November

• Steve from Alexandria, VA asks
  For the past three Sundays I've gotten emails from VRE saying that VRE was operating "today," dated Sunday, sent Sunday. People who have moved to the area from other states may expect that a commuter railroad operates seven days a week and might take the email to be correct. On Oct. 25 I sent an email to gotrains but it hasn't been answered yet: "I know that VRE doesn't run on Sundays, but some people might be misled by receiving a message dated Sunday that says VRE is operating today. Maybe you could correct these messages to say what schedule VRE is running on 'Monday.'"

  VRE Response
  Thanks Steve, glad you were able to get through.  Based on your Gotrains submission earlier, the Communications team has already corrected the scheduled Sunday afternoon reminder.  Thanks for catching it.

• George from Spotsylvania asks
  I recently moved away and no longer ride VRE. How do I turn off the train alerts I receive on my phone and in my email?

  VRE Response
  Thanks George, we are sorry to see you go, but wish you the best.  If you receive alerts through Train Talk, there is a link to unsubscribe at the bottom of the page. If you have any issues with unsubscribing, or if you need to discontinue text alerts, just give us a call at 703-684-1001 or drop us a note at gotrains@vre.org and we'll take care of it for you.

   

  PR

• TLG from Fredericksburg Va. asks
  Hello, I want to fully understand the requirements for people with medical conditions and mask compliance.

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the question T.  In accordance with state and federal guidelines, VRE does require the use of face coverings onboard the trains.  We have seen at or near 100% compliance with the only exceptions being those who have a medical exemption.  In those instances, the individuals are asked to fully social distance onboard using the visual cues provided on seats and floors, and to not sit in the upper levels.

  To be clear, the face covering requirement is to be observed during the entire trip, not just for boarding and alighting.

• Suzie from Brooke asks
  I'm new to the area with a new job. My employer is providing a commuter allotment but I don't know how to apply it to VRE.

  VRE Response
  Great question Suzie and welcome to the area.  If you are receiving transit benefits from your employer, just call us at 703-684-1001 and we'll be happy to assist.  You can also send us your contact information at gotrains@vre.org and we'll be happy to set up some one on one time to help you through the process.

• Tina from Fredericksburg asks
  Is VRE going to have Santa Train this year?

  VRE Response
  Thanks for asking Tina.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to operate Santa Trains this year.  We do still want to work with the Marines on their annual Toys for Tots drive, so we'll be doing our customary onboard collection, and we are looking for other ways to assist in their efforts.  Stay tuned to Train Talk, VRE.org and our social media feeds for updates.

  We hope to be able to bring back Santa Trains in 2021!

• Dave from Woodbridge asks
  I'm considering riding the train again. How crowded are the trains?

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the question Dave.  We update our train utilization database every day so we can give you the most accurate trend information.  We are also including this info on the daily Train Talk reminder.  You can check everything out at the link below:

  https://www.vre.org/service/rider/train-utilization-trends/

• Pat from Woodbridge asks
  Could you update on capital improvements, particularly on the RF&P side and Alexandria in particular?

  VRE Response
  The projects have all been updated on our website.  We're showing Alexandria Station Improvements as last updated 11/2.

• Stacy from Woodbridge, VA asks
  Is VRE doing anything to address the late night engine revers, parties, loud music, theft, vandalism, and drug use at the Woodbridge VRE station?

  VRE Response
  Thanks Stacy, we have reported this issue to Prince William County based on your prior concerns.  Drop us a note at gotrains@vre.org and we'll have someone from our safety and security team reach out to you for further information.

• Suggs from Fredericksburg, Virginia asks
  I have several pre-paid 10 trip train tickets. Due to COVID-19, I have not been in the office. If we continue on the orfer to work from home, my tickets will expire. What can be done to avoid the loss of the tickets for future use? Can we get refunds? What are the available options?

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the question.  We are working with passengers individually on how to handle expiring tickets.  There are limitations on what we can do based on how the tickets were purchased, so we need to handle each case separately.  Please contact us at 703-684-1001 between 7 am and 7 pm, or drop us a note at gotrains@vre.org and we'll work with you.

• Cindy from Fredericksburg asks
  I have been taking the VRE since 1996 and over the years there have been lots of changes. There have also been bumps in the road - some good, some big and some small - but they all got us between our various destinations safely. I retired as of November 1 and would like to thank the entire crew, Keohlis management as well as the VRE staff for their attention over the years. It's been a great ride - in more ways than one.

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the comments Cindy, we'll share with the crews. We are sorry to see you go but wish you the best in retirement.

   

 

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

In the virtual studio we have representatives from Keolis, CSX, Amtrak, and of course VRE all ready to answer your questions or address comments.

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. 

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

Let’s get on to the questions!