PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY – Metrorail is closing six stations south of National Airport for platform repairs this summer, and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and OmniRide are stepping in with alternative transportation options.
VRE has lowered the cost of a single-ride Amtrak Step-Up ticket from $8 to $4. It will also free up space on its trains for new riders, particularly those boarding at Franconia-Springfield or Alexandria – by giving passengers with multi-ride tickets (monthly, 5-day, 10-ride, and transit link card) the option to use any of 12 Amtrak trains listed on the current VRE schedule.
VRE is partnering with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and Amtrak on this project.
Virginia’s only commuter rail service, VRE runs trains northbound into Washington, D.C. in the morning and southbound along two lines – one to Fredericksburg and the other to Manassas – in the evening. Trains on both lines stop at Union Station, L’Enfant, Crystal City, and Alexandria. Only Fredericksburg Line trains stop at Franconia-Springfield. VRE supports and accepts employer-sponsored transit benefits.
OmniRide will offer free shuttle service connecting residents with nearby VRE stations, starting May 28 and continuing until Metro completes its station repairs on the Blue and Yellow lines. Shuttles will operate four trips in the mornings, timed to meet specific VRE trains, and multiple trips in the afternoon.
More details about the times and departure points for the OmniRide shuttle service will be posted soon at OmniRide.com.
The six Blue and Yellow line stations south of Reagan National Airport are scheduled to be closed from Saturday, May 25, through Sunday, September 8. Free parking will be offered at Huntington, Franconia-Springfield, and Van Dorn Street stations, as the other three stations (Eisenhower Ave, King St-Old Town, and Braddock Road) do not have Metro parking facilities.
