TRANSIT >> VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESSÂ
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — The man who will lead Virginia Railway Express for the next 20 years comes to the region from Austin, Texas.
Doug Allen was picked from a field of contenders to lead Virginia’s only commuter rail service. Prior to VRE, Allen was the Executive Vice President of Capital Metro where 32.4 million people boarded their buses and light rail line in 2011.
So far this year, VRE clocked its highest passenger ridership day on July 24 with nearly 21,000 passenger trips.
“The Operations Board felt that Mr. Allen’s background and his previous experience made him a perfect fit for moving VRE ahead in the years to come,” said VRE Chairman Wally S. Covington.
But Allen’s hiring did not come without some controversy, as some of the commuter rail’s Operations Board tried to block the hiring.
The Washington Post reports Prince William County Delegates Richard Anderson and Jackson Miller, Stafford County Board of County Supervisors Chairman Susan Stimpson, and Spotsylvania Supervisor Benjamin Pitts – who all serve on the VRE Operations Board — voted against hiring Allen during closed door session of the Operations Board meeting. At issue was Allen’s $230,000 annual salary, $30,000 for moving expenses, $30,000 in deferred compensation throughout the life of his contract, and health insurance included, according to the Post.
Allen is the permanent replacement for former CEO Dale Zehner who left VRE in June after nearly 20 years of growing the commuter rail system into the growing system it has become.
VRE operates two lines between Virginia and Union Station in Washington: One line from Fredericksburg, and another from the Manassas Regional Airport to Washington, D.C.
Recent Stories
Traffic disruptions and lane reductions are set to begin on northbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Inner Loop) near Tysons, Virginia, as part of the 495 NEXT project’s Big Beam Weekend. The impacts will start tonight, Friday, January 24, at 9 p.m., and continue through 5 a.m. Monday, January 27. Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and plan alternate routes, as significant delays and backups are anticipated.
Discover the hidden gems and rich history of Downtown Manassas on the thrilling Manassas Scavenger Hunt! This exciting walking tour will take you on a journey through the charming streets of Manassas, unlocking the secrets of its iconic landmarks and beloved attractions. From the historic Veterans Memorial to the majestic Water Tower and the Opera House, each location offers a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past.
Join the adventure and solve clues, unravel mysteries, and dive into the captivating stories that make Manassas unique. It’s a perfect outing for friends, families, or anyone looking for a fun and engaging way to explore this vibrant city.
Ready to embark on this unforgettable journey? Visit Manassas Scavenger Hunt for tickets and details.
With contraception rights under scrutiny nationwide, Virginia Democrats are doubling down on efforts to safeguard access, even as they brace for potential pushback from Gov. Glenn Youngkin, the Virginia Mercury reports.
House Bill 1716, introduced by Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, passed the House of Delegates on Thursday, while a companion bill from Sen. Ghazala Hashmi, D-Chesterfield, cleared the Senate Education and Health Committee.
Last year, similar bills passed both chambers with bipartisan support but were ultimately vetoed by Youngkin.
The Manassas City Council began its three-day retreat on Thursday at James Madison’s historic Montpelier, located over 80 miles south of the city. The event quickly raised concerns about public access after members of the public who traveled to attend the meeting discovered the venue was locked and inaccessible.
Virginia law mandates that government meetings remain open to the public unless they are specifically classified as legal closed-door sessions. According to Virginia’s open meetings laws, the Council’s work session and retreat did not qualify as a closed-door meeting, raising questions about compliance.
Former Councilwoman Lynn Forkell Green attended the event and confirmed the gate to the complex was locked. “I couldn’t get in. Had I not had the cell numbers of council members, I would not have gained access because the meeting space was more than a mile past the gate, and the complex was closed,” Forkell Green said. While she was able to contact a council member who provided the entry code, she noted that most members of the public would not have such relationships or access.
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:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
