June

Dave from Manassas, VA asks
Masks are required on all mass-transit, but are also required on platforms AND in stations; Union Station, Metro stops included. Those of us who have been riding regularly since restrictions began are pretty much used to it. I appreciate the fact the trains have been running all this time, and especially now that 322 is available again. Thanks to all involved who have been keeping us transported.

VRE Response
Thanks for the comments and the support Dave.  We will share with the onboard train crews and other front-line staff.  Glad we were able to get 322 back in the mix for you.

Davin from Woodbridge, VA asks
CSX Freight trains are the most frequent cause of delays for VRE trains, so why doesn't the dispatcher hold the CSX train and let VRE go ahead of it

VRE Response
The dispatchers do their best to coordinate train traffic to keep the entire network moving.  Occasionally a freight train or long distance Amtrak train gets to our territory out of their scheduled slot and the dispatcher needs to make adjustments.  If the freight train, for example, has a crew which is approaching their working hour limits, the dispatcher may have to prioritize that train so it can get to a location to re-crew without having to stop the train in the middle of the territory and block the main line.  There are many reasons why different trains get prioritized, and this is part of the discussion we have each morning with the railroads so we can minimize the impact to VRE trains.

Davin from Woodbridge, VA asks
Why does the VRE Mobile ask to activate the ticket every time I open it? Shouldn't the 31 days ticket need to be activated only once, the first time

VRE Response
The 31-Day pass should remain activated for the entire 31 days.  We'll check with the developer.

Davin from Woodbridge, VA asks
The VRE Mobile app still shows the S Plus Schedule, so you need to update it. Also, when will you add new features? There is an app called Transit that shows the trains on a map in real time which MTA uses. VRE trains are also displayed on it. I would be nice to have this built into the VRE mobile app

VRE Response
American Eagle is working on the schedule fix as we speak.

We are still looking for the best way to show not just train locations on the map, but real-time arrival information at each station which can take into account delays or disruptions.  We'll keep looking for improvements.  In the meantime, we have provided the link to our Train Status page which uses the GPS devices on each train for location.

Thanks for the input Davin.

Keith McElfresh from Fredericksburg, VA asks
If the state has lifted the mask mandate and you are fully vaccinated, why does VRE still require masks to be worn. Enough is enough.

VRE Response
Great question Keith,

From the governor's May 28th update to Executive Order 79 -

CONTINUED GUIDANCE ON MASK WEARING A. Masks – Indoors and Outdoors All individuals in the Commonwealth aged five and older should cover their mouth and nose with a mask in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance linked here.

The link to CDC guidance provides the information below:

CDC prevention measures continue to apply to all travelers, including those who are vaccinated. All travelers are required to wear a mask on all planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

The requirement to wear masks on public transportation remains in place at the state level. At the Federal level, the TSA has a mask requirement for travelers and we are required to follow all of these requirements in order to operate. We will let everyone know when we can adjust our requirements.

Matthew from Fredericksburg, VA asks
Can the mobile app be modified to allow users to change their Smartbenefits information?

VRE Response
Matthew - please send your contact info to us at gotrains@vre.org.  Chris will reach out to get more details on your specific request.  In general, SmartBenefits are managed by WMATA (Metro) for local employers.  Passengers have to allocate their funds through the WMATA system to get the funds to VRE.  This part we cannot change, but there are improvements in the works with WMATA which may make the use of SmartBenefits much easier.

Patrick from Haymarket Virginia asks
Why are fully vaccinated riders required to wear face coverings? When will this nonscience based policy end?

VRE Response
There are Federal and State mask mandates in effect across multiple transportation modes, including passenger and commuter rail, which VRE is required to follow.  When those mandates are rescinded, face coverings onboard VRE trains will not be required. 

Mo from Woodbridge, VA asks
The trains are delayed on any given day. What are you guys doing to fix this issue? How would you convince a rider to return to VRE if there are daily alerts regarding delays?

VRE Response
Thanks for the question Mo.  VRE's reliability is very high averaging over 92% system wide for the past 17 months.  We always strive to improve.  There are challenges operating on tracks that we share with freight and Amtrak trains.  To help overcome the challenges which are completely outside our control, we hold daily debrief meetings with the host railroads (freight and Amtrak), our contracted service provider Keolis, and VRE operations and mechanical staff to discuss the prior day's service and any delays which could be eliminated moving forward by operational, mechanical, or dispatcher procedural changes.