

  VRE Response
  Good question Bill.  Norfolk Southern does not typically issue heat related speed restrictions. The Manassas Line trains are affected between Union Station and south of Alexandria while on CSX tracks, but not once they are on NS tracks.

Welcome to the October issue of VRE’s Online Forum.  Joining us in the studio today are Paul and Tyreese from Keolis, Kim from Amtrak, and Brian from CSX.

 

We are glad to see the arrival of fall and the college football season.  We hope this also means the heat related speed restrictions will finally end (after today).

 

Let’s get to the questions…