Virginia Railway Express

News

Quantico Station to Celebrate Major Upgrades with November Ribbon Cutting

By Uriah Kiser
A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

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.

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News

$1 Deal Seals 20-Year Lease Extension for Broad Run Station Parking

By Uriah Kiser

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.

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News

State to Purchase Manassas Rail Line to Expand Passenger Service

By Uriah Kiser

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.

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News

Fredericksburg and Stafford Prepare for Major Rail Infrastructure Upgrade

By Uriah Kiser
A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

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.

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Traffic

VRE Considers Manassas Airport-Alexandria Shuttle Service

By Uriah Kiser
A Virginia Railway Express train pulls into the Fredericksburg train station. [Photo: Uriah Kiser/PLN]

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is exploring introducing a new midday shuttle service and a potential rail connection to Manassas Regional Airport.

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VRE Adjusts Fare, Children Ride Free

By Uriah Kiser

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.

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VRE getting cozier with Maryland’s MARC trains; to Reinstate Cross-Honor Agreement

By Uriah Kiser

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) services are set to strengthen their collaboration.

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VRE Eyes Ridership Boost with New Saturday Service and Fredericksburg Station Upgrades

By Uriah Kiser
Officials cut the ribbon on $14.4 million worth of improvements to the Fredericksburg VRE station.

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is optimistic about increasing its ridership by introducing Saturday service.

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Prince William

Lane Ranger Alert: Saddle Up and Yeehaw! for Bike to Work Day

By Lane Ranger

Howdy, folks! It’s that time of year again when the good folks over at OmniRide and Prince William County are dusting off their bikes and gearing up for Bike to Work Day! Yeehaw!

Partnering up with the sharpshooters at Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, this annual hootenanny aims to rustle up some awareness about pedaling to work instead of hoofing it in your trusty automobile.

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Fairfax

VRE unveils ambitious expansion plans to meet projected 2050 Demand

By Potomac Local News

In a bold move to accommodate the region’s growing transportation needs, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) has unveiled extensive expansion plans that will transform the commuter railroad landscape by 2050.

The proposal was unveiled at the VRE Operations Board meeting on Friday, March 15, 2024. Backed by financial forecasts and strategic ridership projections, it outlines a comprehensive strategy to enhance service frequency, extend operational hours, and cater to burgeoning populations and evolving travel patterns.

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