What is the Virginia Railway Express (VRE)?

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is a commuter rail service that connects outlying communities in Northern Virginia to Washington Union Station in Washington, D.C. It operates two lines, the Fredericksburg Line and the Manassas Line, exclusively during weekday rush hours.

When did the Virginia Railway Express begin operations?

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) began operations on June 22, 1992, with service to Manassas. The Fredericksburg service commenced shortly after, on July 20, 1992.

What are the two lines operated by VRE, and what are their termini?

VRE operates two lines: the Fredericksburg Line, which runs from Spotsylvania, Virginia, and the Manassas Line, which runs from Broad Run station in Bristow, Virginia. Both lines terminate at Washington Union Station in Washington, D.C.

What is the typical service schedule for VRE?

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) trains operate only during weekday rush hours. Service is provided in the peak direction, meaning trains travel towards Washington, D.C. in the morning and away from the city in the afternoon.

What was the ridership of VRE in 2024?

In 2024, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) system served 1,605,300 passengers.

What is the approximate daily weekday ridership for VRE as of mid-2025?

As of the second quarter of 2025, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) has an approximate daily weekday ridership of 11,000 passengers.

On which railroads' tracks does VRE operate?

VRE operates on tracks owned by Amtrak, Norfolk Southern, and CSX Transportation. In December 2019, the state of Virginia began purchasing significant portions of the right-of-way and track from CSX, including the Long Bridge into Washington, D.C., to facilitate service improvements.

How is VRE funded and governed?

VRE is funded through a 2% motor fuels tax established by legislation. It is governed by a VRE Operations Board, which includes voting members from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), along with a representative from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

What was the historical context for the creation of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC)?

The Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) was created in 1986 because Prince William and Stafford counties, along with the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, could not reach an agreement on how to support VRE by joining the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC).

How is VRE's funding formula determined for participating jurisdictions?

The funding formula for VRE participating jurisdictions is weighted, with 90% based on the ridership by jurisdiction of residence and 10% based on population.

What is the total length of the VRE system?

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) system spans 90 miles (145 kilometers).

What is the track gauge used by VRE?

The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) utilizes standard gauge track, which is 4 feet 8 1/2 inches (1,435 millimeters).

What is the primary operator of VRE's services?

Keolis operates the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) services under contract. This arrangement began in July 2010, following a contract awarded in November 2009.

What is the cross-honoring agreement between VRE and MARC Train?

The cross-honoring agreement allows passengers to transfer between VRE and MARC Train services. Specifically, passengers can transfer to trains on the other system that are traveling in the opposite direction of the typical rush-hour commuters.

Which Amtrak services also use the Manassas Line?

In addition to VRE trains, Amtrak's Crescent, Cardinal, and Northeast Regional trains (bound for Roanoke) also utilize the Manassas Line.

Which Amtrak services also use the Fredericksburg Line?

The Fredericksburg Line is also used by Amtrak services traveling to Richmond, Virginia, and points south, including the Silver Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, and Northeast Regional trains heading to Hampton Roads.

What was the outcome of VRE's study for extending service to Gainesville and Haymarket?

VRE studied an extension of the Manassas Line to Gainesville and Haymarket but decided against it due to the estimated $660 million cost not being justified by the projected increase in ridership. Instead, VRE decided to pursue added service on the existing line to Broad Run.

How are VRE fares structured?

VRE fares are determined by distance, with its 19 stations organized into fare zones.

At which station do the Manassas and Fredericksburg lines diverge?

The Manassas Line and the Fredericksburg Line diverge at Alexandria Union Station in Alexandria, Virginia.

What type of locomotives did VRE initially operate?

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commenced operations in 1992 with ten EMD RP39-2C diesel locomotives, which were rebuilt from EMD GP40s.

What types of passenger coaches did VRE initially use?

Initially, VRE operated 38 Mafersa coaches and 21 remanufactured Budd Rail Diesel Cars (RDCs) acquired from the MBTA.

What happened to VRE's original Mafersa coaches?

VRE sold 33 of its Mafersa coaches to the Connecticut Department of Transportation in 2004 for its Shore Line East service. The remaining five cars were sold in 2008 to QIT-Fer et Titane, a Quebec mining company.

What are the current primary locomotives used by VRE?

As of recent reports, VRE trains are typically pulled by one or two MPI MP36PH-3C locomotives, which were the first new locomotives purchased by VRE.

What types of passenger cars are currently in use by VRE?

VRE currently uses Sumitomo/Nippon Sharyo gallery cars, which replaced older Pullman-Standard gallery cars acquired from Metra. These cars are typically configured with four to eight cars per train.

What was the cause of the VRE derailment on January 5, 2006?

The derailment of VRE train No. 304 near Quantico, Virginia, on January 5, 2006, was attributed to CSX's maintenance practices. Specifically, a switch point that had been identified as deteriorating was not replaced, leading to the derailment.

What were the consequences of the January 5, 2006 VRE derailment?

The derailment resulted in minor injuries to four people, including the assistant conductor. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the cause was CSX's failure to maintain a critical switch point.

What issues led to a review of VRE management in 2012?

In October 2012, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell initiated a review of VRE management due to reports of corruption, favoritism, and the disregard of warnings concerning the new Broad Run platform's potential impact on trains.

What is the reporting mark for the Virginia Railway Express?

The reporting mark for the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is VREX.

Which stations are served by the Manassas Line?

The Manassas Line serves stations including Washington Union Station, L'Enfant, Crystal City, Alexandria Union Station, Backlick Road, Rolling Road, Burke Centre, Clifton (special events only), Manassas Park, Manassas, and Broad Run.

Which stations are served by the Fredericksburg Line?

The Fredericksburg Line serves stations including Washington Union Station, L'Enfant, Crystal City, Alexandria Union Station, Franconia–Springfield, Lorton, Woodbridge, Rippon, Potomac Shores (under development), Quantico, Brooke, Leeland Road, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania.

What is the purpose of the VRE Operations Board?

The VRE Operations Board was established to oversee the operations of the Virginia Railway Express. It consists of voting members from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), plus a representative from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

What is the status of the Potomac Shores station on the Fredericksburg Line?

The Potomac Shores station on the Fredericksburg Line is currently under development.

What is the seating capacity of the Gallery IV trailer cars?

The Gallery IV trailer cars used by VRE have a seating capacity of 132, with some having 144 seats.

Which VRE locomotives were sold to the US Army?

VRE locomotives V21 (an EMD RP40-2C) and V22 and V24 (EMD GP40H-2 models) were sold to the United States Army.

What is the total number of VRE stations, including seasonal and planned ones?

The VRE system has 19 year-round stations, plus one seasonal station and one planned station.

What is the significance of the December 2019 deal brokered by Governor Ralph Northam for VRE?

The December 2019 deal brokered by Governor Ralph Northam involved the state of Virginia purchasing large portions of the right-of-way and track from CSX Transportation, including the Long Bridge into Washington, D.C. This deal is intended to enable expansion and improvements for VRE service.

What was the cost of the initial EMD RP39-2C locomotives for VRE?

The ten EMD RP39-2C diesel locomotives, rebuilt from EMD GP40s by Morrison-Knudsen, cost VRE a total of $5.9 million.

What was the cost of the initial Mafersa coaches for VRE?

The 38 Mafersa coaches purchased by VRE cost $24.7 million, averaging between $600,000 and $700,000 per car.

Which VRE locomotives were sold to Metra?

VRE locomotive V32, an EMD F40PH-2, was sold to Metra and renumbered as 217.

What is the purpose of the 'Special events only' designation for the Clifton station?

The Clifton station on the Manassas Line is designated for 'Special events only,' meaning it is not part of the regular weekday commuter service but may be used for specific events.

What is the approximate distance between Washington Union Station and Broad Run station on the Manassas Line?

The distance between Washington Union Station and Broad Run station on the Manassas Line is approximately 35.9 miles (57.8 kilometers).

What is the approximate distance between Washington Union Station and Spotsylvania station on the Fredericksburg Line?

The distance between Washington Union Station and Spotsylvania station on the Fredericksburg Line is approximately 60.3 miles (97.0 kilometers).

Which VRE stations are located in the District of Columbia?

The VRE stations located in the District of Columbia are Washington Union Station and L'Enfant Plaza station.

Which VRE stations are located in Virginia?

All VRE stations other than Washington Union Station and L'Enfant Plaza are located in Virginia. These include stations in Alexandria, Crystal City, Springfield, Burke Centre, Clifton, Manassas Park, Manassas, Broad Run, Franconia-Springfield, Lorton, Woodbridge, Rippon, Potomac Shores, Quantico, Brooke, Leeland Road, Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania.

What is the daily boarding count for L'Enfant Plaza station on the Manassas Line according to 2012 data?

According to 2012 data, the L'Enfant Plaza station on the Manassas Line had 2,050 daily boardings.

What is the daily boarding count for Fredericksburg station according to 2012 data?

According to 2012 data, the Fredericksburg station on the Fredericksburg Line had 1,770 daily boardings.

What is the daily boarding count for Burke Centre station according to 2012 data?

According to 2012 data, the Burke Centre station on the Manassas Line had 920 daily boardings.

What is the daily boarding count for Leeland Road station according to 2012 data?

According to 2012 data, the Leeland Road station on the Fredericksburg Line had 1,100 daily boardings.

What is the daily boarding count for Broad Run station according to 2012 data?

According to 2012 data, the Broad Run station on the Manassas Line had 1,290 daily boardings.

Virginia Railway Express Wiki: Virginia Rail Express: Connecting Communities by Rail

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System Overview

Geographic Reach

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is a vital commuter rail service connecting the outlying communities of Northern Virginia with the federal capital, Washington D.C. It operates two distinct lines, serving as a critical link for thousands of daily commuters.

Operational History

Service to Manassas began on June 22, 1992; the Fredericksburg service started on July 20, 1992.^[3] VRE is jointly owned by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC), governmental entities established by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Ridership Metrics

In 2024, the system had a ridership of 1,605,300 passengers.^[2] As of the second quarter of 2025, VRE averages approximately 11,000 weekday riders.^[1]

Historical Context

Early Discussions and Planning

The concept of commuter rail in Northern Virginia dates back to 1964, with formal planning for VRE beginning in earnest in 1984. Initial proposals faced opposition from freight railroads. The establishment of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and later the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC) were crucial steps in enabling VRE's development.^[5]

Jurisdictional Agreements

By 1988, the VRE Operations Board was established, comprising representatives from NVTC, PRTC, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Funding agreements were finalized, with contributions weighted by ridership (90%) and population (10%). Jurisdictions like Arlington, Alexandria, Fredericksburg, and Manassas Park became key participants.^[5]

System Growth

Spotsylvania County joined the VRE system in February 2010, leading to the construction and opening of the Spotsylvania station in November 2015, marking a significant expansion of the Fredericksburg Line's reach.^[6]^[7]

Service Operations

Service Schedule

VRE operates exclusively during weekday rush hours. Trains run towards Washington D.C. in the morning and depart towards Manassas or Fredericksburg in the afternoon. Service may be adjusted or suspended on certain holidays.^[8]

Inter-Agency Cooperation

A cross-honoring agreement allows VRE passengers to transfer to MARC Train services traveling in the opposite direction of commuter flow, enhancing regional connectivity and flexibility for passengers.^[9]

Infrastructure and Management

VRE utilizes trackage owned by Amtrak, Norfolk Southern, and CSX Transportation. A significant 2019 agreement with CSX Transportation involved the state's purchase of key right-of-way and track segments, including the Long Bridge, facilitating future service enhancements.^[10] Keolis manages VRE's operations and maintenance under contract.^[11]^[12]

Lines and Stations

Manassas Line

This line traverses Norfolk Southern trackage, connecting stations from Broad Run in Bristow, Virginia, to Washington Union Station. It also serves as a corridor for Amtrak's intercity services. VRE studied an extension to Gainesville and Haymarket but focused on enhancing service on the existing line.^[19]

The Manassas Line features 10 stations, including connections to Washington Metro and Amtrak services at key points like Alexandria Union Station and Washington Union Station.

Miles (km)	Zone	State	Location	Station	Connections
0 (0)	1	DC	Washington	Washington Union Station	Metro, MARC, Amtrak
1.8 (2.9)	1	DC	Washington	L'Enfant	Metro
4.3 (6.9)	2	VA	Crystal City	Crystal City	Metro, Metroway
8.3 (13.4)	2	VA	Alexandria	Alexandria Union Station	Metro, Amtrak
15.1 (24.3)	3	VA	Springfield	Backlick Road
19.3 (31.1)	4	VA	Burke	Rolling Road
21.6 (34.8)	4	VA	Burke Centre	Burke Centre	Amtrak
26.8 (43.1)		VA	Clifton	Clifton	Special events only
30.6 (49.2)	6	VA	Manassas Park	Manassas Park
32.7 (52.6)	6	VA	Manassas	Manassas	Amtrak
35.9 (57.8)		VA	Bristow	Broad Run

Fredericksburg Line

This line operates on CSX trackage, extending from Fredericksburg, Virginia, north to Washington Union Station. It also accommodates Amtrak's services to Richmond and points south. An extension to Spotsylvania opened in November 2015.^[21]

The Fredericksburg Line comprises 11 stations, including the recently opened Spotsylvania station, and offers connections to Metro and Amtrak.

Miles (km)	Zone	State	Location	Station	Connections
0 (0)	1	DC	Washington, D.C.	Washington Union Station	Metro, MARC, Amtrak
1.8 (2.9)	1	DC	Washington, D.C.	L'Enfant	Metro
4.3 (6.9)	2	VA	Crystal City	Crystal City	Metro, Metroway
8.3 (13.4)	2	VA	Alexandria	Alexandria Union Station	Metro, Amtrak
15.7 (25.3)	3	VA	Springfield	Franconia–Springfield	Metro
20.2 (32.5)	4	VA	Lorton	Lorton
24.6 (39.6)	5	VA	Woodbridge	Woodbridge	Amtrak
27.9 (44.9)	5	VA	Featherstone	Rippon
30.6 (49.2)		VA	Dumfries	Potomac Shores	Under development
34.8 (56.0)	6	VA	Quantico	Quantico	Amtrak
45.7 (73.5)	8	VA	Brooke	Brooke
50.2 (80.8)	8	VA	Leeland	Leeland Road
54.2 (87.2)	9	VA	Fredericksburg	Fredericksburg	Amtrak
60.3 (97.0)	9	VA	Olive	Spotsylvania	Opened 2015

Rolling Stock

Locomotives

VRE's locomotive fleet primarily consists of MPI MP36PH-3C units, acquired starting in 2010. Earlier operations utilized EMD RP39-2C, RP40-2C, and F40PH-2 models, many of which have since been retired or sold.

Details on VRE's locomotive roster, including retired and active units:

Numbers	Status	Model	Notes
V1–V10	Retired	EMD RP39-2C	Rebuilt by Morrison-Knudsen; sold to other operators.^[29]
V20–V21	Retired	EMD RP40-2C	Rebuilt by Morrison-Knudsen; sold to Royal Gorge Route Railroad and US Army.^[29]
V22–V24	Retired	EMD GP40H-2	Sold to US Army and other operators.^[29]
V30–V36	Retired	EMD F40PH-2	Former Amtrak units; various sales to operators and US Army.^[29]
V50–V69	Active	MPI MP36PH-3C	Order of 20 units, delivered starting 2010. First new locomotives purchased by VRE.^[28]^[30]^[31]^[32]

Passenger Coaches

VRE's coach fleet has evolved significantly. Initially operating Mafersa coaches and Budd RDCs, the system now relies on Sumitomo/Nippon Sharyo gallery cars, acquired from 2006 onwards, replacing older Pullman-Standard gallery cars.^[27]

Details on VRE's passenger coach fleet:

Numbers	Years Built	Status	Builder	Model	Seats
405, 408, 412, 413, 415*^[28]	1956	Retired	Pullman Company	Gallery I coach	123
421-430*^[28]	1956	Retired	Pullman Company	Gallery II coach	123
431-458*^[28]	1960-66	Retired	Pullman Company	Gallery III coach	123
710–730*^[28]	2006–08	Active	Sumitomo / Nippon Sharyo	Gallery IV cab car	123
800–819*, 850–869, 870–879^[28]	2007–09	Active	Sumitomo / Nippon Sharyo	Gallery IV trailer car	132* / 144
820–848*†^[28]	2014	Active	Sumitomo / Nippon Sharyo	Gallery IV trailer car	132

*With restroom

†Additional cars procured from options.^[32]

Safety and Incidents

2006 Derailment

On January 5, 2006, VRE train No. 304 derailed near Quantico, Virginia, resulting in minor injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) attributed the incident to CSX's maintenance practices concerning a deteriorating switch point.^[34]

Management Review

In October 2012, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell initiated a review of VRE management due to reports of corruption and favoritism, including concerns about disregard for warnings regarding platform clearance at the Broad Run station.^[35]

Accessibility

All VRE stations are designed to be accessible, ensuring that passengers with disabilities can utilize the service effectively. This commitment to accessibility is a fundamental aspect of public transportation infrastructure.

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References

Virginia Railway Express Launched International Railway Journal September 1992 page 71

Virginia find a bargain in Brazil: a $700,000 commuter car Railway Age March 1990 page 28

A full list of references for this article are available at the Virginia Railway Express Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational and informational purposes only. It is based on data sourced from Wikipedia and may not reflect the most current information or all nuances of the Virginia Railway Express system.

This is not official transportation advice. Information regarding schedules, fares, routes, and operational status should always be verified with the official Virginia Railway Express website or direct communication channels. Reliance on this information for critical travel decisions is not advised.

The creators of this page are not affiliated with VRE or Wikipedia and are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of this information.

Virginia Rail Express

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System Overview ℹ️

📍 Geographic Reach

📅 Operational History

📊 Ridership Metrics

Historical Context ⏳

📜 Early Discussions and Planning

🤝 Jurisdictional Agreements

expansion System Growth

Service Operations ⚙️

⏰ Service Schedule

↔️ Inter-Agency Cooperation

🛤️ Infrastructure and Management

Lines and Stations 🛤️

↔️ Manassas Line

↔️ Fredericksburg Line

Rolling Stock 🚂

locomotive Locomotives

🚃 Passenger Coaches

Safety and Incidents 🛡️

⚠️ 2006 Derailment

⚖️ Management Review

♿ Accessibility

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

System Overview

Geographic Reach

Operational History

Ridership Metrics

Historical Context

Early Discussions and Planning

Jurisdictional Agreements

System Growth

Service Operations

Service Schedule

Inter-Agency Cooperation

Infrastructure and Management

Lines and Stations

Manassas Line

Fredericksburg Line

Rolling Stock

Locomotives

Passenger Coaches

Safety and Incidents

2006 Derailment

Management Review

Accessibility

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice