Woodbridge, Va. — The man behind one of the most impressive railroad deals in history decided to call it quits.
Virginia Railway Express CEO Dale Zehner announced his retirement Wednesday from his job as head of the commonwealth’s only commuter railroad. He was the railroad’s first named CEO, and joined VRE in 1995 after a long career in the U.S. Navy.
When the railroad was founded in 1992, many thought its ridership would never reach 10,000 daily riders. Last year VRE doubled that number, marking all-time ridership and on-time performance records.
“In these rough economic times, the VRE Operations Board and management team have brought stability and credibility to VRE by making every dollar count, delivering on a promise to complete capital projects on time and under budget, and refusing to settle for anything less than world class service for our riders,” said Zehner in a press release.
Zehner, 65, oversaw many changes to the system over the years, including the addition of a 5 a.m. train on the Fredericksburg line that alleviated crowding on later morning trains, but he may be best remembered for purchasing 30 rail cars for an unheard of price.
In the middle of the last decade, at a time when VRE trains were packed to the gills, Zehner brokered a deal with a Chicago-area commuter railroad to purchase 30 used rail cars for $1 each. As part of the deal, VRE also paid to have the 40-year-old double decker cars refurbished and transported to Northern Virginia where they were put to use, said VRE spokesman Mark Roeber.
Originally hired as a manager of budget and finance at VRE, he also tackled jobs like planned, customer service, public affairs and marketing before being named Chief of Staff in 2001 and CEO in 2004.
Zehner will officially step down from his post June 30, which leaves VRE officials time to conduct what is expected to be a nationwide search for his replacement.
Recent Stories
💰 The City of Manassas Park just dropped its proposed budget for FY2026, and let’s just say… your water, sewer, and stormwater fees are going up, but there’s a tiny silver lining when it comes to your real estate taxes.
Starting July 1, 2025, your monthly bills in Manassas will look a little different—mostly upward. The city is planning to raise utility rates and emergency service fees to support its budget for the next fiscal year.
A Tornado Watch is in effect for our area until midnight Friday, with the greatest risk for severe weather between 7 and 10 p.m. along the I-95 corridor. T
When talking about breweries and bike events, Harley-Davidson’s roar is usually involved, but at Red Dragon Brewery in Fredericksburg, their bike day involves pedal power.Â
The most anticipated night of the year is almost here! This Saturday, May 31, step into the romance, elegance, and charm of Paris—without ever leaving Washington, DC.
Join us for An Evening in Paris, an unforgettable soirĂ©e celebrating the best of French culture. Experience an immersive evening filled with gourmet French cuisine, refined wines, captivating live music, and the irresistible ambiance of the City of Light. Whether you’re a lifelong Francophile or simply love a night of sophistication, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.
✨ Highlights of the evening include:
Calling all WSHS Class of 1975 graduates! Our class has planned our 50-Year Class Reunion to be held September 26-28, 2025 in Woodbridge, Virginia. Reunion details and registration information are available to be sent to you.
To find out more, please email our reunion committee at [email protected]
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
