Pre-Turkey Day Train Talk
November 23, 2004 1:20p
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The following is covered in this edition to Train Talk:
1) Thanksgiving Schedule
2) Amtrak Trains During the Thanksgiving Week
3) Operation Lifesaver Santa Trains Tickets On Sale Monday, November 29
4) Changes to Train Consists for Wednesday, November 24
5) "VRE Update" On Seats Tomorrow
6) Holiday Calendar Dates
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Thanksgiving Schedule
A reminder that VRE will not operate service on Thursday, November 25 in observance of Thanksgiving. On Friday, November 26, VRE will operate on its "S" schedule. Only those trains on the schedule with an "S" above the number will operate. Please note that the mid-day trains (Manassas Line #325 and Fredericksburg Line #301) also operate on "S" schedule days. The schedule can be found at http://www.vre.org/service/schedule.htm . For a full list of upcoming holiday dates see below.
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Amtrak Trains During the Holiday Week
Amtrak has advised us that train #95, which departs Union Station at 2:30pm, has sold out. VRE passengers may not be permitted to board this train today, Tuesday, and Wednesday. It is possible that other Amtrak trains may sell out this week. If this occurs, these trains will not be able to accommodate any VRE passengers. Passengers who normally use Amtrak trains should have back up travel plans in the event that they are not able to take the Amtrak train of their choice.
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Operation Lifesaver Santa Trains Tickets On Sale Monday, November 29
VRE's Operation Lifesaver Santa Train tickets will go on sale Monday, November 29. If you have never been part of this fun filled event, VRE in conjunction with Operation Lifesaver operates several excursion trains hosted by our favorite north pole elf -- Santa Claus. Join us as he takes time out of his busy holiday schedule to spread some not only holiday spirit, but also important information about railroad safety to all the good boys and girls. (Haven't been good this year? It is OK - you can come anyway!)
For more information on ticket costs, sales locations and train schedules, visit http://www.vre.org/fun/santa-trains-2004.htm .
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Changes to Train Consists for Wednesday, November 24
In response to the many VRE'rs that will start their holiday early, VRE will make the following consist (train makeup) changes tomorrow.
Fredericksburg Line
Train #303 will operate with a six car Kawasaki set increasing its capacity
Train #305 will operate with three Mafersa coaches and three Gallery cars
Train #309 will operate with five Bombardier Sounder cars
Manassas Line
Train #327 will operate with 5 Gallery coaches and a Mafersa cab car
Train #329 will operate with 4 Gallery coaches and a Mafersa cab car.
Despite our best efforts to increase train size, though, we do expect crowding on all early trains. (#325, 301, 303, 327) . Please plan your schedule (and footwear!) accordingly.
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"VRE Update" On Seats Tomorrow
The latest and greatest edition of our newsletter will be on the seats tomorrow morning. Taking the day off? Then see it today at http://www.vre.org/service/seatnote.htm
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Holiday Calendar Dates
November 25 - No Service; Thanksgiving
November 26 - "S" Schedule
November 29 - Santa Train tickets on sale
December 11 - Operations Lifesaver Santa Trains
December 16 - Toys for Tots collection on trains
December 24 - No Service; Christmas Observed
December 31 - No Service; New Years Day Observed
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For the latest information, don't forget to check out the VRE web site at: http://www.vre.org .