November

• ML from Manassas asks
  Ever since you switch the times there are constant afternoon delays leaving Union station on the Manassas Line, will you consider going back to the old schedule?

  VRE Response
  We won't be going back to the old schedule ML. We are working with Amtrak and the other host railroads to work through a few of the issues we've seen with the schedule to help get the kinks worked out.

• Bobby from Manassas, VA asks
  Any chance in bringing back the old 3:45PM departure slot from Union Station on the Manassas line?

  VRE Response
  Nothing planned currently for that slot Bobby. The current trains at 3:20 pm and 4:10 pm are the closest we will have to 3:45 pm.  

• Luis from Manassas, VA asks
  Since the schedule change took place on October 18th there have been numerous delays, almost on a daily basis. Especially on the 329 train when traveling between Manassas Park to Manassas which seemingly always has to take a 10+ minute delay to allow other trains to pass by. Is this just growing pains communicating between one another with the new schedule? Or is this now routine congestion on the train tracks?

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the question Luis. While there is a learning curve for everyone involved when a new schedule is implemented, the issues which have faced Train 329 are not necessarily related.  We do track all delays to see if there are unintended conflicts as a result of the schedule. Since beginning the new schedule 329 has been delayed 4 times: On 10/20, the train was held for northbound traffic (Amtrak 50), on 10/22 there were trespassers on the tracks requiring slower speed, on 10/27 there was congestion in Washington Union Station, then on 10/28 we originated 329 from the L'Enfant storage track because of other issues creating congestion.

• Davin from Woodbridge asks
  Train #307 was a 8 car train, so why has been reduced to a 6 car train? Due to the Delta Variant, not everyone has returned to the office as originally thought, so ridership has not increased much

  VRE Response
  All of our 8 car and 7 car trains have been reduced to 6 cars for now. This will allow us to add cars back on the specific sets where they are needed as ridership improves.

• Mera from Manassas, VA asks
  I don't have a question but comment about an experience I had recently. I catch the Southbound Manassas train from L'Enfant Plaza and on the first day of the schedule change, I struggled to get to make it to the platform to catch the train that was scheduled to leave at 3:28 so much so I had to run and jump on the train without validating my ticket. I immediately walked forward through a number of cars until I located a conductor to explain my situation and told him I would get off at Crystal City and validate if there was enough time. The conductor understood my dilemma and told me I could validate at my stop which was Manassas Park. When the other conductor came through to check tickets, before I could explain she immediately asked for my license. When I finally explained that I had already discussed with another conductor and instructed to validate my ticket once I got off, this conductor seemed to be upset. She indicated that there were 2 conductors on the train and I guess because of where I was sitting I should have sought her out rather than walking all the way to the other end. How would I know to do that? to me, her tone of voice, her body language, her mannerisms all seemed like she was angry because she could not write me a ticket because the other conductor had resolved my issue. For now, unless I have an appointment to be somewhere by 5:30, I wait and catch the next train at 4:18 so I don't have to be bothered with someone like that conductor. By the way, on the day of this incident, I did validate my ticket once I arrived at the Manassas Park platform. I've been riding the VRE since 2012 paid for every ride....I am not a thief and do not try to ride free.

  VRE Response
  Thank you for sharing your experience Mera. We will follow-up with the crew.  

  We are glad the first crew member was able to assist and resolve the issue for you. While we require everyone to have a validated ticket (or talk to a conductor) prior to boarding, since this was a new schedule for everyone it is good the conductor made an exception for you. 

  We apologize for the bad experience.

• Matthew from Fredericksburg, VA asks
  How is on-time performance been tracking with the new schedules? It seems to me that 309 and 311 have both been running late more often than not since the changes, as have some of the morning trains as they get closer to DC.

  VRE Response
  Good question Matt. For the most part, the schedules seem to be working well. We have seen a few challenges when Amtrak or freight trains are running out of slot (delayed), and there has been a bit of a learning curve for the dispatchers adjusting to the new rail traffic patterns. We are scheduled to meet next week with the railroads to discuss the early performance and look for ways to address any challenges either operationally or through other methods. This was really the first time we were able to develop a schedule with all parties at the table at the same time, so everyone has a vested interest in making sure the schedule works for all rail passengers and promotes the fluidity and reliability of the network.

  Thanks for asking.

• A Rider from Northern Stations asks
  I know a lot of announcements (used to be made) about not queuing in the aisles before station stops - back when crowds were more of a worry. But can there be more of an awareness campaign made/enforcement on the northern stations asking the people on the platforms to wait to make sure no one is getting off before rushing the doors? I ride Union to Crystal City so am one of the rare people to deboard in the afternoon, and often have to fight my way off/deal with dirty looks for impeding their progress. (And I'm often waiting right at the door when we arrive!) Courtesy on all sides would be appreciated.

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the comment. We have adjusted our automated announcements played at the platform to state "Please stand behind the yellow line and allow passengers to detrain before boarding". We will also ask the conductors to help manage the issue.

• Sean from Spotsylvania asks
  A lot of work has been done on 22 Track in Washington. What is the timeline for the project to be completed, and what will its completion mean for VRE Passengers?

  VRE Response
  Great question Sean. VRE has been working with Amtrak on the Track 22 project because it will provide additional capacity and flexibility in Union Station's lower level.  Yesterday's service was a perfect example of why this is important. Fredericksburg Line train 303 was delayed departing Union Station because of congestion in the terminal. Every available track was occupied by an Amtrak train, so we had to wait for a space on the platform to clear. Delaying train 303 out of Union Station also delayed Manassas Line 327 moving from the storage track by the L'Enfant station up into Union Station for it's scheduled departure.

• Marc from Fredericksburg asks
  How long is the mask mandate going to last?

  VRE Response
  The current requirement is set to expire on January 18, 2022. Please see the TSA press release here.

Good afternoon and welcome to the November 2021 episode of the Online Forum. The whole gang is here from VRE, Keolis, Amtrak and CSX ready to answer your questions and address your comments. There are not too many questions in the queue yet. Remember, you can submit questions as early as 6:00 pm the day before the Forum and if you can’t be here live, check the archive of the action at vre.org.

It was great seeing everyone out at Clifton Day this year. Hopefully it was just the first step of getting things back to normal.

Let’s get on to the questions!