Among the most talked-about topics were the introduction of Saturday service, a crucial funding agreement for the Manassas Line, solutions for parking challenges at stations, and significant infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Seminary Yard and the Long Bridge upgrades. These initiatives are designed to improve the commuter experience and accommodate a growing ridership base.
Saturday Service: A Long-Awaited Step Forward
One of the highlights of the meeting was the ongoing development of Saturday service, a long-awaited addition approved and included in VRE’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget. Set to feature three round-trip trains on the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines; this service is expected to cater to weekend commuters, offering a much-needed alternative to the crowded highways in the region.
Although the exact start date and routes for the Saturday service remain under wraps, VRE Operations Board members expressed excitement about the initiative. However, some voiced concerns about the impact of shifting commuter patterns, particularly in light of the ongoing rise in remote and hybrid work arrangements. Despite these uncertainties, there is optimism that the Saturday service will meet demand and contribute to the long-term growth of VRE, expanding its service offerings and supporting regional ridership.
A Milestone for the Manassas Line
In addition to the upcoming Saturday service, the VRE board approved a significant $155 million funding agreement to acquire the Manassas Line. This agreement is a critical step in VRE’s plan to substantially improve the line’s infrastructure over the next five years. With an emphasis on enhancing operational efficiency and improving the passenger experience, the funds will support the upgrade of stations, the relocation of midday storage to Alexandria’s Seminary Yard, and the separation of freight and passenger train traffic, ultimately reducing congestion and increasing efficiency.
According to officials, the commitment to acquiring the Manassas Line is pivotal for VRE, solidifying its control over operations.
Addressing Parking Challenges
As VRE works to expand service and accommodate more passengers, parking challenges have become a central concern. The board approved a lease extension for parking at Rippon Station in Woodbridge, one of the most affected by high demand. The lack of parking spaces during peak hours has been a significant issue for commuters, and the extension will allow VRE more time to explore permanent solutions.
Among the strategies being considered to address parking shortages are acquiring additional land for new parking structures, expanding current parking lots, and partnerships with private developers and local governments to create multi-use spaces that combine parking with retail or residential developments.
Key Infrastructure Projects: Seminary Yard and Long Bridge
In addition to expanding services, VRE is pushing forward with critical infrastructure projects that will improve the overall reliability and capacity of the rail network. The redevelopment of Seminary Yard, a freight rail yard in Alexandria, is a key project that will be transformed to accommodate passenger trains. This project will help VRE store and maintain its growing fleet more efficiently, with a phased approach aiming to start utilizing parts of the yard by the end of 2025.
Another key project is the Long Bridge upgrades, which involve both the Long Bridge North and South initiatives. These upgrades aim to separate freight and passenger rail traffic, reducing congestion and improving service reliability. The completion of these projects will pave the way for an expanded rail system that can better serve both commuter and freight needs, ensuring that the region’s rail infrastructure can keep pace with growing demand.
Transportation officials held a ribbon cutting for a newly expanded Quantico Station in Virginia with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 1, 2024. The upgraded train station serves Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express customers in the Town of Quantico, now accommodates longer trains, improves accessibility, and adds grade-separated pedestrian access for the adjacent Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCBQ).
Key enhancements include a 550-foot platform extension, a new 840-foot island platform, and three elevator towers connected by pedestrian bridges. STV designed the necessary track improvements and a 714-foot retaining wall to support a third track, minimizing disruptions to MCBQ. This project, part of a long-standing partnership between STV and VRE, reflects collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Amtrak, and CSX Transportation.
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As the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) heads into 2025, its proposed budget reflects its challenges and opportunities in a post-COVID world. The budget discussed at the October 18, 2024, Operations Board meeting outlines plans to support ridership recovery, maintain reliable service, and position VRE for future growth as a regional rail provider.
VRE, like many public transit systems, saw a significant decline in ridership during the pandemic. However, the 2025 budget aims to address passengers’ slow but steady recovery by investing in enhanced service offerings and critical infrastructure projects. These efforts are intended to transform VRE from a commuter-focused system to a broader regional transportation network.
Ridership Recovery Post-COVID
Ridership recovery has been gradual, with VRE reporting an 8% year-over-year passenger increase as of October 2024. The Fredericksburg and Manassas lines have both seen this growth, though levels remain below pre-pandemic numbers. The shift in work patterns, with many commuters embracing hybrid or remote work models, has altered the demand for peak-hour train services.
In September 2024, the VRE saw an average daily ridership of 6,662 passengers, increasing from 6,031 in August 2024 to 6,316 in September 2023. This reflects a positive trend in ridership recovery post-COVID, with the total monthly ridership for September 2024 reaching 133,247 passengers, up from 126,328 during the previous month.
The system saw 20,000 riders per day before COVID-19.
“We’re seeing some recovery in ridership, but not the big step increases we had hoped for,” said Rich Dalton, VRE’s CEO, during the meeting. “Instead, it’s been a gradual climb, and we need to adapt to this new normal.”
In response, VRE’s 2025 budget will focus on maintaining existing services while expanding into new markets, including off-peak and reverse-commute services. This move is part of VRE’s long-term strategy to attract new riders beyond traditional commuters, particularly those traveling for leisure or reverse commutes into Northern Virginia.
Expanding Service, Supporting Infrastructure
A key component of VRE’s strategy for ridership recovery and growth is service expansion. The 2025 budget proposes investments in improving infrastructure to support these new service offerings. Projects such as the Long Bridge expansion, the addition of a fourth track at key locations, and upgrades at several stations, including Quantico, are designed to increase capacity and improve service reliability.
“We’re not just looking to return to pre-COVID ridership levels,” Dalton explained. “We’re looking to expand and serve new communities, ensuring VRE becomes a key part of the regional transportation network.”
These infrastructure improvements, including track upgrades and station enhancements, will be critical in supporting VRE’s push to offer more flexible services. For example, the Quantico station upgrades, set to be completed in November 2024, are part of a broader effort to modernize key stations and improve passenger experience.
Budgeting for Growth
To fund these initiatives, VRE is using a mix of federal pandemic relief funds and local contributions. However, these funds are set to run out by fiscal year 2028, adding pressure on VRE to secure new funding sources. The proposed budget includes approximately $30 to $40 million in pandemic relief funds for the next few years. Still, as these resources are exhausted, VRE will need additional support from state and local jurisdictions.
The Operations Board discussed the need to continue advocating for state and federal funding through programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and finding creative solutions to meet future funding needs. VRE is also participating in discussions as part of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s ongoing study (SJ 28) to explore sustainable funding solutions for the state’s transit systems.
“We can’t rely on local jurisdictions alone to cover the gap once the relief funds run out,” said Mark Schofield, VRE’s Chief Financial Officer. “We’re actively engaging in conversations at the state level to ensure that transit funding solutions are identified and implemented in time to avoid service cuts.”
Looking Forward
As VRE continues to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, the 2025 budget reflects the system’s dual priorities: stabilizing operations and preparing for future growth. While ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, VRE’s focus on expanding services, improving infrastructure, and securing long-term funding will be critical to ensuring its success in the years to come.
The 2025 budget proposal will be refined in the coming months before final approval by the Operations Board, with ongoing adjustments made to address both ridership trends and funding opportunities. As Northern Virginia continues to grow, VRE is positioning itself as an essential part of the region’s future transportation landscape, ready to adapt to changing demands and serve a broader range of passengers.
VRE provides commuter rail service from the Northern Virginia suburbs to Alexandria, Crystal City and downtown Washington, D.C., along the Interstate 66 and I-95 corridors.
In November 2024, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of significant improvements to the Quantico Station, a key hub on the Fredericksburg Line. This project marks a major milestone for the region’s rail infrastructure, promising enhanced service and increased convenience for commuters and travelers alike.
During the October 18, 2024, VRE Operations Board meeting, it was announced that invitations have been sent out for the event, with all necessary travel details, including train schedules, provided to ensure smooth participation. The excitement surrounding the completion of these upgrades was evident, with board members and VRE staff expressing their enthusiasm for what the improvements will mean for the station and the surrounding community.
“I’m very excited about the upcoming ribbon-cutting at Quantico. This project has been in the works for quite some time, and we’re thrilled to see it finally come to fruition,” said Prince William County Supervisor Andrea Bailey, who sits on the VRE Operations Board.
The Quantico Station improvements are part of a broader effort to modernize the VRE system, ensuring it keeps pace with the growing demand for public transportation in Northern Virginia. These upgrades include enhancements to the station’s facilities, making them more accessible and efficient for commuters, and improvements to the track infrastructure to support better service and reliability.
Quantico plays a crucial role in the VRE network, serving military personnel from Marine Corps Base Quantico as well as residents in surrounding communities. With the station’s upgraded facilities, VRE hopes to provide a smoother, more comfortable experience for the thousands of passengers who rely on the Fredericksburg Line.
The improvements come as part of a larger project that includes the Arkendale to Powell’s Creek third track, a $1.2 billion initiative in Stafford County to expand capacity along the corridor. The Quantico upgrades are essential to this project, with VRE board members emphasizing the significance of these efforts, particularly in terms of improving service reliability and reducing delays.
“The Quantico station has faced numerous challenges over the years, especially with the growing demand for rail service and the complexities of the surrounding infrastructure,” said Micheal McLaughlin, a VRE board member. “This ribbon-cutting marks not only the completion of these much-needed improvements but also a milestone in VRE’s ongoing commitment to serving this community.”
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board is poised to extend its parking lease at the Broad Run Station through a recommended amendment to the existing lease agreement with the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. This extension will secure 46,974 square feet, or 113 parking spaces, known as the “barn lot,” for an additional 20 years for $1 per year.
The current lease agreement for the parking spaces at Broad Run Station, just outside Manassas, established in October 2004, expires in October 2024. The proposed amendment seeks to extend this agreement until October 2044, maintaining all original lease provisions unchanged.
The parking spaces in question were developed as part of a parking expansion project initiated in May 2004, following the VRE Operations Board’s recommendation to utilize funding from the Governor’s Congestion Relief Program. Prince William County completed these projects, including demolishing a barn and constructing a new parking lot.
The new lease comes after VRE announced plans for a new street bridge connecting drivers and pedestrians directly to the Broad Run Station from Route 28 via Residency Road. This new bridge will facilitate access over the railroad tracks to the station and eliminate the need to navigate through Piper Lane, which frequently experiences flooding after heavy rains. This bridge is part of broader expansion plans that include adding more than 500 new parking spaces and a revamped station layout to accommodate VRE’s hopes of increasing ridership in the coming years.
Adjacent to the Broad Run Station, the Manassas Regional Airport recently revealed its intention to begin commercial passenger jet service. However, due to unforeseen infrastructure challenges, the start date has been delayed until 2026.
This announcement came from Airport Director Juan Rivera during a Manassas City Council meeting on September 16, 2024. The council had earlier granted a franchise agreement to Avports Manassas, LLC, a Goldman Sachs subsidiary, anticipating a 2025 commencement. This development highlights a significant transformation in the area, enhancing the strategic importance of the Broad Run Station and its facilities.
CEO’s Report
During the VRE Operations Board meeting in September 2024, CEO Rich Dalton highlighted the significance of ongoing safety campaigns, underscoring September’s designation as Rail Safety Month and Suicide Prevention Month. Collaborative events, such as the safety initiative at the Alexandria station in partnership with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), were detailed to emphasize VRE’s commitment to enhancing commuter safety.
Dalton reported continuing challenges with on-time performance, primarily attributed to extensive infrastructure upgrades at the Union Station terminal in Washington, D.C., and significant rail traffic congestion. Despite improvements at the terminal, delays, especially during afternoon peak periods, persist, impacting overall service efficiency.
A focal point of the report was the ridership trends, which were compared with previous years. The average daily ridership for August stood at 6,031, a decrease from the previous year’s figure of 6,378, reflecting the impacts of operational challenges and seasonal variations on commuter behavior.
The board discussed VRE’s community engagement through events like the “Tour de VRE,” which supports breast cancer research, highlighting VRE’s dedication to community involvement. Additionally, the introduction of Julianne Barr as a new communications specialist was discussed, with board members acknowledging the potential positive impact on VRE’s outreach and engagement strategies.
Board members expressed concerns over the persistent on-time performance issues and discussed the implications of current ridership trends on future service planning. Positive feedback was given on community engagement initiatives, underscoring their importance to VRE’s public image and commitment to social causes. The discussions highlighted the need for ongoing coordination with Amtrak and others to address these infrastructural and operational challenges to improve overall service reliability.
The Virginia Mercury: “The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority has reached a new deal with Norfolk Southern to extend its state-supported Amtrak service to the New River Valley by 2028, while avoiding a costly tunnel upgrade and making it easier to eventually bring service to Bristol.”
“Under the new agreement, which the VPRA’s board of directors approved by a unanimous vote at its meeting in Richmond Tuesday, the state will also purchase Norfolk Southern’s Manassas Line and gain access to the company’s main line, also dubbed the N-Line — a move that is expected to increase passenger rail options for thousands of Virginians.
Ian Ollis, the organization’s director, explained the scope of the project. “It’s one main project that seeks to replace a bridge over the rail line. The reason for that is the need to put a third rail track from Union Station in D.C. down to our region,” Ollis said.
Virginia has purchased 50% of the rail right-of-way, particularly the eastern half, where most stations are located. The third track will be constructed in sections, tying in with the new Long Bridge over the Potomac River. Ollis detailed the project’s progress, noting that it will be built in pieces through Stafford County toward Quantico.
The Leeland Road Bridge will be a key focus, with work anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025. “That bridge is going to be out of action for almost two years,” Ollis stated. During this period, alternative routes will be provided to ensure access to schools and homes.
VDOT regularly conducts traffic counts, and this data will be used to manage the detours and inform the public about available routes during the construction period. “Public participation and engagement will explain the need, duration, and alternative routes available,” Ollis said.
This project is part of a broader effort to enhance passenger rail service in Virginia. In 2019, then-Governor Northam announced an expansion of passenger rail service between Washington, D.C., and Richmond. This project is essential for separating freight and passenger trains, currently sharing tracks at 94% capacity.
Ollis highlighted the expansion’s benefits. “The goal is to double the number of VRE trains and increase Amtrak trains by 50% by 2030. With additional capacity, we can have one train every hour, significantly improving service,” he said.
VRE is already working toward implementing service on Saturdays, a first in the system’s 32-year history.
The expansion aligns with long-term plans for high-speed rail between Virginia and North Carolina. However, funding remains a challenge. “There’s a plan to design a new bridge over the Rappahannock River and potentially build a new train station in Fredericksburg, but this will require more funds beyond the committed $5.5 billion,” Ollis noted.
Addressing the impact on Fredericksburg’s iconic Rappahannock River bridge, Ollis assured that public involvement in the design process would be crucial. “A new bridge might be designed to look identical to the existing one, ensuring it fits the historical landscape,” he said.
Rich Dalton, CEO of VRE, emphasized the potential benefits of the state acquiring the Norfolk Southern Line. "Conceptually, it's a great thing for VRE. It opens our potential operating windows up even further than they are now," Dalton said. The acquisition would allow VRE to expand service times, including midday, late-night, and weekend operations.
The new shuttle service between Manassas and Alexandria aims to fill the gap in VRE's current schedule, primarily during morning and evening peak hours. "That's an opportunity for us," Dalton noted. He highlighted the potential for providing reliable, scheduled service throughout the day if the state purchase goes through, much like Metro train.
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Effective July 1, 2024, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) will update its fare structure for the first time in five years, alongside a new policy benefiting children. Passengers aged 18 and under will travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Adult fares will see a five percent increase. For example, travelers from Spotsylvania Station to Union Station in Washington, D.C., will pay $0.65 more for single-ride tickets and $18 more for monthly passes.
Additionally, VRE’s fiscal year 2025 budget introduces a flat $5 fare for trips within and between zones 1 (Union Station and L’Enfant), 2 (Crystal City and Alexandria), and 3 (Franconia-Springfield and Backlick Road).
The policy for free youth travel includes specific requirements: accompanied children aged 18 and under do not need identification. Children aged 11-18 traveling alone must have a valid school, state, or VRE Reduced Fare ID, which can be obtained online. Children under 10 must travel with a paying adult.
VRE operates two lines—Manassas and Fredericksburg—connecting Central and Northern Virginia with Washington, D.C., serving 19 stations, including key stops like L’Enfant and Union Station. For more information on fares and schedules, visit www.vre.org.
