June

• Max from Fredericksburg, va asks
  What's your favorite part about working at a transit agency? What's the most challenging part? Thanks!

  VRE Response
  Max, great questions.  We just polled the group here and the general consensus is we love working at VRE because Trains Are Cool and we enjoy meeting the many different riders.  For us, everyday is a challenge because no two days are alike, that's what makes it exciting.

• Alice from Burke, VA asks
  When will you be adding trains between 328 and 330, and 327 and 329? There is a long gap between trains on the Manassas line and it is stressful if you miss your train, especially in the morning!

  VRE Response
  It is in our plans to fill those gaps when we can add service, but no estimate on when that might happen.

   

• Tina from Woodbridge, VA asks
  Hello. I appreciate being able to use VRE. Though I have not used the bathrooms on VRE, are they equipped with air freshener (spray)? Who do you contact if an elevator is not working? Thanks.

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the questions Tina.  We're glad you like the service. No air freshener in the bathrooms. If you experience an issue with the elevator, you can let a conductor know, or give us a call at 703-684-1001 and we'll make the proper notifications to get the issue resolved.

   

• Jenni from Fairfax, VA asks
  I used the lost and found report page yesterday to report an item I lost on the train yesterday morning. I know it is too soon to get a response about this item; however, several months ago I also reported a lost item and was never contacted by anyone. Luckily, a fellow passenger found my previous item and gave it to a conductor for safekeeping. The web form says people will be contacted 48 hours/2 business days after a report. If this is not a reasonable timeline for staff, I definitely understand, but the site should be updated to accurately manage expectations. Thank you!

  VRE Response
  Hi Jenni, we do our best to match people up with items turned in to lost and found based on the information submitted on forms.  If we believe there is a match, we will contact the person.  If the item reported does not appear to come in, we do not call.  Your best bet is to give us a call about 48 hours after the submission to check on the item.

   

• Marc from Brooke asks
  Any update on painting the stop lines at Brooke Station?

  VRE Response
  Thanks for checking back on this Marc.  The Facilities crew is currently scheduling and working sealcoating and striping at Rippon and Woodbridge.  We'll make sure Brooke is on the list.

   

• David from Manassas VA asks
  The events of 22 May illustrate that Amtraak & VRE are not true partners. Standing on the Crystal City platform we watched as Amtrak trains blew by on thier normal schedules, yet VRE was reduced to just 2-3 trains for the entire evening? All because of one disabled train? A true partner would have allowed more trains to get thru. That and the consistent announcement that Trains are delayed due to Track Congestion at Union Station. It's getting old real quick. Any relief in sight?

  VRE Response
  Thank you for the comments David.  That Monday afternoon was a challenge for everyone. We have had subsequent meetings with Amtrak and CSX to discuss how things were handled and how we can improve the handling of any similar occurrences in the future.  Everyone has recognized the fact that VRE riders were very much inconvenienced, but since the issue occurred prior to starting our afternoon service, the focus was on getting trains with passengers already stranded on the railroad moving again.  This meant trying to get the VRE trains weaved in to an already limited infrastructure.

  On the bigger picture of trains being delayed due to congestion at Union Station, the project to add Track 22 back into service is well underway and will be completed by this fall.  This project will add capacity to the terminal which will help with the congestion issues.

   

• Pam from Fredericksburg asks
  Good Day! First thank you to those Conductors who actually enforce the "No Feet on Seat" policy. I have two questions: First: What is the policy regarding the placement of scooters on the train. I ask this because more often than not, scooters are propped up on the seats leaving grease and dirt marks which inevitably end up on MY clothes. So what's the placement policy? Also what's the policy regarding bikes. They have now taken up space in the que line for people getting off the train. Are there particular trains or cars that bikes can be safely placed? I understand the need for bikes and scooters, but their placement needs to be addressed and enforced. So, what are the answer(s)? Thank you!

  VRE Response
  Hi Pam, all great questions. Bicycles and scooters may be taken on any train, any car but  should not occupy a seat. They should be properly secured and stored where the flip-up seats are located in the south end of the car (the north end has priority seating next to the restroom and can't be used for bike/scooter storage).  If the bike or scooter is collapsible, it can be kept at the passenger's seat or under the luggage rack.  The conductors can help manage the process by directing bikes or scooters to a different car if the seats are taken by other individuals needing the accommodation of the flip-up seats. Bikes and scooters should wait until other passengers board or detrain to help ensure little impact on the process.  Lastly, bikes and scooters should not be ridden on the platforms or entrance ramps to the platforms for everyone's safety.

   

• Alexandra wiredu from Woodbridge VA asks
  Free Friday Rides, can some discount be applied to riders who purchase tickets for: Monthly, Bi-weekly & Weekly? Thanks much.

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the question Alexandra, as mentioned in an earlier response, the monthly ticket is already deeply discounted.  10 ride tickets are not an issue because you can use those anytime.  The only challenge may be for the few who utilize a 7-day pass, but this should only occur once, because for the remainder of the summer they can choose another option.  7-day pass users who were shorted a day last week may contact us individually at 703-684-1001 and we will work with them.

   

   

• Joe from Broad Run asks
  I notice almost every trip where tickets are checked (which is not always) that conductors are allowing mobile ticket users to validate their tickets in front of them on the moving train. I have no problem with this but I know it's not the stated policy and I want to be clear that I expect the same courtesy if I ever forget to validate before getting on the train. Occurring on the Manassas line across multiple trains but I frequently saw it happen on the Fredericksburg line too when I used to ride it.

  VRE Response
  Fair point Joe.  Passengers are required to have properly validated tickets prior to boarding.  This applies to both paper and VRE Mobile tickets.  Mobile users who purchase and/or validate only when the conductor is checking tickets are not abiding by the law and should be handled the same way as a paper ticket holder.  We'll share your comments with the crews and brief them on properly handling these situations.

   

   

• C from Fredericksburg, VA asks
  I am a long time rider of VRE and overall love the service provided and appreciate the professionalism of the conductors. This is the first time I've felt the need to complain. Concerning the Fredericksburg 304 train. I have experienced and observed very different treatment of two customers who did not have a validated ticket as a result of an honest mistake. One rider was disparaged and issued a summons (myself), while on a separate occasion I observed the same conductor offering only a friendly warning to another rider. This is not just poor customer service, but discriminatory behavior that should not be tolerated.

  VRE Response
  The conductors are asked to be consistent in the application of the rules.  As a subsidized operation, we make every effort to protect revenue, and this occasionally means writing a summons for passengers without properly validated tickets, or who are riding out of zone.  In all circumstances, the conductor should remain polite, professional and treat each passenger with respect.  If that was not how you were treated, please drop us a note at gotrains@vre.org and put Online Forum in the subject line.  We'll have someone follow-up with you individually.

• Jeremiah from Franconia, Virginia asks
  Arrival Track Announcements are often late at Franconia-Springfield station, requiring a hurried trek from the regular platform up-and-down three stair flights to the alternate platform (Track 3). These changes should be announced well in advance of train arrival--before the train arrives at the previous station--Lorton.

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the comments Jeremiah.  Our Comm Room staff make every effort to notify passengers at Franconia Springfield if the train will be arriving on Track 3.  The CSX dispatchers will try to keep our trains on Track 2, but occasionally, something occurring further north may necessitate a move to Track 3.  When this occurs, we do not usually see the change in routing until after the train departs Lorton and is switched to 3 at Ravensworth.  When this occurs, we notify the crew to be cognizant of passengers crossing from the platform on 2 to make sure we do not leave anyone.

   

• Vince from STAFFORD VA asks
  Is there an estimated time period when Amtrak and VRE plan implementing the Step-Up Program at no cost to VRE riders?

  VRE Response
  We are working with Amtrak because of new requirements to have step-up riders on the Amtrak train's manifest. Once complete, the step-up will be available on the VRE Mobile app.  The step-up ticket will still have a cost to the passenger, but the price has not yet been determined. Reports of the step-up returning at no cost to riders were not accurate.

   

• Gary from Stafford Virginia asks
  First, I am grateful for the VRE! It is very effectively an efficiently managed. Everyone I have encountered who works for the VRE are always professional and courteous. I take the very first train into DC in the morning (300). When the train stops at the Arlington Station in the morning, it will delay it's departure for approximately 5 minutes. Would it be possible for the train to leave right away after the passengers debark at Alexandria? I notice some passengers having to run to make it to other forms of public transportation when the train arrives at the LeEnfant Plaza Station. An earlier departure from Alexandria may mitigate this from occurring. I'm also sure others would appreciate being able to arrive at their respective places of employment a few minutes earlier. Regardless, I truly feel blessed to have this form of transportation available. Best, Gary

  VRE Response
  Hi Gary, thank you for the nice comments.  We recognize the extra time in 300's schedule causes the train to wait at the Alexandria station until it's scheduled departure time.  In the past, Alexandria was designated as an "L" station meaning it is primarily a destination station.  The "L" designation enabled the train to depart as soon as station work was complete, even if that meant departing early.  Since the scheduled Metro shutdowns over the past couple of years, Alexandria has become an origination station for quite a few riders.  This means people are planning trips via bus or other means to the station to catch 300, so we have removed the "L" designation.  With that in mind, we will look to adjust the schedule to properly reflect the travel time and eliminate the excess dwell.  Not sure at this time when we can make the adjustment, but we'll keep you posted.

   

• Robin from Stafford asks
  You all have got to get those cupolas closed off. They're filled with birds who make a major mess of the main entrance floors of almost every station. I've seen this complained about for decades.

  VRE Response
  Thanks for the comment Robin.  We checked with our Facilities Manager on the status of addressing this issue.  We are evaluating quotes we recently received for new netting systems. We plan to have netting installed at Rolling Road first, then move on to other stations once we know we are satisfied with the chosen system. Until then, we will step up our cleaning effort. We looked into systems other than netting, but netting appears to be the most effective and widely used system to deal with the types of birds at our stations. If properly maintained, netting should solve the problem. 

   

• Sam from Manassas Park, Va asks
  Good morning- I'm sorry to add to the conductor's' announcement Ms, but could they please remind the bicycle & scooter riders to NOT RIDE their bikes/scooters down the ramps when pedestrians are walking down? It's happened several mornings at L'Enfant in the past several weeks & almost daily each evening at Manassas Park. Obviously wheeling your bike/scooter down the ramp is fine, but riding them poses a danger to walkers. Thanks!

  VRE Response
  Great point Sam, besides posting the comment here, we'll ask conductors to add this message to their announcements.

   

• John from Fredericksburg Virginia asks
  With free Friday rides, why isn't there a discount for your regular monthly pass riders?

  VRE Response
  The monthly paper ticket and the 31-day mobile ticket are already discounted by 33%.  It is still the best deal if you commute 10 days per month, it is also why the monthly paper ticket is not sold after the 9th of the month.

   

• Evette from CHESTERFIELD. VA asks
  are more stops south of Spotsylvania being considered in less than 5 years. Im a super commuter with limited transportation options to NOVA

  VRE Response
  Sorry Evette, nothing planned right now to go south of Spotsylvania.

   

   

Welcome to the VRE Online Forum for June. It was great to see many of you in Manassas on Saturday where we operated excursion trains for the annual Railway Festival.  It was a great event and the weather couldn’t have been better.  If you’ve never been to the festival, mark your calendar for next year, the first Saturday in June.

 We have a crowd here to answer your questions, including representatives from VRE, Keolis, Amtrak, and CSX.  We have pre-answered the questions submitted earlier and will do our best to keep up with those coming in during the hour. 

Let’s get to the questions!