Table of Contents
Quick Facts
| Year Founded | 1992 |
| Total Track Mileage | 90 |
| Total Locomotives | 26 |
| Number of Employees | 400 |
| Number of States Located In | 1 and DC |
| Headquarters | Alexandria VA |
| Websites | https://www.vre.org/ |
Information and History
The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is a commuter rail service that operates in Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas. The VRE was established in 1992, and it is jointly owned by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission.
The VRE operates on two main lines, the Fredericksburg Line and the Manassas Line. The Fredericksburg Line runs from Fredericksburg, Virginia, to Union Station in Washington, D.C. The Manassas Line runs from Manassas, Virginia, to Union Station in Washington, D.C. Both lines make stops at various stations along the way, including stations in Stafford, Quantico, Woodbridge, Burke, and more.
The VRE uses diesel locomotives to pull its passenger cars. The locomotives are either F40PH-2C or GP40H-2 models, and they are equipped with technology to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The passenger cars used on the VRE are either gallery or bi-level coaches, and they are designed to provide comfortable and efficient transportation for commuters.
The history of the VRE can be traced back to the early 20th century when the predecessor railroads were established. The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad (RF&P) was established in the 1830s, and it played a significant role in transporting passengers and freight between Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The RF&P was eventually merged with other railroads to form the CSX Transportation system.
Another predecessor railroad, the Washington Southern Railroad, was established in the late 19th century to provide transportation between Alexandria, Virginia, and Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Washington Southern Railroad was eventually acquired by the RF&P.
In the 1970s, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission began studying the feasibility of establishing a commuter rail service in the area. The VRE was officially established in 1992, and it began operations in 1992 with the Fredericksburg Line.
Getting There
The nearest Amtrak station to the VRE is Union Station in Washington, D.C. Union Station is served by Amtrak‘s Northeast Regional, Acela Express, and other trains. Passengers can transfer to the VRE at Union Station to continue their journey to Northern Virginia.
The nearest commercial airport to the VRE is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. From the airport, passengers can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to Union Station to transfer to the VRE. Alternatively, passengers can take the Metrorail Blue Line from the airport to the Rosslyn Station and transfer to the VRE at the Crystal City Station.
In conclusion, the Virginia Railway Express is an important commuter rail service in Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas. With its two main lines, the Fredericksburg Line and the Manassas Line, the VRE provides convenient transportation for commuters and travelers alike. The VRE’s history can be traced back to the early 20th century and the establishment of the predecessor railroads. Today, the VRE continues to provide reliable and efficient transportation for the growing population of Northern Virginia.
