
Think "VRE" as you prepare next year's training calendar. VRE is committed to ensuring that our first responder partners are familiar with the most important elements of our operations so that they can perform their duties safely and effectively in the event of an emergency.
Our System Safety & Security department offers FREE training, covering:
- Properly stopping rail traffic
- Emergency features of rail equipment
- Dangers of rail equipment
- Identifying strategies to evacuate passengers
- How to preplan a response
- Working with railroad management
- How to secure rail equipment
- What hidden hazards exist

Passenger Train Emergency Response (PTER) Classroom Module
Class Description: This class is designed to provide a high-level overview of the railroad environment and the train equipment. The instructor goes into detail about the hazards of being on or about the railroad and how to work with the railroad to stay safe when responding to an emergency. This class is an excellent starting point for field personnel and management looking to facilitate discussions about emergency management preplanning.
Location(s) & Class Size: Your agency’s training or conference room or a VRE facility if available. Any time, any shift.
Class Size: Unlimited
Duration: 2-3 hours
IT Requirements: Projector Screen/Audio/AC Power
Practical Hands-On Train Equipment Familiarization*
Class Description: This class will bring your team to one of VRE’s two maintenance and storage facilities to get hands-on experience looking at railroad tracks, railcars, locomotives and their respective emergency features in a safe, controlled environment. Qualified staff will lead groups through equipment to demonstrate functions and expand upon information covered in the classroom PTER module. It is recommended (but not required) that this class be offered to personnel who have already had the classroom PTER module.
Location(s) & Class Size: Broad Run Storage Yard – Bristow, VA or Crossroads Storage Yard – Spotsylvania, VA
Class Size: 1-30 people
Duration: 2-6 Hours
Once your team completes these training sessions, VRE staff are available to organize emergency simulation events. Please feel free to share this information with colleagues or training officers in your jurisdiction to help us provide those we rely on with the tools they need to stay safe!
Scheduling is done on a first come, first served basis due to limited staff. For additional information or to schedule training dates and times, complete the form below or email System Safety & Security Administrator Charlotte Nourse at [email protected].