May

• Mark from Manassas, VA asks
  The text in the new alerts emails appears tiny on a cellphone screen and has to be significantly zoomed to be legible. Can you look into the format you're using for it? Was never a problem under the old system.

  VRE Response
  If you have not already done so, you may want to check the settings on your phone to see if you can adjust the font size.  We can also have the developers check to make sure that it's not a coding issue.  If you would send your phone model and OS information to gotrains@vre.org we will have them check to see if it is an issue we can resolve.

• Janice from Alexandria VA asks
  If the government reopens, will VRE resume normal schedule or continue the "S"

  VRE Response
  We are monitoring ridership levels and will likely add service ahead of the demand in order to maintain social distancing. 

• Kyle from Spotsylvania, VA asks
  With the pandemic ongoing the VRE has been on an "S" schedule and has seen reduced ridership. I'd imagine this is creating an income loss for VRE. Should riders be worried about increased rider fares in the future because of this loss of income? Is VRE in a stable position to take such losses?

  VRE Response
  See previous answered question. 

• Gwen from Bristow, VA asks
  I have 15 free ride passes that will expire June 30. With stay- in- place orders through June 11 and possibly an even later return to work in DC , is VRE considering extended the expiration date of these passes?

  VRE Response
  Write in to gotrains@vre.org and we will find a way to assist you.

• Don from Fredericksburg Virginia asks
  What did train 302 hit on Tuesday May 5 south of Quantico? Just curious

  VRE Response
  302 struck a tarp with trash on it. They had a brief delay due to inspecting the train, but were able to make the time up.

• Don from Fredericksburg VA asks
  VRE is doing a great job! Very impressed during the Corona 19 time frame.

  VRE Response
  Thanks Don, we're doing what we can with the current ridership levels.  We're depending on everyone to do their part when ridership increases.  We're actively planning for this.  We're consulting with our regional partners and monitoring recommendations from the CDC, Virginia Department of Health, DC Department of Health and other resources.  We are developing protocols to help riders maintain social distancing as well as how we will operate in this new environment.  We're not sure how long we will have to do these things, but we will be guided by the recommendations made by the experts and will continue to update our plans as needed.

• Pat from Lake Ridge asks
  Now that I'm working remotely all the time, I've had a number of Amtrak Step-Up tickets expire. Leaving aside questions of whether that's a good thing, the mobile app on iOS doesn't appear to be handling it correctly. I purchased 5 tickets last September, have used none, yet show 2 Step-Up available. Are you aware of this defect and when will it be resolved?

  VRE Response
  Please contact us at Gotrains@vre.org and we'll look into this issue for you.

• Linda from Manassas, Va asks
  We received sanitizer pen tubes from VRE some time back (1.5 yrs ago), at assigned stations. I still have one. I was wondering if VRE will be distributing them again for this COVID situation?

  VRE Response
  The sanitizer pen tubes were handed out during a previous Meet the Management event. We have no current plans to distribute the same item. 

• Matt from Fredericksburg, VA asks
  First, I want to thank everyone at VRE for continuing to provide service during this time. I wouldn't be able to work if not for VRE. How is VRE dealing with operating costs during this period? Has VRE secured funding through recent legislation and if so will this be sufficient?

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the feedback Matt. In short, we are eligible for funding through the CARES Act to assist with expenses. We are continuously analyzing current and near term affects of low ridership on our financials. We are optimistic. 

• Cathy from Fredericksburg, VA asks
  Is it mandatory for passengers to wear masks/face protection?

  VRE Response
  We are following Virginia Health Department guidelines. While masks are strongly encouraged, especially if unable to achieve social distancing, they are not mandatory on the trains at this time.  

• Larry from Fredericksburg asks
  Why did it take so long for 301 to get permission to crossover to get around the disabled freight train?

  VRE Response
  VRE train 301 had to hold until the CSX freight train behind them crossed over to help inspect the disabled freight train ahead of them. Once the inspection was completed, 301 was allowed to reverse to the cross-over and then continue south past the freight train.

• Borat Sagdiyev from Vienna, Va asks
  Will toilets be available on all train?

  VRE Response
  There are approximately 2 to 3 restrooms per train set.

• Keri from Rippon asks
  What happens to unused Transit Benefits in the VRE Mobile app? Are they returned to our employers at the end of the month?

  VRE Response
  At the end of the month, VRE sends all unused Transit Benefits back to the Federal Government (DOT).

• Joe from Woodbridge asks
  With trains, elevators and platforms often overcrowded, how is VRE planning to enforce social-distancing and disease prevention guidelines when the federal government re-opens? Civility and consideration among passengers is often lacking, even in the best of times.

  VRE Response
  We currently follow guidance from CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, and DC Department of Health and other resources and are in constant contact with many other transit authorities in the region compiling “best practices” and are planning for increasing ridership levels.  We continue to clean our equipment and facilities consistent with recommendations and are developing visual cues to help maintain social distancing on the trains and platforms. We will continue to send out updates and messages to the public recommending the use of masks, particularly if ridership levels make social distancing difficult. More information about Covid-19 and VRE can be found here: https://www.vre.org/about/blog/coronavirus-health-safety-guidance-on-vre/.

• Mark from Fredericksburg VA asks
  What will VRE do about saved tickets that may expire during this pandemic?

  VRE Response
  Contact us at gotrains@vre.org and we can see if any ticket can be exchanged or refunded.

Welcome to the May 2020 edition of the Online Forum.  We hope everyone continues to be safe and healthy. Everyone is anxious to return to a level of “normalcy” and the VRE staff is no exception. We continue to make enhancements to our current service and preparing to accommodate the anticipated increase in ridership in the weeks and months ahead. At this moment, we are strongly encouraging all passengers to wear face coverings and adhere to all other guidance from the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health, the District of Columbia and other sources. Our train crews and other front-line support personnel are required to wear face coverings, practice social distancing and adhere to the other guidance provided to us as well.  

Let’s get on to the questions!