RIDE Issue 4, 2020

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ISSUE 4, 2020   Image: Mask-wearing VRE rider practicing social distancing. RIDE is an award-winning magazine designed to provide service and community updates. In line with other VRE COVID-19 mitigation efforts, this issue of RIDE will be electronic-only.    See the process Watch our two-minute video and learn how we are ensuring the safe return of our riders. Or, read an overview of our methods below.         WATCH NOW

Message from Acting CEO Rich Dalton   Passenger safety has, since our inception, been VRE’s priority. In these unprecedented times, we are taking extraordinary precautions – going beyond industry norms – to protect the health and well-being of our riders and onboard train crews. When it is time for you to return to your place of employment, know that we are here to welcome you back in the safest and healthiest way possible. This issue of RIDE details the steps we have taken – from enhancing our cleaning protocols to installing social-distancing decals and hand-sanitizer dispensers on railcars and platforms – to protect all. We look forward to serving you now or in the near future.

1 We begin with Disinfecting.   VRE railcars are disinfected twice a day, after morning and evening service, with special attention given to frequently touched surfaces. However, overnight cleanings now use acidic electrolyzed water, a potent yet nonirritating disinfectant that kills resilient viruses and bacteria. The hypochlorous acid produced by electrolyzing the water can be 100 times more powerful than the hypochlorite ion in bleach, yet it does not irritate eyes and skin.           2 Then, we conduct crew Temperature Checks.   Our crews remain focused on safely delivering riders to their destinations. As such, crew temperature checks are performed prior to the start of each shift, and in fact, most crew members actually have their temperatures checked twice before boarding a train. Conductors are also limiting interactions with passengers, riding in the vestibules for the majority of each trip.

3 Start your day with an Online Tool.   Our Train Utilization Trends webpage details ridership levels per train so you can make informed decisions on which trains to ride.        Check Trends

4 Then, arrive to find Sanitizer Available.   Hand sanitizer is now available onboard the trains and at the stations. Plus, we’ve reduced touch points and are asking riders to use the kick button to open the vestibule doors. To further reduce touch points, riders may use the VRE Mobile app rather than ticket vending machines.                5 Finally, wait and ride with Social Distancing.   We’ve installed social distancing graphics at the station platforms to support waiting at a safe distance. Onboard, we've marked off every other row and all aisle seats as unavailable. Floor decals on the trains also allow for riders to space out while waiting to deboard.