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“I’m 84”: Rider Urges VRE to Bring Back Human Touch as Station Gets Facelift

The Woodbridge VRE station [Photo: VRE]
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board has authorized a comprehensive painting and surface restoration project for the Woodbridge Station, aiming to enhance both the facility’s longevity and the passenger experience.

The project, assigned to Fresh Air Cleaning LLC, encompasses extensive preparation work, including sandblasting and sealing, before repainting. This initiative is part of VRE’s ongoing life-cycle maintenance strategy to uphold and improve its facilities.

During the public comment segment of the March 2025 board meeting, Prince William County resident Alfred Williams, 84, highlighted the challenges senior passengers face when purchasing tickets at the station.

“I had to go to Washington, D.C., and there was no way to buy a senior ticket at the machine,” Williams stated. “They charged me full price, and I had to call in to get a refund. There used to be a vendor at the station, someone I could talk to, but not anymore.”

Williams advocated for reinstating an in-person ticket agent or vendor between Woodbridge and Alexandria to assist senior riders and others struggling with electronic kiosks.

Board members and staff acknowledged his concerns and encouraged him to contact VRE’s planning team directly for further assistance.

The Woodbridge Station repainting is scheduled to commence in the coming months. VRE officials hope that the refreshed station will provide a more welcoming environment for all passengers.

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