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Coronavirus Health & Safety Guidance

Operating Schedule

VRE has returned to its full-service schedule. All 32 daily trains are running. The Amtrak Step-Up program, however, remains suspended. 

Changes to COVID-19 Mitigation Protocols

VRE has relaxed capacity limits on platforms and railcars. This means social distancing is no longer required but can still be observed while ridership is low. The change is consistent with the latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and those of other state and federal agencies. Utilization rates for all VRE trains are available online.

Effective immediately, VRE passengers and crew members will no longer be required to wear a mask onboard the train.

Masks are optional and VRE will continue to support those passengers and crew members who wish to wear a mask.

We would like to thank everyone for their cooperation while the mask mandate was in effect. 

 

To protect your health and that of your fellow passengers, the CDC continues to recommend that you:

  • avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-percent alcohol.

 


Amtrak Information

Effective July 2020, Step-Up tickets used in conjunction with VRE multi-ride tickets will not be accepted on the designated Amtrak trains.

The duration of this suspension is unknown at this time. We will continue to work with Amtrak to reinstate the program once it is practical to do so.

Please note Amtrak requires all persons on Amtrak trains or inside Amtrak facilities and stations to wear a face covering


When Not Riding VRE

The CDC recommends being vigilant and taking these precautions:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. (Symptoms of the virus include: fever, cough, shortness of breath.)
  • Stay home if you feel sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Please monitor the following sites for updates: 

 

USB Tethering
USB Tethering

VRE will not have Wi-Fi available until cell phone towers are put in place all along the route so that riders have 100% connectivity. Sometimes during the ride, however, you undoubtably wish your laptop had an Internet connection. USB tethering may fit the bill.

OmniRide Launches Real-Time App
OmniRide Launches Real-Time App

OmniRide now has its own mobile app to provide passengers with real-time bus arrival information and updates.

Use the app, and ride a FREE OmniRide shuttle to catch a VRE train!

Temporary cost reduction of a single-ride Amtrak Step-Up
Step-Up Cost

For the summer of 2019, we've lowered the cost of a single-ride Amtrak Step-Up ticket from $8 to $4! Learn more on the Step-Up page, then consider VRE Mobile to purchase your multi-ride VRE tickets and Amtrak Step-Up tickets.

OmniRide Adds Free VRE Shuttles During Metro's Summer Shutdown
OmniRide's Free VRE Shuttles

OmniRide will offer FREE shuttle service connecting residents with two nearby VRE Stations during Metro’s summer shutdown. The shuttles will begin operating on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 and will continue until Metro reopens the six Blue and Yellow line stations.

FRED Transit to Start New Quantico VRE Feeder Service in May 2019
Quantico VRE Feeder

Beginning Wednesday, May 1, 2019, FREDericksburg Regional Transit (FRED) will start early morning and late afternoon feeder bus service between Aquia Towne Center, the north VDOT commuter lot on Route 610/Garrisonville Road and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station in Quantico, VA.