RIDE Magazine | December 2015/January 2016 1 › sites › vre › assets › File › Ride › 15-VRE-11… · 2 RIDE Magazine | December 2015/January 2016 RIDE | December 2015/January

RIDE Magazine | December 2015/January 2016 1


DESTINATION for a LIFETIME

There’s a lot to love about our well-appointed Tidewater homes—welcoming families to Potomac Shores. Choose from five new neighborhoods by Ryan Homes and NVHomes. Traditional and main-level living with indoor/outdoor floorplans. Over a dozen home designs with two to seven bedrooms. And golf or forest views. It’s riverfront living only 30 miles from DC. Where every home comes with an exquisite community. Upcoming VRE stop—now under construction.

CALL OR VISIT THE GREETING HOUSE: 855-808-6051

2175 Potomac River Blvd., Potomac Shores, VA 22026 PotomacShores.com GPS address: Harbor Station Parkway, Dumfries, VA 22026

Award-winning homes from the upper $400s

CALL NOW FOR AN EXTRA$10,000 SAVINGS*

Reason #48 A community to grow on.

Features and products vary by community. Price, offers, financing and availability are subject to change without notice.

*Mention this ad to receive an additional $10,000 towards options or closing costs. Offer ends 1/31/16. Promotion subject to change at any time.

2101-7001-04 PS Neighborhood Ad_VRE.indd 1 11/19/15 3:17 PM


A s we look back on 2015, I am very proud of the major accomplishments we have made to improve your VRE

experience. From a new station and an additional train on the Fredericksburg Line, to the launch of VRE Mobile, a redesigned website and being recognized for excellence in security, 2015 was truly a year of notable achievements.

We recently opened Spotsylvania Station, our first line extension since we began operations in 1992. This new station is now the southern terminus for VRE operations of the Fredericksburg Line and consists of a 1,500-space parking lot, waiting area with restroom and a 700-foot platform with a covered canopy for riders. We also began operating a new train on the Fredericksburg Line to provide more capacity and another commuting option.

To improve technology and communications, we launched VRE Mobile. This app allows you to conveniently use your transit benefits and to purchase and validate tickets all from your smartphone. VRE Mobile already has over ten thousand downloads. We also unveiled our redesigned website to enhance the online and mobile experience for VRE passengers by providing easy access to the most requested service information and real-time alerts.

Safety and security are always a priority at VRE. In fact, last February we were awarded the 2014 Baseline Assessment Security Enhancement Program Award by the Transportation Security Administration for achieving the

highest standard of excellence in security. We participated in the Federal Railroad Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board’s forums addressing the dangers of trespassing on the railroad right-of-way. We also coordinated first responders’ drills and full-scale emergency simulations while delivering our safety message to Virginia motorists through our

“Railroad Crossing Safety Blitzes.” We also made many safety and security improvements throughout our stations including: installation of emergency supply boxes, restriping parking lots, replacing worn stairs and benches and improving lighting.

To prepare for the future, we have initiated a two-year study to evaluate an 11-mile extension to bring VRE service to the Gainesville-Haymarket area. This fall, we hosted several meetings, participated in community events and received positive feedback. If the analysis supports continued project development, final design and construction would follow contingent upon Norfolk Southern’s approval and funding availability.

Thank you for making 2015 a very special year for VRE. We wish you and your family a safe, happy holiday season and a prosperous new year. It has been our pleasure and privilege to provide you with commuter rail service and we hope to see you riding VRE in 2016.

CONTENTSRIDE MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2015/

JANUARY 2016FROM THE CEO

Editor in Chief: Alexis RiceCover photo: Scott Henrichsen PhotographyMagazine Design by Pulsar Advertising

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE

Copyright © 2015 by Virginia Railway Express. All rights reserved. RIDE Magazine is a publication of the Virginia Railway Express, 1500 King Street, Suite 202, Alexandria, VA 22314. It has a distribution of approximately 11,700 copies monthly. Advertising in RIDE supports the production and printing cost. For comments, stories, suggestions, questions or advertising, please contact [email protected].

VRE’S YEAR IN REVIEW

DOUG ALLENChief Executive OfficerVirginia Railway Express

Follow Us Like Us

02 | NEW SYSTEM AND ZONE MAPS

03 | NEW SCHEDULES

04 | NEW SPOTSYLVANIA STATION OPENS

05 | VRE GAINESVILLE-HAYMARKET EXTENSION MEETING

05 | VRE PREPARES FOR WINTER WEATHER

06 | SPOTLIGHT ON KEOLIS MEET WALTER FISHER

06 | CHECKING YOUR TRAVEL SAFETY LIST TWICE

07 | NEW WEBSITE DESIGN

DOUG ALLENChief Executive Officer

Access RIDE online at www.VRE.org/RIDE

WHEN RIDING VRE, we ask that you make every effort to be courteous to your fellow passengers. Below are a few courtesy reminders for flu season:

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.Wash your hands often with soap and water.If you are sick with a virus, the best thing to do is stay home until you are no longer contagious.

FLU SEASON COURTESYREMINDERS

2 RIDE Magazine | December 2015/January 2016 RIDE Magazine | December 2015/January 2016 3

18th Rappahannock Model Railroaders Train Display and Show

Saturday, Dec.12, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Fredericksburg Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge # 412321 Cool Springs RoadFredericksburg, VA This show features operating model trains displays in all scales, including the Rappahannock Model Railroaders’ exciting modular railroad project, a Lego Layout, HO and N-Gauge trains, as well as model train vendors. www.rmrailroaders.com

Christmas at Mount Vernon Now – Wednesday, Jan. 6George Washington’s Mount Vernon 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, VA Mount Vernon invites you to celebrate this festive time of year with their special Experience Christmas program. Go behind-the-scenes on a rare tour of the Mansion’s third floor, and celebrate the way the Washingtons would have. www.mountvernon.org

First Night Alexandria Thursday, Dec. 31, 2 p.m. – Midnight Old Town Alexandria, VA This Alexandria tradition brings in the New Year with art galleries, historic sites, churches, and retail shops transformed into cozy live performance spaces. www.visitalexandriava.com

NEW VRE MAPS

VRE UNVEILS NEW SYSTEM & ZONE MAPSVRE launched new clear, concise and easy-to-use system and zone maps. These can be found at our stations, on printed materials and our website.

DEC./JAN. CALENDAR

DEC. 9 LEAVE TOYS FOR TOTS DONATIONS ON YOUR MORNING TRAIN

DEC. 12 SANTA TRAINS / TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION

DEC. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE – “S” SCHEDULEDEC. 25 CHRISTMAS – NO VRE SERVICEDEC. 28–31 “S” SCHEDULEJAN. 1 NEW YEARS DAY – NO VRE SERVICEJAN. 18 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY – NO VRE

SERVICE

NEW

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APNE

W FA

RE ZO

NE M

AP


VRE’S NEW SCHEDULE

VRE’S NEW SCHEDULEVRE added a new train to the Fredericksburg Line on November 30th. This new train modified schedules for both the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines.

CHANGES FOR TLC

FREDERICKSBURG LINEFares and Schedules - Effective November 30, 2015

S = Special schedules for holidays and snow days. L = Train may depar t when station work is completed, regardless of scheduled time. 5 = Train allows full-size bicycles. Collapsible bicycles are permitted on all trains.* = Available to VRE passengers in possession of a validated Five-Day, Ten-Ride, TLC or Monthly Ticket and a $5 Step-Up ticket. VRE Information: www.vre.org or 800-RIDE-VRE. Amtrak Information: www.amtrak.com or 800-USA-RAIL.

NORTHBOUND VRE TRAINS M-F S S S5 5 S5TRAIN # 300 302 304 306 308 310 312 314SPOTSYLVANIA 4:57a 5:07a 5:23a 5:37a 6:03a 6:23a 7:08a 7:36aFREDERICKSBURG 5:05 5:15 5:31 5:45 6:11 6:31 7:16 7:44LEELAND ROAD 5:12 5:22 5:38 5:52 6:18 6:38 7:23 7:51BROOKE 5:18 5:28 5:44 5:58 6:24 6:44 7:29 7:57QUANTICO – 5:40 5:56 6:10 6:36 6:56 7:41 8:09RIPPON – 5:49 6:05 6:19 6:45 7:05 7:50 8:18WOODBRIDGE 5:40 5:56 6:12 6:26 6:52 7:12 7:57 8:25LORTON – 6:03 6:19 6:33 6:59 7:19 8:04 8:32FRANCONIA/SPRINGFIELD (L) – 6:11 6:27 6:41 7:07 7:27 8:12 8:40ALEXANDRIA (L) 6:07 6:23 6:39 6:53 7:19 7:39 8:24 8:52CRYSTAL CITY (L) 6:16 6:32 6:48 7:02 7:28 7:48 8:33 9:01L'ENFANT (L) 6:24 6:40 6:56 7:10 7:36 7:56 8:41 9:09

UNION STATION 6:32a 6:48a 7:04a 7:18a 7:44a 8:04a 8:49a 9:17a

SOUTHBOUND VRE TRAINS M-F S5 S S 5 S5 5TRAIN # 301 303 305 307 309 311 313 315UNION STATION 12:55p 3:10p 3:25p 4:10p 4:40p 5:15p 6:00p 6:40pL'ENFANT 1:03 3:18 3:33 4:18 4:48 5:23 6:08 6:48CRYSTAL CITY 1:10 3:25 3:40 4:25 4:55 5:30 6:15 6:55ALEXANDRIA 1:18 3:33 3:48 4:33 5:03 5:38 6:23 7:03FRANCONIA/SPRINGFIELD 1:29 3:44 3:59 4:44 5:14 5:49 6:34 7:14LORTON 1:36 3:51 4:06 4:51 5:21 5:56 6:41 7:21WOODBRIDGE 1:44 3:59 4:14 4:59 5:29 6:04 6:49 7:29RIPPON 1:50 4:05 4:20 5:05 5:35 6:10 6:55 7:35QUANTICO 2:00 4:15 4:30 5:15 5:45 6:20 7:05 7:45BROOKE (L) 2:14 4:29 4:44 5:29 5:59 6:34 7:19 7:59LEELAND ROAD (L) 2:23 4:38 4:53 5:38 6:08 6:43 7:28 8:08FREDERICKSBURG (L) 2:31 4:46 5:01 5:46 6:16 6:51 7:36 8:16

SPOTSYLVANIA 2:39p 4:54p 5:09p 5:54p 6:24p 6:59p 7:44p 8:24p

86* 174* 84* 94* 66*– – – – –

6:56a 8:00a 9:19a 12:08p 7:57p– – – – –

7:16 8:22 9:41 12:28 8:22– – – – –– – – – –

7:28 8:36 – – –– – – – –– – – – –

7:52 9:05 10:15 1:07 8:55– – – – –

8:03 9:24 – – –8:15a 9:34a 10:39a 1:35p 9:20p

67* 95* 125* 93/83* 85/87*7:30a 2:30p 3:55p 5:50p 7:05p

– – 4:01 5:56 –– – – – –

7:48 2:48 4:14 6:09 7:22– – – – –– – – – –– 3:05 4:32 – 7:40– – – – –

8:14 3:16 4:45 6:36 7:52– – – – –– – – – –

8:36a 3:40p 5:12p 7:01p 8:17p– – – – –

Zone 1Union StationL’Enfant

Zone 2Crystal CityAlexandria

Zone 3Franc/Sprgfld

Zone 4Lorton

Zone 5W-bridgeRippon

Zone 6Quantico

Zone 7 Zone 8Brooke

Leeland Road

Zone 9Fred’burg

Spotsylvania

Zone 9Fred’burg

Spotsylvania

Single-Ride 11.55 10.85 7.40 6.75 6.05 5.35 4.70 4.00 3.30

Day Pass 23.10 21.70 14.80 13.50 12.10 10.70 9.40 8.00 6.60

Five-Day 91.80 86.20 58.80 53.20 47.70 42.10 36.70 31.00 25.60

Ten-Ride 105.60 99.30 67.50 61.20 54.80 48.50 42.10 35.80 29.40

Monthly 318.10 298.90 203.50 184.40 165.20 146.00 126.90 107.70 88.70

Zone 8Leeland Road

Brooke

Single-Ride 10.85 10.20 6.75 6.05 5.35 4.70 4.00 3.30

Day Pass 21.70 20.40 13.50 12.10 10.70 9.40 8.00 6.60

Five-Day 86.20 80.80 53.20 47.70 42.10 36.70 31.00 25.60

Ten-Trip 99.30 92.90 61.20 54.80 48.50 42.10 35.80 29.40

Monthly 298.90 279.70 184.40 165.20 146.00 126.90 107.70 88.70

Zone 7 Single-Ride 10.20 9.50 6.05 5.35 4.70

Day Pass 20.40 19.00 12.10 10.70 9.40

Five-Day 80.80 75.30 47.70 42.10 36.70 Ten-Trip 92.90 86.50 54.80 48.50 42.10 Monthly 279.70 260.80 165.20 146.00 126.90

Zone 6Quantico

Single-Ride 9.50 8.80 5.35 4.70 4.00

Day Pass 19.00 17.60 10.70 9.40 8.00

Ten-Trip 86.50 80.30 48.50 42.10 35.80

Five-Day 75.30 69.80 42.10 36.70 31.00

Monthly 260.80 241.70 146.00 126.90 107.70

Zone 5Rippon

W-bridge

Single-Ride 8.80 8.15 4.70 4.00 3.30

Day Pass 17.60 16.30 9.40 8.00 6.60

Five-Day 69.80 64.30 36.70 31.00 25.60

Ten-Trip 80.30 73.80 42.10 35.80 29.40

Monthly 241.70 222.70 126.90 107.70 88.70 Zone 4Lorton

Single-Ride 8.15 7.40 4.00 Day Pass 16.30 14.80 8.00 Five-Day 64.30 58.80 31.00 Ten-Trip 73.80 67.50 35.80 Monthly 222.70 203.50 107.70

Zone 3Franc/Sprgfld

Single-Ride 7.40 6.75 Day Pass 14.80 13.50 Five-Day 58.80 53.20 Ten-Trip 67.50 61.20 Monthly 203.50 184.40

Zone 2AlexandriaCrystal City

Single-Ride 6.75 6.05 Day Pass 13.50 12.10 Five-Day 53.20 47.70 Ten-Trip 61.20 54.80 Monthly 184.40 165.20

Zone 1L’EnfantUnion Station

Single-Ride 6.05 Day Pass 12.10 Five-Day 47.70 Ten-Trip 54.80 Monthly 165.20

Potomac River

95

66

395

DC

VIRGINIA

P

◆ Manassas Line

◆ Fredericksburg Line

Parking

Metro

Amtrak

MARC

All stations and trains are accessible to passengers with disabilities�

P Rolling Road

Backlick RoadP

Burke Centre

P

P

P Broad Run

Manassas

P Manassas Park

UnionStation

Crystal City

L’Enfant

Spotsylvania P

Fredericksburg P

Leeland Road

Brooke

Rippon P

Lorton P

Quantico P

Potomac Shores (Future)

Woodbridge P

Alexandria

Franconia-Springfield P

P

P

Fare Chart System Map

www.vre.org

AMTRAK TRAINS*

AMTRAK TRAINS*

TM

VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESSA better way. A better life.

• Tickets are available for purchase from the ticket vending machines on the platforms, through the VRE Mobile app (www.vre.org/mobile) and at local retail outlets (see vendor list on the sign by the ticket vending machines or go to www.vre.org/ticketvendors for a complete list) or by phone at 703-228-RIDE.

• Ticket vending machines, VRE Mobile and phone purchases require debit or credit cards. Retail outlets accept debit and credit cards, cash or checks.

• Make sure you have a validated ticket before boarding the train. Validate Single-Ride and Ten-Ride tickets at ticket vending machines.Validate paper Day Pass and Five-Day pass at vending machine at time of first use. Print name on paper Monthly Ticket to validate it. For VRE Mobile, validate your ticket prior to boarding the train.

• Tickets are not available for purchase on-board the train. Boarding the train without a validated ticket is subject to a fine of up to $100 plus court costs.

• Children 10 years old and younger ride free with a fare-paying adult.

• VRE participates in the SmartBenefits® and Guaranteed Ride Home Program.

• VRE does not operate a regular schedule on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Contact information for VREAutomated: 800-RIDE-VRE or 703-684-0400Main Office: 703-684-1001 (TTY: 703-684-0551)[email protected] or www.vre.org

Contact information for Amtrak800-USA-RAILwww.amtrak.com

• Tickets are available for purchase from the ticket vending machines on the platforms, through the VRE Mobile app (www.vre.org/mobile) and at local retail outlets (see vendor list on the sign by the ticket vending machines or go to www.vre.org/ticketvendors for a complete list) or by phone at 703-228-RIDE.

• Ticket vending machines, VRE Mobile and phone purchases require debit or credit cards. Retail outlets accept debit and credit cards, cash or checks.

• Make sure you have a validated ticket before boarding the train. Validate Single-Ride and Ten-Ride tickets at ticket vending machines.Validate paper Day Pass and Five-Day pass

name on paper Monthly Ticket to validate it. For VRE Mobile, validate your ticket prior to boarding the train.

• Tickets are not available for purchase on-board the train. Boarding the train without

$100 plus court costs.

• Children 10 years old and younger ride free with a fare-paying adult.

• ® and Guaranteed Ride Home Program.

• VRE does not operate a regular schedule on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Contact information for VREAutomated: 800-RIDE-VRE or 703-684-0400

703-684-1001 (TTY: 703-684-0551)[email protected] or www.vre.org

Contact information for Amtrak800-USA-RAILwww.amtrak.com

176*

–10:19a

–10:36

––

11:05–

11:20a

Zone 1Union StationL’Enfant

Zone 2Crystal CityAlexandria

Zone 3Backlick Road

Zone 4Rolling RoadBurke Centre

Zone 5 Zone 6Manassas Park

ManassasBroad Run

Zone 6Broad Run,Manassas,

Manassas Park

Single-Ride 9.50 8.80 5.35 4.70 4.00 3.30

Day Pass 19.00 17.60 10.70 9.40 8.00 6.60

Five-Day 75.30 69.80 42.10 36.70 31.00 25.60

Ten-Ride 86.50 80.30 48.50 42.10 35.80 29.40

Monthly 260.80 241.70 146.00 126.90 107.70 88.70

Zone 5 Single-Ride 8.80 8.15 4.70 4.00 3.30

Day Pass 17.60 16.30 9.40 8.00 6.60

Five-Day 69.80 64.30 36.70 31.00 25.60

Ten-Ride 80.30 73.80 42.10 35.80 29.40

Monthly 241.70 222.70 126.90 107.70 88.70

Zone 4Burke Centre,Rolling Road

Single-Ride 8.15 7.40 4.00 3.30

Day Pass 16.30 14.80 8.00 6.60

Five-Day 64.30 58.80 31.00 25.60

Ten-Ride 73.80 67.50 35.80 29.40

Monthly 222.70 203.50 107.70 88.70

Zone 3Backlick Road

Single-Ride 7.40 6.75

Day Pass 14.80 13.50

Five-Day 58.80 53.20

Ten-Ride 67.50 61.20

Monthly 203.50 184.40

Zone 2Alexandria,Crystal City

Single-Ride 6.75 6.05

Day Pass 13.50 12.10

Five-Day 53.20 47.70

Ten-Ride 61.20 54.80

Monthly 184.40 165.20

Zone 1L’Enfant,Union Station

Single-Ride 6.05

Day Pass 12.10

Five-Day 47.70

Ten-Ride 54.80

Monthly 165.20

SOUTHBOUND VRE TRAINS M-F 5 S5 S S 5 S5 5TRAIN # 321 325 327 329 331 333 335 337

UNION STATION 6:25a 1:15p 3:45p 4:25p 5:05p 5:30p 6:10p 6:50pL'ENFANT – 1:23 3:53 4:33 5:13 5:38 6:18 6:58CRYSTAL CITY – 1:30 4:00 4:40 5:20 5:45 6:25 7:05ALEXANDRIA 6:42 1:38 4:08 4:48 5:28 5:53 6:33 7:13BACKLICK ROAD – 1:49 4:19 4:59 5:39 6:04 6:44 7:24ROLLING ROAD (L) – 1:57 4:27 5:07 5:47 6:12 6:52 7:32BURKE CENTRE (L) – 2:03 4:33 5:13 5:53 6:18 6:58 7:38MANASSAS PARK (L) – 2:17 4:47 5:27 6:07 6:32 7:12 7:52MANASSAS (L) 7:30 2:24 4:54 5:34 6:14 6:39 7:19 7:59BROAD RUN 7:40a 2:34p 5:04p 5:44p 6:24p 6:49p 7:29p 8:09p

171*

4:50p4:56

–5:11

––

5:30–

5:49p–

AMTRAK TRAIN*

MANASSAS LINEFares and Schedules - Effective November 30, 2015

S = Special schedules for holidays and snow days. L = Train may depar t when station work is completed, regardless of scheduled time. 5 = Train allows full-size bicycles. Collapsible bicycles are permitted on all trains.* = Available to VRE passengers in possession of a validated Five-Day, Ten-Ride, TLC or Monthly Ticket and a $5 Step-Up ticket. VRE Information: www.vre.org or 800-RIDE-VRE. Amtrak Information: www.amtrak.com or 800-USA-RAIL.

NORTHBOUND VRE TRAINS M-F S S5 S5 S5 5 5TRAIN # 322 324 326 328 330 332 336 338

BROAD RUN 5:05a 5:35a 6:15a 6:35a 7:20a 7:48a 2:45p 5:10pMANASSAS 5:12 5:42 6:22 6:42 7:27 7:55 2:51 5:16MANASSAS PARK 5:18 5:48 6:28 6:48 7:33 8:01 2:56 –BURKE CENTRE 5:32 6:02 6:42 7:02 7:47 8:15 3:08 –ROLLING ROAD 5:40 6:10 6:50 7:10 7:55 8:23 – –BACKLICK ROAD 5:46 6:16 6:56 7:16 8:01 8:29 – –ALEXANDRIA (L) 5:59 6:29 7:09 7:29 8:14 8:42 3:30 5:52CRYSTAL CITY (L) 6:08 6:38 7:18 7:38 8:23 8:51 – –L'ENFANT (L) 6:16 6:46 7:26 7:46 8:31 8:59 – –UNION STATION 6:24a 6:54a 7:34a 7:54a 8:39a 9:07a 3:55p 6:25p

Potomac River

95

66

395

DC

VIRGINIA

P

◆ Manassas Line

◆ Fredericksburg Line

Parking

Metro

Amtrak

MARC

All stations and trains are accessible to passengers with disabilities

P Rolling Road

Backlick RoadP

Burke Centr e

P

P

P Broad Run

Manassas

P Manassas Park

UnionStation

C rystal C ity

L’Enfant

Spotsylvania P

Fredericksburg P

Leeland Road

Brooke

Rippon P

Lorton P

Q uantico P

Potomac Shores (Future)

W oodbridge P

Alexandria

Franconia-Spring�eld P

P

P

Fare Chart System Map

www.vre.org

AMTRAK TRAIN*

TM

VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESSA better way. A better life.

–11:14

FREDERICKSBURG LINE

MANASSAS LINE

For those riders who utilize the Transit Link Card (TLC), you can expect some changes for 2016. The paper version of the TLC is going away as part of the WMATA effort to end paper fare tickets. The TLC paper ticket is being replaced by a pre-loaded WMATA SmarTrip® card plus VRE sticker-based version. The new card plus sticker TLC will work similarly to the old paper version, a flash-pass/visual inspection on VRE and scanned (like any SmarTrip® ) on WMATA. The new card plus sticker TLC will only be sold by Commuter Direct. All the other vendors who sold the paper TLC will no longer sell TLC’s after this change. More information will be provided through VRE’s Train Talk.


p Officials participate in the Spotsylvania Station ribbon cutting

VRE OPENS THE SPOTSYLVANIA STATIONSPOTSYLVANIA STATION OPENS

O n November 16th, VRE opened the Spotsylvania Station. The first train departed at 4:57 a.m. with many first-time and regular VRE riders aboard. Each person was treated to coffee and pastries and received a commemorative

opening day ticket.VRE hosted a ribbon cutting event later that morning. Many

state and local officials came to give their remarks, including: U.S. Representative Rob Wittman (VA-1), U.S. Representative Dave Brat (VA-7), Virginia Senator Bryce Reeves (17th District), Director of Virginia Department of Rail and Public

Transportation Jennifer Mitchell, Berkeley District Supervisor and Spotsylvania County Vice Chairman Greg Cebula, Fairfax County Supervisor and VRE Operations Board Chairman John C. Cook, and Lee Hill District Supervisor and VRE Operations Board Vice Chairman Gary Skinner.

The Spotsylvania Station is now the last stop on the Fredericksburg Line and the first station located in Spotsylvania County. The station consists of a 1,500-space parking lot, waiting area with bathroom facilities and a 700-foot platform with canopy capable of supporting a train up to seven cars long.

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FredericksburgStation

SPOTSYLVANIASTATION

North

VRE

The station is located at 9442 Crossroads Parkway right off of U.S. 17 with easy access to I-95.

p VRE train at the Spotsylvania Station’s platformp Commemorative opening day tickets


O n November 10th, VRE hosted the first community meeting for the Gainesville-Haymarket Extension Study. The VRE project team also held focused sessions with staff and elected officials from the the jurisdictions

along the Manassas Line. A special session with the project Community Advisory Committee included a dialogue with VRE riders, local home owners associations, and environmental groups.

The purpose of these meetings was to seek input on alternative options including station locations, route and track configurations and train service schedules. VRE officials explained how the new service would serve a greater number of Northern Virginia commuters, providing the quality service that VRE customers currently enjoy. One of the main concerns when considering a new service is how it will fit into the existing VRE system. It must deliver significant benefits for both VRE riders and the surrounding communities, ensure enough seats are still available in order to maintain the highest quality of VRE service and qualify for future project funding.

VRE’s main priority is to select the alternative that will deliver the maximum benefits to both VRE riders and the surrounding communities.

General feedback from the community and committee meetings was very positive, with many participants requesting accelerated implementation. The most common concerns related

to potential impacts of the project were: noise levels, traffic congestion, and impact to property along the proposed route.

The VRE project team will be analyzing these and other key issues in detail in the coming year. Next steps include developing ridership estimates for the extension, analyzing potential funding sources, and identifying potential station locations for further analysis. The study team will present these findings and solicit additional feedback at the next community meeting in spring 2016.

Please visit www.vre.org/ghx to see the latest meeting materials and to send your comments or suggestions.

VRE’S GAINESVILLE-HAYMARKET EXTENSION STUDY REACHES FIRST KEY MILESTONE

VRE PREPARES FOR WINTER WEATHER

VRE UPDATES

p The GHX Community Advisory Committee look at options for station locations and parking facilities.

VRE is preparing for the upcoming winter season, and as always, safety is our main priority. While we work diligently to keep the trains operating and on-time, inclement weather can impact our ability to provide normal service.

Another key component to safe VRE operations is the ability for you to reach our stations.

When a winter storm is projected to affect our region, VRE works with our host railroads, the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to help determine if conditions will allow for the safe operation of our trains. We also activate our snow removal plan working with VDOT, the local jurisdictions and our own contractors to clear parking lots, sidewalks and platforms. VRE also participates in regional and state agency “snow calls” when conditions are projected to affect the daily commute.

While we do take the decision by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) into consideration regarding the operation of the Federal Government, it does not necessarily dictate whether or not VRE trains operate. We realize that many of our riders are not employed by the Federal Government, or are considered essential personnel who need to get to work, we still

make every effort to offer at least an “S” schedule operation. One of VRE’s highest priorities is ensure our passenger’s

reach their stations safely. In the event that we do need to cancel service, or operate on a modified schedule, we will get that information out as early as possible, usually no later than 4:15 a.m. of the affected service day. All information will be posted to our website at www.vre.org, on our Twitter and Facebook accounts, through Train Talk text and email alerts, on our station signs and our information hotline, 1-800-RIDE-VRE. VRE also contacts local media including TV, radio and traffic reports.

We also encourage our riders to properly prepare for winter weather travel by:

1. Having a backup plan in the event of a long delay or cancellation

2. Always carrying a fully charged mobile phone3. Wearing sensible shoes and using great care when driving

to stations or walking to the platform4. Bringing water and snacks, in the event that there is a

long delay5. Dressing in layersThanks for riding VRE!

VRE UPDATES


SPOTLIGHT ON KEOLISW alter Fisher works daily to ensure every VRE passenger

travels safely from home, to work, and back. At only 22, Walter is the youngest member on the team, but don’t underestimate this assistant conductor. As a third-

generation railroad employee, this Beaverdam, Virginia native hopes to keep his family tradition going strong.

Walter’s journey to assistant conductor began when he by listening to stories of his grandfather leaving for an early day on the rails with CSX Transportation. Both his father and his grandfather worked in the transit industry for many years. Walter later joined a freight team with a local company, Buckingham Branch Railroad, but was looking for a job that would lead him into a career. He found that with VRE.

Walter joined the VRE in October 2014. He starts every day with a job briefing and thorough inspection of the train before heading out. According to the assistant conductor, the best part of his job is getting to work with his team members to do their job well. Walter says his job would be nearly impossible without his team’s hardworking effort.

“A friend from high school encouraged me to pursue a job with the VRE. In June, he passed away. Because of him I decided to go for it,” Walter said.

Walter remains driven in both his professional and personal life, and plans to move up within the company as an engineer or manager in the next two years.

Joining the VRE was one of Walter’s best career and life choices. He now looks forward to a new change coming into this life. He and his wife are expecting a daughter in March 2016. When his workday is over, Walter enjoys spending time at home awaiting his new bundle of joy, performing gospel music for his church and even singing at a few coworkers’ weddings.

“My personal goal is to be the best husband and father that I can be. I aspire to be the best at what I do, be it music, VRE or family. I aspire to be the best,” Walter said.

MEET WALTER FISHER

Keolis is VRE’s contractor that maintains and operates VRE trains.

This ad was purchased with funds provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

CHECKING YOUR TRAVEL SAFETY LIST TWICE

T he holiday season is here, and with it comes the busiest travel time of the year. Which means it’s more important than ever to keep an eye out for suspicious objects or behavior.

Unusual behavior can include people staying at train stations for long periods of time without getting on, an individual who seems fixated only on a particular object or location, or people entering unauthorized areas at train or bus stations.

Suspicious objects may include bags, boxes, or packages left unattended – especially if partially hidden or in unusual locations. These bags or briefcases may simply be forgotten or discarded items. But at this time of year, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you see something, say something.™If you do see something suspicious, please report it immediately.

Take detailed notes, such as the train number or station name. Then notify a police officer or transit personnel. If you can’t easily locate someone in uniform, call the police at either 1-877-4VA-TIPS or 911.

Save your local police phone number into your contacts for quick future reference. By staying aware of your surroundings, you can make this holiday season truly the most wonderful time of the year.

To make your travel safety list (and check it twice), visit SecureTransit.org.


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MODEL GRAND

OPENING

VRE LAUNCHES REDESIGNED VRE.ORGVRE has launched a new and redesigned website at www.

vre.org. In planning the new website, VRE reviewed the most requested information from our riders to provide and create an intuitive, user-friendly experience

that works on devices such as desktop, mobile and tablet. The website includes a responsive design and a mobile-friendly strategy with auto-detection capabilities for smartphones, tablets and geo-locations services. We also renamed “Rail Time” to “Train Status” and “Daily Download” to “Daily Performance,” so that new riders could easily find key items on our site.

The new website will provide you easy and efficient access to the most requested service information and create effective communications for real-time alerts and news plus important information that may affect your commute.

We have sought to simplify the site’s navigation through new visual elements and maps and made it compatible with major browsers with a load time of less than two seconds. It is designed to integrate with social media and is accessible for people with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities. The website also has a multi-language translator powered by Google

Translate, and in the near future, we will integrate a trip planner powered by Google Transit.

Please visit the new website at www.vre.org and let us know what you think. If you have comments or suggestions for the new site, please email [email protected].

VRE WEBSITE


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Get Noticed With VRE AdvertisingVRE carries 20,000 passengers every workday and 70 percent of passengers have an annual household income of more than $100,000.

Reach our passengers with advertising opportunities on our platforms, in our trains and through our award-winning RIDE Magazine.

For more information go to www.vre.org/advertising or contact [email protected] or (703) 838-5417.

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Positive Train Control Update VRE is implementing Positive Train Control (PTC) technology, as it will further enhance the safety of our passengers and service. President Obama signed a short term surface transportation funding authorization bill that includes a three year extension to the December 31, 2015 deadline for implementation of PTC. This means that there will be no service disruption to VRE due to this issue. VRE continues to work with our host railroads to fully implement PTC.


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Documents

RIDE Magazine | December 2015/January 2016 1 › sites › vre › assets › File › Ride › 15-VRE-11… · 2 RIDE Magazine | December 2015/January 2016 RIDE | December 2015/January