September

• Kevin from Burke, VA asks
  There was talk about expanding the much too short, L'Enfant waiting area. I finally see the project update on the VRE website, but was disappointed it'll be 2028 until it's done. Shows development won't even be done until Dec 2023 (6 years after it started). Wow. Is there not a way to expand the platform first before all the additional rail work is done. 6 years of development and 10 years of total work for a project seems excessive. Anyway, is it possible to at least expand the waiting area so people don't have to walk in puddles of mud to get around people (especially during the social-distancing era which won't be going away soon)?

  VRE Response
  Kevin, 

  The expansion of the platform/waiting area at L'Enfant is separate from the larger L'Enfant project.  The engineers hope to have 60% of the designs in place this week with a final design in October so we can advance the project.  Check in with us over the next couple of months and we will keep you posted on the actual build out schedule.

   

• Dave from Woodbridge asks
  I wanted to bring up a concern. I'm worried how long VRE can keep operating under the current conditions of having so few passengers. Do you all have funding in reserve? Even last week with my agency we were informed that the majority of the employees won't return until at least January now. I'm worried if VRE will still be an option if this continues much longer.

  VRE Response
  We appreciate the concern Dave, but we are good to go.  We'll be here in January or later in the year when you return.

   

   

   

   

• Davin from Woodbridge, VA asks
  MARC trains have gone back to regular schedule and Metro has also restored service to near pre-pandemic-levels. Why hasn't VRE resumed full regular schedule and when will they?

  VRE Response
  As mentioned earlier, our plan is to add capacity and service as ridership levels increase.  We will make those adjustments when necessary to ensure the ability to maintain social distancing and other COVID-19 mitigation efforts.  Go to https://www.vre.org/service/rider/train-utilization-trends/ to see our current levels of ridership by train.

   

• Davin from Woodbridge, VA asks
  Yesterday, WMATA launched a SmartTrip app for smartphones, but unfortunately, they made it for Apple and not Android. They say Android is coming soon.The app is also used for its regional partners like bus systems. Will VRE work to integrate that with its new mobile app?

  VRE Response
  The WMATA SmarTrip app allows the use of a virtual SmarTrip card using the phone and replacing the actual physical card.  The regional agencies who already accepted SmarTrip cards are now able to accept the mobile version.  VRE cannot accept a SmarTrip card as payment for VRE fare.  The challenge for us since we are an open system is on the fare inspection side because there would be no fare to display for the conductors.  We continue to work with WMATA on ways to integrate and work towards a true regional system.

   

• Mera from Manassas, VA asks
  I sent an email message after the 8/23 incident on the Manassas Line that affected train service for #327. We were told after we passed the Alexandria stop that Rolling Road would be our last stop due to the incident at Burke. Why wasn't the announcement made on the platforms? I boarded at L'Enfant and could have opted to take another way home. In addition, the buses were late arriving at Rolling Road and the bus driver did not know the way to get to Burke or Manassas Park. One passenger stood up by the driver to give directions to Burke Center and when she got off, another passenger had to go stand by the bus driver to give directions to Manassas Park. If the incident occurred 2 hours prior to our train arriving at Rolling Road, why weren't arrangements made to have the buses there upon our arrival and why does the bus company send drivers who don't know where they are going?

  VRE Response
  All good questions Mera, 

  The decision to terminate 327 at Rolling Road was made only when it became clear the issue at Burke Centre would not be cleared in time. Incidents of this nature generally take about 2 hours to clear, so we initially believed we would be able to get 327 through the area.  When it became evident the railroad would still be closed, we contacted the crew of 327 and let them know to start making announcements about terminating at Rolling Road.

  We are thankful our partners at both OmniRide and Fairfax Connector were both able to send resources to assist.  The challenge with getting buses is the bus companies do not have extra buses and drivers always available and they have to pull from buses and drivers who have already completed their normal routes.  The bus drivers may not be familiar with the route simply because it is outside their normal area.  We do have laminated cards with directions to each station we provide to the bus drivers, but sometimes having someone familiar with the area willing to assist makes things go more smoothly and it is good someone was there to assist.

  The bus companies were able to keep buses coming to Rolling Road, in case we would had to terminate 331.  Those buses were only released once 331 was past the station and able to continue it's trip.

  We apologize for the inconvenience.

• Scott from Manassas Park, VA asks
  It sounds like you're doing 25% capacity on the trains, which is ok (I guess) while DC is completely shutdown. What is the plan when/if they try to open the city? Is it necessary to get a vaccine before transportation gets back to normal? Thanks

  VRE Response
  Ridership is slowly returning and we will continue to add service/capacity as necessary to be able to maintain the social distancing efforts.  As mentioned earlier, the face covering requirement is a big part of the effort for those occasions where maintaining social distancing may be more challenging.

   

• Cindy from Spotsylvania, VA asks
  I have seen a lot that you have done to protect everyone and the 6 feet apart. However, I have not seen anything about the handicap area. What are you doing to protect the handicap? I am wondering because I am handicap and I will be starting to ride the VRE again next month.

  VRE Response
  Hi Cindy,

  The priority seating area is also considered in the social distancing efforts along with the adjacent seats.  There should be no issue ensuring proper spacing for you.  If you board a train and the priority seating is occupied, ask a conductor for assistance.  We look forward to having you back.

   

   

• Ulhas from Lorton VA asks
  Given the current COVID related seating restrictions (i.e. every other seat and aisle being unavailable) on VRE, are passengers expected to stand during their trip? Will these restrictions continue until there's a vaccine?

  VRE Response
  Given the current ridership, there is plenty of available seating to accommodate social distancing efforts.  As ridership increases, we will add more capacity.  The face covering requirement is also in place to help protect everyone and will become even more important as ridership returns.

   

• Caleb from Woodbridge, VA asks
  Maryland's MARC recently proposed significant cuts to their service. Is VRE considering any cuts in light of continued reduced ridership?

  VRE Response
  No plans to cut service Caleb.  Our ridership continues to grow slowly.  We will use the increasing ridership levels to determine when we will add service.

   

   

• Karen from Spotsylvania, VA asks
  How is Amtrak verifying that passengers boarding at F'burg, Quantico, etc. have Amtrak tickets?

  VRE Response
  The Amtrak Step-Up program has been temporarily suspended by Amtrak to help them better manage social distancing onboard their trains.  We will let everyone know when the program is resumed.

   

• Christine from Triangle,Va asks
  Step up tickets and 10 ride tickets that expired during the Pandemic, is there any grace period to use these tickets?

  VRE Response
  Just give us a call at 703-684-1001 or email us at gotrains@vre.org.  We handle each request individually.

   

   

• Dave from Woodbridge asks
  Through all of the changes and struggles the VRE, Staff and Train Crews have remained a safe constant. My wife travels to DC every day and has throughout the pandemic. I have never worried about her riding the VRE. The train crews are top notch and ALWAYS put Safety First. Everyone working for and with the VRE to continue service and keep passengers safe needs a round of applause and a very very loud THANK YOU!!!

  VRE Response
  Thanks Dave, we really appreciate the comments.  It takes about 200 people per day between VRE staff and our contractors to be able to operate our service and we are very thankful for all their efforts to keep VRE operating in as a safe, healthy option for commuters.  Thanks also to your wife and the other riders who have stayed with us for the duration and continue to go to work everyday.

   

• Lavonda from Washington DC asks
  When will the southbound Manassas line reopen? There are many of us who want this line to resume. What is the ridership needed? Where are we now in ridership numbers? Is there anything that can be done to expedite this lines re-opening?

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the question Lavonda.  The reverse flow trains will be added back when we resume full service. It will be based on ridership levels which are currently still very low.

   

Good afternoon and thank you for joining the September 2020 version of VRE’s Online Forum.  Joining us in the virtual studio this month are Kim from Amtrak, Paul and Rufus from Keolis, Brian from CSX and a number of VRE staff representing all areas of the organization.  It is amazing how many people we can fit in the room when we’re not actually in a room!

Ridership continues to slowly increase as businesses open back up and employees resume their commutes.  We will continue to monitor the ridership and are prepared to make service and capacity adjustments when necessary to ensure the ability to maintain social distancing and other efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Let’s get on to the questions!