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The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) provides service exclusively on weekends.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) operates exclusively during weekday rush hours, not on weekends.
VRE operates two distinct lines: the Fredericksburg Line and the Manassas Line.
Answer: True
Explanation: VRE operates two primary lines: the Fredericksburg Line and the Manassas Line, connecting Northern Virginia to Washington D.C.
The VRE system is approximately 90 miles long.
Answer: True
Explanation: The VRE system spans approximately 90 miles.
The reporting mark for the Virginia Railway Express is VREX.
Answer: True
Explanation: The reporting mark for the Virginia Railway Express is indeed VREX.
What is the primary function of the Virginia Railway Express (VRE)?
Answer: To serve as a commuter rail service connecting Northern Virginia communities to Washington Union Station.
Explanation: The primary function of the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is to provide commuter rail service, connecting communities in Northern Virginia to Washington Union Station.
VRE trains typically operate during which times?
Answer: Weekday rush hours only, in the peak direction
Explanation: VRE trains typically operate only during weekday rush hours, providing service in the peak direction towards Washington D.C. in the morning and away from the city in the afternoon.
Which of the following is NOT a line operated by VRE?
Answer: The Northern Virginia Line
Explanation: The Northern Virginia Line is not operated by VRE; its lines are the Fredericksburg Line and the Manassas Line.
VRE began its operations in the summer of 1992.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commenced operations in June 1992.
VRE initially operated with EMD RP39-2C diesel locomotives, rebuilt from EMD GP40s.
Answer: True
Explanation: VRE's initial fleet included EMD RP39-2C diesel locomotives, which were rebuilt from EMD GP40s.
VRE's original Mafersa coaches were all sold to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Answer: False
Explanation: VRE sold most, but not all, of its original Mafersa coaches to the Connecticut Department of Transportation; the remainder were sold to another entity.
What type of locomotives did VRE initially use, rebuilt from EMD GP40s?
Answer: EMD RP39-2C
Explanation: VRE initially operated with EMD RP39-2C diesel locomotives, which were rebuilt from EMD GP40s.
What happened to most of VRE's original Mafersa coaches?
Answer: They were sold to the Connecticut Department of Transportation.
Explanation: Most of VRE's original Mafersa coaches were sold to the Connecticut Department of Transportation; the remainder were sold to QIT-Fer et Titane.
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is solely owned and operated by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Answer: False
Explanation: VRE is jointly owned by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), not solely by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) was established in 1986 to facilitate VRE funding agreements.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) was established in 1986, playing a role in facilitating VRE funding agreements and governance.
VRE's funding is primarily derived from passenger fares.
Answer: False
Explanation: VRE's primary funding source is a dedicated 2% motor fuels tax, supplemented by passenger fares and local government contributions, rather than being primarily derived from fares.
VRE fares are determined by a flat rate regardless of distance traveled.
Answer: False
Explanation: VRE fares are determined by distance traveled, utilizing fare zones, not a flat rate.
The VRE Operations Board includes representatives from both NVTC and PRTC.
Answer: True
Explanation: The VRE Operations Board comprises representatives from both the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC).
The funding formula for VRE participating jurisdictions is based 90% on population and 10% on ridership.
Answer: False
Explanation: The VRE funding formula for participating jurisdictions is weighted 90% on ridership and 10% on population, not the other way around.
Which two entities jointly own the Virginia Railway Express?
Answer: The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC)
Explanation: The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is jointly owned by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC).
What is the primary mode of funding for VRE operations?
Answer: A dedicated 2% motor fuels tax
Explanation: VRE's primary funding is derived from a dedicated 2% motor fuels tax, supplemented by passenger fares and local government contributions.
What is the purpose of the VRE Operations Board?
Answer: To oversee the operations and governance of the Virginia Railway Express.
Explanation: The VRE Operations Board is responsible for overseeing the operations and governance of the Virginia Railway Express.
Why was the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) initially created?
Answer: Due to disagreements between Prince William/Stafford counties and NVTC regarding VRE support.
Explanation: The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) was initially created due to disagreements between Prince William/Stafford counties and NVTC regarding VRE support.
How is the VRE funding formula weighted among participating jurisdictions?
Answer: 90% ridership, 10% population
Explanation: The VRE funding formula for participating jurisdictions is weighted 90% based on ridership by jurisdiction of residence and 10% based on population.
How are VRE fares determined?
Answer: Based on distance traveled, using fare zones.
Explanation: VRE fares are determined based on distance traveled, utilizing fare zones.
VRE operates exclusively on tracks owned by VRE itself.
Answer: False
Explanation: VRE operates on tracks owned by Amtrak, Norfolk Southern, and CSX Transportation, in addition to its own purchased right-of-way.
Keolis is the primary operator of VRE services under contract.
Answer: True
Explanation: Keolis is contracted to operate the VRE services.
The cross-honoring agreement between VRE and MARC Train allows unlimited transfers between the two systems at any time.
Answer: False
Explanation: The cross-honoring agreement with MARC Train permits transfers only on trains traveling in the opposite direction of typical rush-hour commuters, not unlimited transfers at any time.
Amtrak's Northeast Regional trains bound for Roanoke utilize the Fredericksburg Line.
Answer: False
Explanation: Amtrak's Northeast Regional trains bound for Roanoke utilize the Manassas Line, not the Fredericksburg Line.
MPI MP36PH-3C locomotives are the newest type of locomotive purchased by VRE.
Answer: False
Explanation: While MPI MP36PH-3C locomotives were the first new locomotives purchased by VRE, the provided information does not confirm they are the newest type purchased.
VRE currently uses Sumitomo/Nippon Sharyo gallery cars, replacing older Pullman-Standard cars.
Answer: True
Explanation: VRE currently utilizes Sumitomo/Nippon Sharyo gallery cars, which replaced older Pullman-Standard gallery cars.
VRE uses standard gauge track, measuring 4 feet 8 1/2 inches.
Answer: True
Explanation: VRE operates on standard gauge track, measuring 4 feet 8 1/2 inches.
The state of Virginia purchased the Long Bridge into Washington, D.C. from Norfolk Southern in December 2019.
Answer: False
Explanation: The state of Virginia purchased portions of the right-of-way and track, including the Long Bridge into Washington, D.C., from CSX Transportation in December 2019, not from Norfolk Southern.
On whose tracks does VRE operate, besides its own purchased right-of-way?
Answer: Amtrak, Norfolk Southern, and CSX Transportation
Explanation: VRE operates on tracks owned by Amtrak, Norfolk Southern, and CSX Transportation, in addition to its own purchased right-of-way.
What is the standard track gauge used by VRE?
Answer: 4 feet 8 1/2 inches
Explanation: VRE utilizes standard gauge track, which measures 4 feet 8 1/2 inches.
Who operates the VRE services under contract?
Answer: Keolis
Explanation: Keolis operates the VRE services under contract.
The cross-honoring agreement allows VRE passengers to transfer to MARC Train services under what condition?
Answer: Only on trains traveling in the opposite direction of typical rush-hour commuters.
Explanation: The cross-honoring agreement allows VRE passengers to transfer to MARC Train services on trains traveling in the opposite direction of typical rush-hour commuters.
Which Amtrak train services use the Manassas Line?
Answer: Cardinal, Crescent, and Northeast Regional (Roanoke)
Explanation: Amtrak's Cardinal, Crescent, and Northeast Regional (Roanoke) trains utilize the Manassas Line.
Which company currently operates VRE's services under contract?
Answer: Keolis
Explanation: Keolis currently operates VRE's services under contract.
What deal involving the Long Bridge into Washington, D.C. was brokered in December 2019?
Answer: The state of Virginia purchased significant portions of the right-of-way and track from CSX.
Explanation: In December 2019, the state of Virginia purchased significant portions of the right-of-way and track from CSX Transportation, including the Long Bridge into Washington, D.C.
Service on the Manassas Line originates from Spotsylvania, Virginia.
Answer: False
Explanation: Service on the Manassas Line originates from Broad Run station in Bristow, Virginia, not Spotsylvania, which is the terminus of the Fredericksburg Line.
VRE decided to extend the Manassas Line to Gainesville and Haymarket due to high projected ridership.
Answer: False
Explanation: VRE decided against extending the Manassas Line to Gainesville and Haymarket due to the high projected cost relative to anticipated ridership increases.
The Manassas and Fredericksburg lines diverge at Washington Union Station.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Manassas and Fredericksburg lines diverge at Alexandria Union Station, not Washington Union Station.
The Clifton station on the Manassas Line is designated for regular weekday commuter service.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Clifton station on the Manassas Line is designated for special events only, not for regular weekday commuter service.
The Potomac Shores station on the Fredericksburg Line is fully operational and serves regular passengers.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Potomac Shores station on the Fredericksburg Line is currently under development and not yet fully operational for regular passengers.
The Fredericksburg Line runs from Broad Run station, while the Manassas Line runs from Spotsylvania.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Fredericksburg Line runs from Spotsylvania, Virginia, while the Manassas Line runs from Broad Run station.
Which of the following stations serves as the western terminus for the Manassas Line?
Answer: Broad Run station
Explanation: Broad Run station serves as the western terminus for the Manassas Line.
What was the primary reason VRE decided against extending the Manassas Line to Gainesville and Haymarket?
Answer: The high cost ($660 million) relative to projected ridership increase.
Explanation: The primary reason VRE decided against extending the Manassas Line to Gainesville and Haymarket was the high estimated cost ($660 million) relative to projected ridership increases.
At which station do the Manassas and Fredericksburg VRE lines connect before heading towards Washington D.C.?
Answer: Alexandria Union Station
Explanation: The Manassas and Fredericksburg VRE lines connect at Alexandria Union Station before proceeding towards Washington D.C.
In which US state are all VRE stations located, except for two?
Answer: Virginia
Explanation: All VRE stations, except for Washington Union Station and L'Enfant Plaza, are located in Virginia.
What is the designation for the Clifton station on the Manassas Line?
Answer: Special events only
Explanation: The Clifton station on the Manassas Line is designated for special events only, not regular weekday service.
The 2006 VRE derailment was caused by VRE's own track maintenance failures.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2006 VRE derailment near Quantico was caused by a deteriorated switch point maintained by CSX Transportation, not by VRE's own track maintenance failures.
A review of VRE management in 2012 was prompted by concerns over service reliability.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 2012 review of VRE management was prompted by reports of corruption and favoritism, not solely by concerns over service reliability.
In 2024, the VRE system transported over 1.6 million passengers.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 2024, the VRE system transported 1,605,300 passengers, which is over 1.6 million.
What was the approximate daily weekday ridership for VRE as of the second quarter of 2025?
Answer: 11,000 passengers
Explanation: As of the second quarter of 2025, the approximate daily weekday ridership for VRE is 11,000 passengers.
What was the cause of the VRE derailment near Quantico on January 5, 2006?
Answer: A deteriorated switch point due to CSX's maintenance practices.
Explanation: The VRE derailment near Quantico on January 5, 2006, was caused by a deteriorated switch point maintained by CSX Transportation.