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[CNJRoss]

VRE Train Talk eNews, 9/17:

 

VRE Will Operate Normal Service During Papal Visit to DC

 

As most of you know, Pope Francis is scheduled to arrive in the Washington D.C. area the evening of September 22^nd. On September 23^rd and the morning of September 24^th, there are several events scheduled that will likely result in extreme congestion directly affecting the interstates, secondary roads and public transportation. As such, VRE plans to operate normal service, with the only adjustments being longer consist lengths for the early AM and early PM trains for both the 23^rd and the 24th. Due to anticipated congestion at the stations and heightened security, VRE trains could experience delays, especially closer to the downtown DC area.

 

For our everyday riders, please take all these factors into consideration when planning your commute on these days.

 

For riders who will use our service for the first time to see Pope Francis, here are some instructions and tips for using VRE:

1. Pick your stations

• First, check out our System Map and pick the stations you wish to travel to and from. Trying to decide between two stations? To look at the amenities offered, click the station name on the map to tell you not only how to get there, but what "extras" are available.

1. Buy ticket(s)

• After you pick stations, take note of your zones. The zone that your station starts in is the originating station and the station you will arrive at is your destination station. This zone pairing will determine your fare.
• Purchase a ticket on any of our platforms at our ticket vending machines (TVMs) using any major credit card (TVMs do not accept cash). If you have a smartphone, you can get the VRE Mobile app, available for download on the iTunes and Google Play Stores.
• If you are just riding for Pope Francis's visit, we recommend purchasing a Day Pass for each day you ride our service. Once you validate (see #3), the ticket is good for a round trip on the same day you validate the ticket.
• If you are traveling with a group and want a discount, you can purchase a Ten-Trip and multiple people (up to ten) can ride on that one ticket. Just make sure you validate for each person traveling on the ticket (see #3). One validation on a Ten-Trip is good for only one person, one way.

1. Validate ticket(s)

• Validation is activating your ticket and making it valid for travel.
• TVMs will validate your ticket once by inserting into the ticket slot. Multiple validations require multiple insertions into the TVMs.
• If you have a VRE Mobile ticket, you validate the ticket in the app by tapping on the ticket in the "My Tickets" section. For multiple riders, tap on “Multiple Riders” in the iOS version and by pressing and holding a ticket in the Android version. Then you select how many riders by using the “-“ and “+” signs that appear on the ticket(s).

1. Get on the train

• Specific departure times can be found by visiting the schedule page on our website.
• Note: the time on the schedule is time the train will depart the station, be sure to be on the platform with your ticket validated and ready to board prior to the departure time. We suggest that you be on the platform with your ticket validated at least 10 minutes prior to the train’s departure time.
• Per the Code of Virginia § 18.2-160.1, you must have a valid ticket before boarding the train.

Should you have any questions you can email us at GoTrains@vre.org and we will respond within one business day, or you can call our office on business days at 703.684.1001 between the hours of 6am to 7pm.

 

On the 23rd and 24th, VRE will have staff on-hand at key VRE stations where ridership is expected to be heaviest to assist riders.