February

• Luke from Spotsylvania VA asks
  Are there any plans to bring back the Amtrack Step-up program? It was nice having the flexibility.

  VRE Response
  We will be bringing the step-up program back.  We are currently working with Amtrak but do not have a definite date.  Stay tuned.

• Theo from Stafford, VA asks
  As you enter the Leeland Station parking lot, there's a cusp of trees. On tree in particular has started to gradually lean into the entrance. Can the tree be staked and pulled in the opposite direction or trimmed? Thank you

  VRE Response
  Thanks Leo, we'll have someone look at it.

• Walter from Manassas, VA asks
  I wanted to compliment your customer service staff the other day. They worked with me to figure out why my transit benefits were not working properly. They are a credit to the company.

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the feedback Walter.  We'll share your comments with the staff.  Glad they got it figured out for you.

• Ben from Fredericksburg, VA asks
  There is a light pole at the south-east corner of Frederick and Charles Street that has been out for years. Can this get fixed for those of us walking to the station at 4:45 from the G lot? The light is mounted to a pole with the following identification: "C&PVA" and "88A".

  VRE Response
  We've forwarded your question to our Facilities Manager to investigate and work with the City to have it taken care of.

• steven from Woodbridge VA asks
  Why does Train 300 stop and wait for passengers for 5 minutes at Alexandria when a Manassas line train is only 10 minutes away?

  VRE Response
  Sometimes 300 gets ahead of schedule since it is the first train on the railroad.  We do have some passengers now who plan their commute from Alexandria and utilize connecting transit services to arrive at Alexandria in time to catch 300.  If the next arriving train is close enough, we'll let 300 depart early, but for the most part, they need to wait until their scheduled departure time.

• Mike from Burke, VA asks
  Just wanted to say SmartBenefits is working smoothly again. After all the hassle a few months back, wanted to say thanks for getting that problem fixed.

  VRE Response
  Thanks Mike, we're glad it all got worked out.  Thank you for your patience.

   

• Kimberly from Bristow, VA asks
  I have a question about the Manassas southbound train 327. Why does it always have to stop just north of Manassas to let northbound 338 pass? There doesn't seem to be a lot of passengers on train 338. Can train 338 depart a few minutes later to let 327 finish it's route to Manassas and Broad Run without any additional stops?

  VRE Response
  327 actually turns at Broad Run to operate back north as 338.  There are some challenges with 327 meeting northbound 336 around Burke Centre, or southbound 329 being held for 338 to depart Broad Run.  In both circumstances, we have been working with the Norfolk Southern dispatchers to sequence those meets so trains are not being held as much.  We will continue to look for ways to eliminate those delays.

• Mel from Burke asks
  In addition to the very long grass at Alexandria station that got mowed maybe once last summer, a qhile back several large, rusty hinge looking objects appeared in the the grass close to the southernmost shelter just off the concrete sidewalk/platform. They aren't one the concrete itself but just barely into the grass. Especially if they were to get covered by say a light snow, they could easily become a unnecessary tripping hazard and really look like they should have been picked up by whatever work was done that led to them being left behind.

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the comment Mel.  Different areas of the Alexandria station are maintained by VRE, Amtrak, and the City of Alexandria.  We'll ask our Facilities Manager to get with both other entities to make sure all areas are addressed as necessary.

• Mahendra from Fredericksburg, VA asks
  I have many ten trips that have expired due to Covid-19. I have been working from home for the last two and half years. Can I get them replaced?

  VRE Response
  Please give us a call at 703-684-1001 and we'll have someone work with you.

• Marc from Quantico asks
  I see VRE still has WiFi at the Quantico station but it takes a password, can you please provide the password?

  VRE Response
  The vendor provided free public WiFi in the building, but that service ended when they left. VRE does not have publicly available WiFi in the building.

• Dan from Manassas Park asks
  There are some parking lot lights out in the Manassas Park parking lot.

  VRE Response
  Thanks Dan, we'll have our Facilities contractors check it out.

• Kenneth from Spotsylvania, VA asks
  What are the plans, if any, for VRE to offer some weekend service, even if on a limited basis, into and out of DC and Northern Virginia, to accommodate families who want to visit attractions without having to drive?

  VRE Response
  We do have plans to offer limited weekend service as part of the Transforming Rail in Virginia program of projects.  The specific timeline to implement the service has not been finalized.

   

• Juan from Dumfries, VA asks
  What is the status of the VRE station that is supposed to be coming to Potomac Shores?

  VRE Response
  The Developer should be breaking ground on the parking garage soon, with the station construction starting later this year or early next year. More updates on the station construction should be available later this calendar year.  

Good afternoon and welcome to February’s edition of the online forum.  It has been a mild winter so far and we’re hoping Phil doesn’t see his shadow tomorrow, because we’re ready for spring.

Joining us in the studio here at VRE HQ are representatives from Keolis, Amtrak, CSX, and an assortment of VRE staff to help answer your questions.

Let’s get to the questions!