April

Samantha from Woodbridge, VA asks
Is there any plan yet to return to the regular schedule? The special schedule prevents me from using the VRE to get to work because of the way the trains are spaced out.

VRE Response
Thanks for the question Samantha, we are seeing a trend in the requests to go back to full service.  Please stay tuned to Train Talk and VRE.org and we'll try to have some more definite plans out in the next couple of weeks.

Rob from Woodbridge asks
With people starting to return to the office, have you thought about a few "welcome" back days that would be free. I am asking as I have to choose - parking pass or transit benefits and stay with it for a month. I know I feel comfortable driving but not sure I want to committee to a train ride and be stuck with that choice for a month. It would be nice to be able to see the new normal and if I am comfortable committing to that (for at least a month).

VRE Response
Thanks for the question Rob.  If you reach out to us at gotrains@vre.org, we'll see if we can work something out for you.

BRAD from FAIRFAX, VA asks
As patronage continues to rise, any chance of restarting the train #333 on the Manassas line, or at least replace the running of #325 which has the lowest ridership?

VRE Response
Thanks Brad, we are discussing the return to full service, so stay tuned for more information to come out in the next couple of weeks.

Robert from Bristow, va asks
Why is your app so messed up? It is very frustrating to deal with when traveling. When will it be fixed? It has a lot of bugs and error codes when trying to use it

VRE Response
Thanks for the feedback Robert, we are sorry the app is causing you frustration.  All app fixes and updates have been released in the latest version, so please check to make sure you have the latest update.  If you still experience issues, please reach out to gotrains@vre.org and we'll have someone work with you directly for resolution.

Brooke from Brooke asks
In previous monthly forums, riders patiently ask when we'll get back to a normal schedule. VRE's response has consistently been "any updates to our current service level will be made once we see ridership returning." Unfortunately, for many of us who have relied on VRE to get us to/from work, we can't ride your trains UNTIL you add more trains to the schedule. For me personally, I can't resume riding the VRE until you bring back the 315. I've been forced to drive for over a year now and traffic is steadily getting worse. Please reconsider your stance on waiting for ridership to increase first. I'm eager to get back to the VRE.

VRE Response
Thanks Brooke, as mentioned in an earlier response we are looking at the service level specifically because of this reason so we may be able to return to full service before we actually see the ridership numbers come up.  Thank you for your patience.  We'll get something out to everyone as soon as we have definite plans.

Mark from Manassas asks
Are there any plans to add a second Alexandria VRE station in the Eisenhower West area to enhance future VRE ridership?

VRE Response
Thanks for the question Mark. There are no current plans to add a VRE station in the Eisenhower West area. 

Mark from Manassas asks
What is the plan to add second platforms at Manassas Line Stations?

VRE Response
Mark,

At this time there is no plan to add second platforms on the Manassas Line stations, but we will be constructing longer platforms (to accommodate 8-car consists) on the Manassas Line in the near future.

Joe from Manassas asks
Are we about to lose the parking lot at Manassas there is construction block about 1/3 of the parking lot

VRE Response
Thanks for the question Joe,

This is a temporary arrangement made by the City of Manassas for contractors to use the Prince William Street parking lot through summer of 2022.  At that time the lot should be fully available for commuter use. 

Mark from Manassas asks
What is the timeline for the update to the 2040 System Plan? The https://transformingrailva.com/ website is now live.

VRE Response
Thanks Mark for the question. We had started work on a 2040 System Plan last summer, but decided to pause due to the current pandemic. We will likely restart this effort later this summer. 

Mark from Manassas asks
What projects in the VRE Six Year Capital Plan will be still be unfunded after the $83.5M is allocated from the General Assembly?

VRE Response
Thanks for your question Mark.  We will reach out to our Project Manager to get specifics to your questions.  Please contact us with your questions at gotrains@vre.org and put "online forum" in the subject line and we'll do our best to get you a response to your questions.

TC from asks
Thank you for sharing the latest status on the Crystal City station upgrade project in one of your recent communications. I can't seem to pinpoint exactly where the new station will be. Could you please clarify?his building address Again, thank you for all you do for the passengers during pandemic, special BIG thank you for all conductors, engineers and all front line staff!! Please let them know. Thanks!

VRE Response
Thanks TC,

We'll share your comments with the staff and crews.

Check out our projects page at https://projects.vre.org/project?Project=Crystal%20City%20Station%20Improvements

The new platform will be behind the building at 2011 Crystal Drive.  There will be an entrance at one end at the water park area and the other at this building address.

At the bottom of the page there is a link to public documents which have renderings and maps to help clarify the location for you.  If you need more assistance, just reach out to gotrains@vre.org and we'll have someone contact you directly.

CH PR

Mike from Spotsylvania asks
I rode the VRE for the first time in more than 13 months last month. I am looking to ride more regularly, but I was riding a bike for part of my commute previously. The trains were pretty empty. Is there any chance VRE could open up the bicycle policy a little bit? There's only the late train now, and I would hate to get stuck with a bike problem if there were two bikes ahead of me on the last train. It seems kind of silly if we're all supposed to be socially distant not to let bikes take up those seats on either more trains or more cars, because people don't generally prefer them anyway. Thanks.

VRE Response
Great Question Mike,

For now, since we are operating at a reduced service level and since we have ample capacity, we'll be happy to work with you on getting your bike on different trains.  It will always be up to the conductor on the specific train if they can comfortably accommodate the bike, so please check with the conductor on the platform before boarding.

Once we go back to a full schedule, we'll revert to the established bike policy at https://www.vre.org/service/policies/#pol-bicycles.

Lisa from Fredericksburg asks
What procedures are going to be implemented to address riders who fail to keep their mouths covered and riders who wear mask with exhalation valves?

VRE Response
The crew members address issues as they see them while walking through the train.  Some passengers may not have a face covering due to legitimate medical exemption from the mandate and in those instances we accommodate by ensuring social distancing.  Our goal is to help ensure the safety of all and we appreciate all passengers remaining vigilant and adhering to the guidance provided.

Sarah M from Manassas asks
When will the early morning train be added back for Manassas?

VRE Response
Hi Sarah, we have not scheduled a firm date yet for the return to full service, but stay tuned to Train Talk, vre.org and our social media channels for updates.

HermanB from Fredericksburg, VA asks
Please address what may be done about a two-fold problem at Lorton and maybe other stations. While waiting for the 307, a long cargo train full of coal passes by one or more times per month, leaving those on the platform in a cloud of coal dust. At other times, we are treated to a platform full of coal dust and pebbles from coal trains which already have passed. This cannot be healthy. What can be done?

VRE Response
Thanks for the question Herman.  One way to make a long-term improvement which will help situations like these is the implementation of the Transforming Rail in Virginia plan which separates passenger tracks from freight tracks.  While this effort is underway, it will take several years to make the infrastructure improvements to enable the separation.  In the meantime, let us know when it occurs or when you find dust on the platform.  It will help to know in real time which train may be creating the issue so we can ask CSX to route it on the far track whenever possible.  We can also have our Facilities crews respond to clean the platform.

Tina from Stafford, Va asks
When will more trains be added?

VRE Response
Hi Tina,

We have not made a final decision yet on the return to full service, but we are discussing it daily.  We originally believed we would add service as ridership numbers grew, but we have heard from a few riders who feel the lack of a full schedule is actually keeping ridership numbers down.  We hope to be able to provide a schedule for the return to full service soon.

Sean from Spotsylvania, VA asks
There's always been a peculiarity to me about the S-Schedule. The morning schedule runs the "second" train in the pattern (302, 306, etc.) whereas the afternoon schedule runs the "first" train in the pattern (301, 305, etc.). This leads to 315 not running, which cuts options short for people working late, particularly with Amtrak 85 not running and no step ups. Is it possible to tweak the pattern to accommodate those who need to be in DC after 6?

VRE Response
Thank you for the question Sean.  The afternoon sequence seems off because we include the midday trains and we don't just skip to the afternoon service.  We appreciate the comments about challenges now due to the lack of the Amtrak Step-Up options.  As part of the Transforming Rail in Virginia program of projects we will be evaluating our train schedules.  This will include looking at different options for the S schedule moving forward.  We will take your comments into account as we go through the process.