Let's Talk!
The next VRE online forum will start on Wednesday, June
5th at 12:00pm.
There are currently 26 questions waiting to be answered.
VRE Management:
Welcome! We hope everyone had an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Joining us today in the studio is Brian Barton, Trainmaster Passenger Operations for CSX. He will be happy to take any and all of your railroad specific questions.
Larry from Fredericksburg asks:
Kudos to the 303 conductor for working to enforce the "no queing" policy. Why can't other trains do the same? Trains 300 and 302 are notorious for blocking the aisles with early standing.VRE Management:
We are actively working with our conductors to get uniform enforcement among all the trains.
Doug from Burke, VA asks:
Can anything be done about the lights in the Burke Center parking garage? When I arrive for the first train, the garage is so dimly lit that I can barely see the lines on the concrete, and walking through the garage seems unsafe. It's odd to keep so many lights off when it's dark out, and the garage is being used.
Contrast that with the afternoon, when bright sunlight flows into the garage. Then all of the lights are on.
Can you help make Fairfax County understand that lights are needed most in darkness, and less in daylight?VRE Management:
We will forward this issue to Fairfax County.
Big D from Woodbridge, Va asks:
I have seen two more close calls with people leaving the Woodbridge Station and crossing over Rt. 1 to Occoquan Rd. Many people are still using the right lane to cross which is illegal until after 5pm. Can you please contact the PW County Police to monitor this intersection before there is an accident?VRE Management:
Our Manager of Safety and Security will ask Prince William PD to monitor it.
Doug from Broad Run asks:
Traffic at Broad Run is a complete nightmare. Cars routinely speed down all traffic lanes, drive the wrong way on directionally controlled lanes, ignore stop signs, and do not yield to pedestrians walking in the parking lot.
Once cars driving out the main entrance reach Piper Lane, we take our lives in our hands making a right turn to head to Rte 28, since the overgrowth of vegetation to the left and the geography of Piper Lane prevents us from seeing to the left in order to make a safe turn. The problem is compounded by speeding cars on Piper Lane. Please try and remedy these issues.VRE Management:
We understand everyone is in a hurry but it is no excuse to break the rules and endanger people. We will ask Prince William County PD to enforce the rules.
CC from Fredericksburg asks:
I typically ride in the first car in the mornings and I've noticed that there seems to be a flying insect problem in the northern most part of the car. Naturally, they tend to gather around the above window lighting. The conductors are aware and have even warned passengers about sitting too close to the windows. Has anything been done to try and exterminate the insects?VRE Management:
We regularly fumigate the cars for bugs. Unfortunately, our trains travel through heavily wooded areas and bugs always seem to find their way in.
Richard from Fredericksburg asks:
apotsylvania county is thinking about changing or canceling the FRED VRE Feeder buses. I would hope VRE understands what a nightmare that would cause. Parking is already over capacity and by canceling the feeder would bring that many more cars into Fredericksburg. Does VRE have any say in that?VRE Management:
We can definitely offer our input to FRED.
Dave from WB asks:
Any chance you all will be able to add an additional car to the 300 Express?VRE Management:
Not in the near future. Chris Henry rides that train and can normally find seats in the front of the train. Passengers tend to ride in the same car, regardless of whether they can find a seat or not. Approach a conductor and ask where available seating is; that is true for any train.
Mary from Burke asks:
I'm going to try one more time about the freezing temperatures on VRE. In last month's forum it was stated that complaints about temperatures are down. I believe it is because passengers have collectively given up on bringing it to VRE's attention. Conductors tell you they have no control over it, responders to emails ask you to identify the car (Every. Single. One.), and in the end nothing changes. Every single one of the newer cars is freezing. Yes, it's worse on the upper deck and in the back of the cars, but even in the front of the cars it is too cold for someone dressed for summertime.VRE Management:
We understand your frustration, Mary. We made three modifications since the cars were put into service to address the concerns of it being too cold. As you can see it is difficult to find a balance, but we’ll keep trying.
John Smith from Manassas, VA asks:
could you make it mandatory for all train raiders to remain seated(especially broad run passengers) Not to queue by the doors blocking manassas passengers exiting the train. Broad Run passengers should remain seated(clear the aisle) until the train started moving.VRE Management:
We are working with our conductors to get queuing under control on all trains.
William from Manassas asks:
When wi-fi is eventually implemented, how will it handle hundreds of people sharing the same cell signal?VRE Management:
When the time comes, we have full confidence that our IT team will be able to implement a system where there will be sufficient network speeds for everyone.
Pete from Rippon, VA asks:
Recently MTA announced that MARC would add weekend service thanks to new a law that adds funding from gas tax. Could VRE look into adding weekend service?VRE Management:
No, there are no current plans to add additional weekend service.
Thomas from Stafford VA asks:
At Brooke, are there plans to provide an exit (no parking area) just in front of the stairs that lead from the new parking lot to the upper original parking lot? Currently cars back into the slots just in front the top of the stairs making it difficult to enter the upper parking lot from the steps. When there's snow or you have luggage, forget it..VRE Management:
No, there are no current plans. We continue to look at this as an opportunity in the future.
Dan from Lorton, VA asks:
Can you ask the Fairfax Connector to stop (temporarily) parking their buses at the south end of the Lorton VRE parking lot? This has become quite common over years after the lot was extended. There are fewer parking spaces now because of the growing ridership. Therefore, there are fewer parking spots to park in the morning.VRE Management:
We will take a look at it and forward the issue along to Fairfax County.
Matt from Lorton, VA asks:
Is VRE cutting back on it's VRE/Commuter Update newsletter to save money?VRE Management:
The RIDE magazine comes out once a month. If you have any topics that you would like us to include, we are open to ideas.
Gary from Alexandria VA asks:
Hi Rich - There is a person begging for money at the L'enfant station, 6th street side, in the afternoon that is beginning to be of concern. In the past you've given us instructions on how to report this and I can't find them. Could you please remind us how to report/handle this. Also, National Train day at Union Station was outstanding Thanks!VRE Management:
Hi Gary. Metro PD is interested in keeping you safe as we are. If you have any concerns around the L'Enfant Plaza area that are not emergencies, call them at 202-265-9100 or 911 in an emergency. Glad you enjoyed National Train Day.
Joanne from Fredericksburg, VA asks:
I'd like to request that the conductors always place a step at all train doors that open, or better yet, install an automatic step that comes out when the doors are opened.VRE Management:
Putting a step box at every open door would require longer dwell times, which would make our trains late. However, approach a conductor and ask them which door they will be working at your station and ask them to place a step box for you.
Larry from Fredericksburg asks:
What about a progress report on the Spotsylvania station? Ground broken, etc.VRE Management:
We are set to break ground in a month. Overall we are still on target to open December 2013.
Burg Resident from Frederickburg, VA asks:
What are you going to do about the crime that is occuring in the Fredericksburg VRE lots? I wonder if the Parking garage were closer to the station that would change things but since its is several blocks away and hidden there is not a lot of visibility on this.VRE Management:
We are supporting the Fredericksburg PD in their efforts to resolve this situation.
LEnfant from Manassas asks:
Thank you for fixing the bird droppings issue at the LEnfant station.. What a great idea to get those holes filled.. VRE Management:
Thank you for your comment.
Eva from Lorton, VA asks:
Will VRE consider adding another set of cars to the 309 train on Mondays? The current set-up for Tuesday through Thursday has greatly helped the over crowding, and Friday seems OK with the smaller set; however, Monday there is often standing room only when the train leave Crystal City.VRE Management:
Our plan is to add a seventh car to the six car set so that 307 and 309 both have additional capacity. We will keep you posted on when we can implement that change.
Patrick from Woodbridge, VA asks:
The commuter train that derailed up north last month had a speed limit of 70 MPH. Why are CSX speed limit in Virginia slower? I hear the Maryland is even faster than VirginaiVRE Management:
The speed limit for VRE on CSX in Virginia is 70 mph.
327 L'Enfant Chick from NoVa asks:
Please explain why you can't stagger the stopping points for 303 and 327? It's becoming brutal amongst people waiting to line up to board 327, what with jostling for position on the platform as the 303 folks board. Elbows are flying, tempers are flaring. Would it be so hard to just have 303 pull 15 feet further down the tracks?VRE Management:
We will give Keolis specific instructions to re-spot the trains to alleviate this issue.
Karen from Fredericksburg, VA asks:
The bridge just south of Rippon causes the train to sway quite a bit to say the least. This is quite disturbing to me -- should I be concerned?VRE Management:
You should not be concerned.
Jadamsz from Burke Centre asks:
With an emphasis on trying to keep costs down -- has thought been given to banning eating on VRE to reduce cleaning costs? Especially on the evening trains, folks are eating whole meals now, and leaving behind trash and other waste.VRE Management:
We still need to clean the cars so banning food on the trains would not save money. Look for an upcoming passenger information campaign to remind riders about policies and courtesy issues, like cleaning up.
Conductor Ellen from Manassas Line asks:
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank the riders for the compliments they send in for our crew members and to let them know that they do not go unnoticed and are very much appreicated.
Thanks again.VRE Management:
Thanks, Ellen!
Ricky J from Burke 22015 asks:
Thanks for the added kiss & ride spots.
I have noticed though them being used as parking spots, any enforcement?
Also, cars are parking in the turning lane on Premier in the afternoon, it obstructs the view drivers trying to make a right turn to exit.Some people entering the station try to squeeze into the turning lane others try to turn from the center lane. Any enforcement of the no parking in the turn lane?
VRE Management:
Fairfax County PD is supposed to be ticketing any vehicle in those spots without a driver in them. We will ask them to take a look at the other issue as well.
from asks:
Can VRE with the City of Manassas put a platform/sidewalk from the large parking lot to Main Street. This will speed up the time for VRE rider from walking around the block to catch a train. It will also keep people from tresspassing on private property. Passengers have been given warnings from the City of Manassas Police for tresspassing. Also, this would prevent riders from walking through the street and cars waiting for the train to depart at the end of the day.VRE Management:
We'll reach out to the City of Manassas to see if there is something VRE can work with them on.
Anonymous from Fredericksburg asks:
I like the conductors on the trains I regularly take - it is comforting seeing them! How come in the last week all of them have changed? Bring the regular ones back!!! Also, and this has been KILLING me - after the train goes to Union Station - what do the conductors do? If they hang out and relax, do you have any openings?! And lastly, the conductors are so great, great job! VRE Management:
Conductors bid on jobs based on seniority, so if a senior conductor bids on a job a junior conductor has, it could start a whole job shuffle.
Glenn from Spotsylvania VA asks:
Is there a possibility of a late southbound train? At 8pm? One of the problems with VRE is you can get to work on VRE or on Amtrak with a step up ticket but you can't get home. Which takes VRE off the table as a transportation option. I bet I am not the only person who rarely uses VRE because the evening schedule just does not work for us.VRE Management:
Currently there is not enough demand to justify a later train.
John from Fred, VA asks:
In the afternoon at L'Enfant, the inbound Manassas trains stop and wait with the engine directly in front of the platform. I know that these trains are waiting for the signal to proceed into Union Station. But it certainly couldn't make much of a difference if the train stopped about 100 yds further south. This would certainly reduce the noise and diesel fumes for those waiting on the platform.
Thanks.VRE Management:
The issue is that there is a signal just south of the L’Enfant station, while it could back up a little, the train would be blocking the platform even more.
Henry from Woodbridge, VA asks:
Thank you for taking time talk with us. My name is Henry Wilson and I have ridden with VRE each day for more than 6 years. Today I left my monthly ticket at home along with a FRC. I confirmed with my wife that these items are sitting on the table by my front door. I have the receipt which I received when I purchased my June monthly ticket so I can prove that what I am saying is true. May I have your permission to present the receipt to the conductor this afternoon and ride home? I can produce my ticket for anyone who wishes to see it tomorrow.VRE Management:
Just see a conductor prior to boarding. Show him the receipt and explain the situation and there should be no issue.
VRE Management:
Welcome! We hope everyone had an enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. Joining us today in the studio is Brian Barton, Trainmaster Passenger Operations for CSX. He will be happy to take any and all of your railroad specific questions.
Derek from Manassas Park asks:
I've noticed people standing in the trees (by a table, no less) on the Manassas line between the Accotink dam and Rolling Road. Considering all the concerns about security and safety (tresspassing?), I expected someone to have an explanation, but when I mentioned it to the Conductor it was clearly news to them. Do we have train watchers or someone waiting to hop a freight?
VRE Management:
We will let our Manager of Safety and Security as well as NS police know about it. If it is the area where we think it is, then it is private property and the people are allowed to be there.
Ken from Burke Centre asks:
I couldn't help but notice the poles on the center line of the access road for the Burke Centre garage. What impresses me is that twice now I've seen cars cross the yellow line before the poles just to enter via the marked exit. Is Fairfax County going to get serious and put in tire rippers for the wrong way drivers, or is it prohibited under the federal grant that built the garage? I would have expected a motor officer passing out tickets, but then, I didn't expect to see people bypass those poles!VRE Management:
We will pass this along to Fairfax County.
Miguel from Spotsylito asks:
This is kind of trivial, but you have an announcement that sounds like it was computer generated. It's for the quiet car and urges riders therein to turn off "all available electronic devices." Beyond the irony of an announcement being broadcast in the quiet car, breaking the silence and annoying everyone, it's just wrong. I'm sure the computer meant "audible" not "available." Every time I hear it I grit my teeth. Can you fix it?VRE Management:
It is a Quiet Car, not a silent car. As for the automated announcement, we will look at it next time we update the system.
David from Manassas, VA asks:
Has dead cicada bug juice been causing any issues with the locomotives being able to get traction?VRE Management:
With our extensive experience with leaf oil, we are well prepared in case this becomes a long term dilemma. What we aren't prepared for is the nauseating continuous noise.
Cici from Woodbridge, VA asks:
Can a no-smoking policy be implemented and enforced on the train platforms?VRE Management:
The jurisdictions are going to revisit the smoking policy so we can find a solution that is amicable to smokers and non-smokers.
Aaron from Woodbridge, VA asks:
Is there any way to keep the answers to questions up after the session closes?VRE Management:
All On-Line Forums can be found at our archive page at http://vre.org/feedback/forums/archives.htm.
Rick from Stafford asks:
This is more Amtrak related than VRE - but since Amtrak 86 has been quite popular with VRE riders especially since the step ups decreased in price - I've noticed that mostly VRE riders are hogging seats and aren't being good little boys and girls in sharing any way to get Amtrak to get these folks to allow other people to sit and that they should put their stuff where it belongs... unless of course they bought 2 tickets.VRE Management:
A courtesy reminder for Step-Up users.
Betty B from Burke, VA asks:
Can you clip back the bushes lining the sidewalk at Rolling Road station please. So many people are walking in traffic because the bushes are way overgrown and folks back into parking spaces too far leaving little room on the sidewalk. Also, because the bushes are so large (now trees!) you can't see the lights on the steps when it's dark.VRE Management:
We will have our contractors address the issue.
Bernie from Burke, VA asks:
Can a future issue of the printed newsletter include a small ticket sized article giving the phone numbers for the taxis that service the stations like you did some years ago? That was gold, but it finally wore out. I see people often trying to find a cab when they get off at the wrong stop.VRE Management:
We can pass this along to our editor and have him include this in the next issue of RIDE. We will also look at having this information readily available either through conductors and on the trains.
Paul from Fredericksburg, VA asks:
When I arrived to Virginia, I was very surprised to learn that I could not take my bicycle on many forms of public transportation, including the VRE, or was limited to times outside of the typical commuting window. Are there any plans to make the VRE more accessable for bike commuters?VRE Management:
We designed our new cars to be able to have two bicycles per car. Unfortunately, the overcrowding on our trains prevented us from allowing bicycles on every train. Our current policy of allowing bicycles on the last three trains is a compromise. Collapsible bicycles are allowed on every train.
Katie from asks:
I am new to VRE. How do we complain against a really rude conductor?VRE Management:
Send any complaints to gotrains@vre.org and we will review the issue.
Carole from Burke, VA asks:
Please consider posting more Quiet Car signs. In my experience, people who are not everyday riders do not notice the signs and if there are already conversing just talk through the loudspeaker announcement. Also would you consider designating a second quiet car on morning trains. On the morning train I take, the quiet car is usually at or over capacity. Thank you, CaroleVRE Management:
We have a new design that makes the sign more visible and now have business card size reminders to hand out as well. There are no plans to add more Quiet Cars at this time.
robert from lorton asks:
When someone is convict of violating the ticket validation process, I know they pay a fine and court costs. Does VRE also get a rail fare paid as well? It seems you guys should!VRE Management:
All fines collected go to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Indirectly, ticket enforcement makes sure that everyone pays their “fare” share.
Aaron from Woodbridge VA asks:
For the past month the train has been going slow over the Occoquan bridge just north of Woodbridge (traveling both directions)> I assume these are due to some sort of CSX restriction. Is there a concern with the safety of the bridge?
VRE Management:
No concern about the safety of the bridge and there is scheduled maintenance being done.
Kenny from Warrenton Bluffs, VA asks:
Piper Lane is a choking point as far as access to/from the VRE Broad Run Station. It's not a question of if, but when will serious accident(s) occur! Piper Lane needs to be widened and turning lanes and lights need to be installed for everyone’s safety. Not a sermon, just a simple man's observation...VRE Management:
VDOT is aware of this and have modified the traffic pattern as much as they can. We will continue to press the issue.
Aaron from Woodbridge VA asks:
Do you consider a train to not have been delayed if it gets to its final destination on time? Twice in the past month my train has been 7-10 minutes late at my stop in Woodbridge and at least 5 minutes late at my destination in Alexandria. While the train my continue to make up time and arrive on time at Union Station, it was definitely late at my destination causing me to have to wait for the next bus.
It's just frustrating to receive the daily download that claimed there were no delays when for me that was blatantly not true.VRE Management:
We define our trains to be on-time if it arrived at its final destination within five minutes of its scheduled time. Soon, we, along with our host railroads, are going to evaluate our train schedules and make necessary changes so they can more accurately reflect how they are performing.
Slim from Manassas asks:
I noticed that the 1:15 PM train leaving Union Station on the Friday before Memorial day had at least one car at the rear of the train that was blocked from being entered. Why is that? You are pulling it anyway, why not let people sit in it? If it's an air conditioning issue, let people decide if they want to sit in the non-air conditioed car.VRE Management:
That car should not have been blocked off. We will look into this. Our plan was to run a full seven car set with three conductors.
Billy from Manassas Park asks:
Does VRE have any merchandise available for purchase?VRE Management:
Call our office (703-684-1001) and ask for Ann King, our Marketing Manager. She has items available for sale.
Scott from Fredericksburg asks:
I was on the 309 train earlier this week that was delayed by over 45 minutes. We were instructed to email VRE for our free ride vouchers as they would not be giving them out on the train. First, I have emialed VRE with no response. Second, when did the policy change to stop giving vouchers on the train? I am now incovenienced not once but twice because I have to take time out of my day to email and get a voucher. The conductor on the train stated it was because the train was too full but this happens everytime there is a delay and usually they give a voucher as you get off the trainVRE Management:
Our policy is to hand out FRCs at the time of the qualifying delay. If the conductors cannot get through the train because it is too packed to hand them out, they will make an announcement to fill out a request form and send it to our office. If you sent the form in, please give us about a week to get it mailed out to you.
Kurt from Caroline, VA asks:
When will VRE have more express trains out in the morning and afternoon? It is evident that the overwhelming majority of the commuters live beyond Burke and Quantico stations.VRE Management:
We are always looking for ways to increase service. However, to be able to add more express trains, we need a continuous third track throughout our service area; something that won’t happen anytime soon. That is why we only have one express and it is first train in the morning.
Dave from Fredricksburg asks:
Do you see in the future the 300 possibly leaving Fredricksburg 10-15 minutes earlier?
Also, in the future could you see a training departing south between the current 301 and 303 times?VRE Management:
Not in the near future. However, hopefully in the long term we can expand our hours of service.
Betty from Manassas asks:
To Brian Barton, Trainmaster Passenger Operations for CSX Thank you for coming and taking the time to be with us. I am thankful for both CSX and NS for without you we could not exist. VRE Management:
Brian says - thank you for your kind words. This is a great partnership and together we strive to provide you the best service possible.
Teresa from Lorton VA asks:
Rich - what type of data is required from current riders to have a late train? If a late train was available, I would make dinner reservations and/or take advantage of the activities available in DC - I am certain that others would take advantage of the opportunity. V/rVRE Management:
We look to include this topic in future surveys so we can best assess the true demand that is out there.
Chris from Junction Falls, VA asks:
Can we outlaw feeding the birds at L'Enfant Plaza? I'm tired of having to wipe my sholders off on a weekly basis. I think I finally found the ringer who's baiting them in. He rides train 324. It's got to stop...VRE Management:
A courtesy reminder from a fellow rider. Please don't feed the birds.
Toby from Fairfax, VA asks:
Please advise Fairfax County the gutters at the Burke Centre garage regularly overflow, not just the ones for the platform. This last storm wasn't really that bad, but the splash from the gutter overflow was worse than the rain! I don't know what's going on with the top floor of the garage, but something is in those gutters waaaaay up there.VRE Management:
We will pass this along to Fairfax County. We will ask our Facilities Manager to monitor this as well.
VRE Management:
Another fun month! See you at Meet the Management at Franconia/Springfield. We'll be there along with Brian and Keolis management starting 3:30p. If we didn't answer your question, please send them into gotrains@vre.org.
Our next On-Line forum will be on July 3rd. See you then.
Rich, Chris, Brian, et al.
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