July

• Davin from Woodbridge, VA asks
  Does VRE have a plan to restore train service should ridership pick up later this month? Federal government workers are starting to return to work.

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the question Davin, as mentioned before, we'll make service changes as ridership increases.  Stay tuned to vre.org and Train Talk for updates.

• Mike from Spotsylvania asks
  Has the bike policy remained in effect during the pandemic?

  VRE Response
  No change as of right now to the bike policy, though changes may arise as ridership returns.

• Kevin from Fairfax asks
  L'Enfant Platform Widening Project - We've been told that this platform widening was "being developed" for probably 1-2 years now. However, it's frustrating that it never shows up on the "Projects" part of the website and it appears no real progress is being made. The L'Enfant platform is not nearly wide enough for the capacity and riders REGULARLY have to walk in the mud just to get by people without running this over. This project seems even MORE relevant in the post-COVID era. Can we get an update on this? And will this project be added to the website so we don't have to ask all the time? Thank you!

  VRE Response
  Unfortunately, the project was not as simple as originally hoped due to drainage issues and other regulations related to platform design. We will ask the projects group to add this to the list for website updates.

  From our Facilities Manager today:

  L’Enfant Station Platform Waiting Area – Contractor moving forward with preliminary design of permeable asphalt pavement waiting area.  Site survey recently completed at station

• Christine from Fredericksburg, VA asks
  I started riding the train last week seeing that masks were required. But every trip both north and south I saw passengers not wearing masks. When will this be enforced?

  VRE Response
  Face coverings are already being enforced with at or near 100% compliance.  You may see passengers onboard who have removed the face coverings since social distancing is still possible on board, but most likely it is the few passengers who have a medical exemption from wearing the covering.  In those few cases, we have asked the conductors to ensure social distancing is followed.

• Walter from Manassas, VA asks
  What is VRE doing about the Free Ride Tickets given out earlier in the year and last year that expired yesterday considering COVID-19 as many riders did not have the ability to use them thanks to the pandemic?

  VRE Response
  As mentioned earlier, each case is unique so we will handle any requests on an individual basis.  Please contact us at gotrains@vre.org or 703-684-1001.

• David from Manassas asks
  Will we be able to exchange older 10 trip tickets for newer ones once we all return back to work?

  VRE Response
  As mentioned earlier, each case is unique so we will handle any requests on an individual basis.  Please contact us at gotrains@vre.org or 703-684-1001.

• Dave from Woodbridge asks
  Many agencies have moved into Phase Two of returning to work in the NCR. Trains will see a increase of riders over the next few weeks. When does VRE plan to go back to a "normal" schedule?

  VRE Response
  As mentioned previously, the return to full service will be dictated by ridership levels and our ability to maintain and manage social distancing efforts.

• Obi-Wan from Kingstowne, VA asks
  Have you seen ridership increase to where you may start running a normal schedule? Hypothetical, as it may be years before standing room crowds on VRE or metro again: will you permit crowded trains out of necessity or leave riders at platforms? This is important question as I can take metro rather than wait for a VRE that won't let me board.

  VRE Response
  Yesterday, total system ridership was just over 1,100.  With the current “S” schedule operation we can support over 3,000 and still maintain social distancing efforts.  Once ridership begins to come back we will adjust the level of service with the intent on managing social distancing efforts as long as possible.  We have no plans or need to deny boarding at this time.  Once back to a full schedule, and as ridership continues to increase the wearing of face coverings will become even more important if social distancing onboard becomes a challenge.

• Gabby from King George, VA asks
  I have amtrak step up tickets that will expire on July 12th, I purchased via the VRE app. Is there any way I can get the expiration dates extend? Due to the coronavirus I have not been in my office since mid-March and I don't know when I'll be returning since I'm considered high risk due to my health issues. Thank you!

  VRE Response
   

  I have amtrak step up tickets that will expire on July 12th, I purchased via the VRE app.  Is there any way I can get the expiration  dates extend?  Due to the coronavirus I have not been in my office since mid-March  and I don't know when I'll be returning since I'm considered high risk due to my health issues.   Thank you!

   

  Thanks for the question.  We handle any requests for refunds or expiration extensions on a case by case basis because each situation is different.  Please contact us at gotrains@vre.org or call us at 703-684-1001.

  There are certain rules and restrictions placed on us with respect to how each situation is handled, for example, many passengers receive a transit benefit for the purchase of their fare.  Tickets purchased using the benefits are intended to be utilized in the month the benefit is paid.  This allows the employer, in most cases the Federal Government, to only pay out what is needed for their subsidized employees that month.  Any unused funds are then swept from the accounts and returned to the government at the end of the month.  We are not permitted to refund tickets purchased with benefits, nor can we replace them, since passengers have already had a full year to use them.

  Amtrak step-up tickets are subsidized by VRE and/or the Commonwealth of Virginia to add capacity and additional choices for our frequent riders.  VRE currently pays over $14 for each step-up produced/sold whether the ticket is utilized or not.  If we were to replace a step-up ticket, we would then have to pay Amtrak an additional $14+ for the replacement ticket. 

  As mentioned above, each case is different, so we like to handle each request on an individual basis.

Good afternoon and welcome to the July 2020 edition of the Online Forum.

VRE, along with the support of our staff, contractors, host railroads and other stakeholders continues to prepare for the safe return of ridership.  We would like to thank all involved, especially the front-line mechanics, cleaners and train crews as well as those riders who have been with us throughout the pandemic. 

As ridership continues to slowly increase, you will see signage and other visual cues at the platforms and onboard the trains to help manage social distancing efforts.  Face coverings are still required. We are also in the process of installing hand sanitizer dispensers at platforms and onboard our trains. One of our objectives is to also enhance our contactless footprint. Switching to VRE Mobile instead of paper tickets is way one, but you will also see the paper brochures, schedules, and other literature onboard our trains disappear. You will be able to get the digital versions of the same materials using scannable QR codes.  You should see this improvement onboard all trains within the next couple of weeks.

We’re ready when you are ready to come back!

Let’s get on to the questions!