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[CNJRoss]

VRE Train Talk Alert 5:30 am 1/29/19:

 

SERVICE ADVISORY

VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESS (VRE)

 

Earlier Afternoon Trains
will be Lengthened Today

 

 

To accommodate the anticipated larger volume of early afternoon riders due to the upcoming weather event, we will adjust the number of cars on train sets for the Fredericksburg line. While VRE does not have the ability to alter our schedule, we hope to better accommodate passengers with this change. The train sets are as follows:

 

301       7 cars

303       8 cars

305       6 cars

307       8 cars

309       6 cars

311       6 cars

313       5 cars

315       4 cars

We ask that you please use caution and watch for potential slippery conditions as you travel. If you notice any slippery parking lots or platforms, please let us know.

 

[CNJRoss]

Excerpts from VRE monthly online forum, 2/5/19:

 

• David from Bristow asks
  Any lessons learned from 1/29?

   

• VRE Response

• Thanks for asking David.  Because we do not have the option of changing our schedule to accommodate late starts or early releases by the Federal Government, the best we can do is change which trains operate in each time slot, making sure we have the longest trains in the busiest slots.

   

• On 1/29, we were told the early release would be structured so everyone would be simply leaving two hours earlier than their regular schedule.  So, we adjusted train lengths accordingly.

   

• On the Fredericksburg Line, we expected the midday train (301) to be busy, so it had 7 cars. This is consistent with what we do on the Fridays before a holiday weekend. The first two afternoon trains (303 and 305) operate only 15 minutes apart, so we had an 8 car and a 6 car.  That left the remaining 8 car set for 307.

•  

• We carried 5700 passengers up during the morning commute.  When more than 2500 showed up for 301 emphasis added), we simply did not have the capacity to board everyone.

•  

• The challenge is everyone showing up for a single train.  From a lessons learned standpoint, we will be more proactive in our messaging about the potential for crowding and more explicit in communicating the constraints we have in not being able to simply run more trains or alter our schedules.

   

• Hope that helps.

 

 

 

 

• Debbie from Broad Run, VA asks

• On Jan. 29th, OPM released Federal workers 2 hours early due to the weather. The train, I rode on to Manassas was overly packed with standing room only even in the vestibule areas & the upper levels. It seemed to be unsafe for everyone to ride this way. What, I don't understand is why the conductors did not communicate with each other and the passengers as to where available seating was much less stop letting people get on the train since it was so packed. I recall receiving an email earlier in the day that said due to the weather that extra cars would be added to Fredericksburg trains, but nothing about the Manassas Line. Both Lines should have added cars to the earlier trains to accommodate the load , but the capacity that was reached should never have been allowed. Please prepare better for the next time.

•  

• VRE Response
  Debbie, We do not have the ability to add cars, but we can change the order in which the longer trains operate to better accommodate expected larger crowds.  On the Manassas Line we have 5 train sets.  3 of those have 8 cars and make multiple trips, so we already had the longest sets on the trains which needed the space.  The issue was the fact that too many people showed up for a single train.  The conductors did a great job of being able to accommodate as many passengers as was safe to do so.  Other passengers were denied boarding and had to wait for the next train.