WOODBRIDGE — Delays on Virginia Railway Express trains have become more common in recent weeks.
On Monday, signal issues and speed restrictions on the commuter railroad’s Manassas Line lead to delays. On the system’s Fredericksburg Line, commuter trains have been made late by freight trains using the line — which take precedence over the commuter trains as the freight railroads own the tracks.
The delays come on the heels of additional delays caused during the recent implementation of a new Positive Train Control (PTC) system that will help reduce the risk of train crashes.
“We realize these issues coming on the heels of several weeks of substandard performance are very frustrating and have created an inconvenience for our riders,” VRE wrote in a statement to its riders this week.
Prince William County Brentsville District Supervisor Jeanine Lawson she’s gotten an earful from train commuters in her district that have been unusually late to work due to the railroad delays. Many of them, she said, have received free rail passes to use the system as a means of apology by VRE after they were delayed and made late to work.
Lawson at Tuesday’s Board of County Supervisors meeting asked VRE’s Christine Hoeffer if the commuter railroad service would like the help of the county’s communications office to ramp up efforts to reach unhappy riders to offer them free passes to use the system.
“Yesterday there was a 70-minute delay,” said Lawson. “I’m offering help, I don’t know if y’all want it but, if you need it…”
Hoeffner said the commuter railroad is working to improve. and that “recent fixes” on the PTC system have to lead to improvements in the train on-time performance.
Potomac District Supervisor Maureen Caddigan suggested Lawson bring up her concerns at this week’s Virginia Railway Express Operations Board meeting in Woodbridge on Friday. When it comes to utilizing county staff to issue free rail passes to VRE riders, “we don’t do that,” said Caddigan.
Recent Stories
A 39-year-old man was found dead inside a tent late Friday night near the 8400 block of Sudley Road, near Manassas.
A 36-year-old man from Front Royal is still hospitalized with life-threatening injuries following a motorcycle crash on Garrisonville Road.
With this summer’s powerful thunderstorms in our region, and a deadly flood in Texas that captivated the nation, local rivers are getting some attention, including the Rappahannock River and the City of Fredericksburg.
After a sweltering weekend that brought heat index values over 100 and a heat advisory, today feels like a slight relief. Highs will reach the low 90s, but lower humidity and fewer storms will make conditions feel more manageable.
The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”
As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
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
