QUANTICO, Va. — If the woman would have taken the free ticket maybe police wouldn’t have forced her from the train.
A conductor on Virginia Railway Express train #308 from Fredericksburg to Washington on Tuesday asked a woman for her ticket, so he could validate that she paid to ride.
But the woman became angry and told the man that the ticket machines at the station where she boarded were not working and then refused to show a ticket, said VRE spokesman Mark Roeber.
She became more confrontational when the conductor pressed her on the issue, telling her she couldn’t ride without one.
Engineers and VRE officials then decided to stop the commuter train at the Quantico station about 8 a.m., and then called police to remove her, said Roeber.
While they waited for officers to arrive, a man sitting near the woman offered her one of his free ride passes he obtained earlier, but she declined, maintaining the ticket machines should have been working.
Police showed up 30 minutes later and pulled the woman from the train.
She was not charged nor identified, said a police spokesman.
“This was an unfortunate and needless delay,” said Roeber.
VRE officials don’t know where the woman got on the train. A check of ticket machines at all of the Fredericksburg line stations following the incident showed they were working properly except for one.
A machine at the Fredericksburg station had a receipt still hanging in its dispenser, rending it unusable until someone simply pulled it out.
Someone buying a ticket earlier this morning could have forgotten to take their receipt, but that’s just speculation, officials say.
“That was most likely caused by human error,” said Roeber on the machine mystery.
With the woman now off the train, it continued on to the Rippon station in Woodbridge and ultimately to Washington, though it was 30 minutes behind schedule.
It’s not clear what happened to the woman.
“She could have simply validated her ticket at the Quantico station and boarded the next train to continue on her way,” said Roeber.
Recent Stories
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is considering a zero-tax-increase budget for 2025, which has drawn community members’ support and concern. During the February 4, 2025, meeting, parents and education advocates urged the board to fund Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) fully, emphasizing the need for higher teacher salaries, facility repairs, and student resources.
Speaking during the public comment period, Shannon Fingerholtz, a parent from the Hartwood District, called on the board to take responsibility for properly funding Stafford schools.
“Our students, our teachers, our staff, our community require a quality school system,” Fingerholtz said. “Quality means decently paid staff, buildings in good repair, and adequate materials. These all require funding.”
A stunning lakefront home in Marshall, VA, is now on the market for $1,250,000. Located in the Cobbler Springs Farm Subdivision, this colonial-style home offers privacy, space, and breathtaking water views.
This home features five bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, and 3,596 square feet of living space. The main level includes a spacious primary suite, a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops and skylights, a family room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a sunroom with stone flooring. The upper level has four additional bedrooms, a loft, and three full bathrooms. The lower level offers a large recreation room with a fireplace, a workshop, and ample storage space.
Northern Virginia saw heavy snowfall, with Manassas and Stafford County reaching 9.5 inches. More wintry weather is expected tonight as another system moves in. A cold front will bring gusty winds and dropping temperatures.
Looking for a romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day? Join the Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra for their special concert, “What I Did for Love,” on February 14 at James Monroe Auditorium. Enjoy sweeping string melodies featuring famous pieces like Pachelbel’s Canon in D, Massenet’s “Thais,” and a special rendition of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue performed by pianist Thomas Pandolfi. The evening will end with Elgar’s Enigma Variations.Â
A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
