One of the driving forces of commuting by car is convenience. Commuters can hop in their car and avoid potential transfers and crowds. But really, how much time do you waste on your commute around the DMV in terms of time, stress, and overall safety? 

The Safer Choice is on Track 

Did you know that traveling by commuter or intercity rail is 18 times safer than driving? From 2000 to 2014, there were 6.53 deaths per billion passenger miles for drivers, compared to just 0.36 for commuter rail passengers. Switching from driving to public transit reduces your risk of a crash and could even help save lives. 

The Hidden Cost of Convenience  

According to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, which ranks commuting data from cities all over the world – from Bangkok to Melbourne to Chicago and Atlanta – the average U.S. driver loses 43 hours a year sitting in traffic. That’s nearly two full days staring at someone else’s bumper. And if you’re in Washington, DC? It’s worse. DC commuters lose an average of 62 hours annually due to congestion with the average speed of the downtown rush hour traffic just 12 miles per hour. With the federal return to office those numbers may continue to rise. 

The DMV’s Congestion Problem 

DC congestion doesn’t fare well globally either. The INRIX report ranks the region 22^nd among the most congested urban areas internationally. That puts us ahead of cities like Seattle, Milan, and Toronto though it’s not exactly a list we want to be climbing. In 2025 Forbes named DC as one of the worst cities to drive in, placing #13 amongst cities like Oakland, Miami, and Houston.   

Of course, taking the train does not erase delays or hiccups. But it does give you back your “me” time. You can relax, scroll, work, or just be for a moment before or after your workday. If you now travel to DC on a regular basis, ask yourself where the convenience really lies when you factor in the frustration and stress. Rethink what might be possible onboard VRE.  

Construction and project updates—made simple for riders. Whether you're traveling on VRE’s Fredericksburg or Manassas Line, you may be wondering about the ongoing construction at Manassas Park Station. VRE has been working on station improvements since July of 2023, and we’re happy to report that progress remains on track for the December opening of station improvements and the parking garage!  

These upgrades include a new parking garage adjacent to City Hall, which will serve both VRE riders and the growing Manassas Park community. Project Manager Jason Bortz emphasized the garage’s shared use, with VRE commuters utilizing it Monday through Friday and city visitors, residents, and officials benefiting from it daily and through the weekends. Unlike some stations where parking lots remain vacant on weekends (aside from the occasional farmers' market), this garage is being completed at the perfect time as the city continues to expand. 

The garage will provide 540 additional parking spaces and improve pedestrian access with a new bridge connecting directly to the station, making commutes safer, more convenient, and inclusive.  

Spring is in the air, VIPs! There is no sweeter feeling than the tinge of warmth in the air after an especially snowy winter in the DMV. I’ve been trying to soak up as much sunlight as humanly possible and reminding myself to take advantage of the free museums while I’m at it. I took a short and peaceful trip on the VRE from Alexandria to L’Enfant station to visit Hirshhorn's limited-time exhibit, OSGEMEOS: Endless Stories. Just a five-minute walk from the station, and suddenly, I was immersed in the colorful, dreamlike imaginations of twin brothers Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo, known as Osgemeos, meaning “the twins” in Portuguese. 

Happy Women’s History Month, VIPs! I have to preface that this one’s for the girls —though I appreciate all my VIPs equally. But hey, it is Women’s History Month, so I’m leaning in! Building on last month’s blog, I want to continue spotlighting the incredible people who keep VRE moving. What better way to do that than by highlighting members of our Operations Board, which is made up primarily of women! Talk about perfect timing. Let’s dive into some inspiring women leading the way at Virginia Railway Express. 

VRE is a diverse organization made up of individuals from various backgrounds. This February, we're celebrating our VIPs and honoring Black History Month! We recognize African American culture by highlighting the talented professionals who help keep VRE running. I was honored to speak with two remarkable individuals who bring talent, dedication, and a spirit of unity to our team. By sharing their stories, we celebrate their achievements and the lasting impact of inclusivity and excellence at VRE.

Happy New Year, VRE family! Here’s to another year of choosing the easier, less stressful route to get you there. As we embark on another year of commuting, it’s crucial to reiterate how important it is for us at VRE to ensure a safe ride for everyone. While many are seasoned, veteran VRE riders with years of experience on the tracks, the start of a new year and a clean slate presents an opportune moment to refresh ourselves on some safety guidelines.

As the U.S. prepares for the administration of Donald Trump in January, many transportation providers, including the Virginia Railway Express, are watching for signs of shifts in federal policy and funding priorities. While much of Trump’s transportation agenda remains uncertain, early media reports suggest the administration will diverge from policies established under President Biden.

As the crisp autumn air settles in, there's no better way to embrace the season than with a cozy, seasonal drink. Christian girl fall, anyone? To celebrate October, I embarked on a coffee-tasting journey, exploring locally owned cafes along VRE’s corridors.

Did you miss us last month, VI P's? Not to worry, I'm here to provide all the updates. Let's catch up.

July was a busy month with exciting updates, including the announcement of our Kids Ride Free Program, fare adjustments, and the launch of our new website and mobile app. We appreciate your patience as we embrace change here at VRE-after all, it's the one thing that's constant!

Here we go, July! I hope you’ve all been finding ways to stay cool these past few weeks and are ready to enjoy the rest of the summer, especially with kids riding fare-free on VRE starting this month! It’s always exciting to share these service enhancements with our riders. So, what else has VRE (literally) been cooking? Well...lasagna!

Last month, VRE partnered with Lasagna Love, a global nonprofit that “aims to positively impact communities by connecting neighbors with neighbors through homemade meal delivery.” They have a simple, yet incredibly impactful mission: feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities. While many things came from the COVID-19 pandemic, Lasagna Love is a wonderful testament to silver linings and the love that comes from a shared community. It all started with one mom who wanted to help families in her neighborhood that were struggling, which at the beginning of COVID-19, who wasn’t? Whether grappling with financial difficulties, mental health issues, or just that familiar overwhelming feeling – Lasagna Love was founded to spread kindness without judgment in a time of uncertainty, stress, and loneliness. Since 2020, they have been dedicated to this mission, and this June, VRE wanted to spread that kindness alongside them as part of our VRE Cares initiative.

Since America’s first passenger service in 1830, the beginning of the transcontinental railroad construction in 1862, to the first time a locomotive has exceeded 100 MPH, the development of the railroads has been built into what it is today through the efforts of countless innovative inventors. As February unfolds and Black History Month begins, I’m excited to dedicate this month’s blog to recognizing the often-overlooked Black Inventors who have made revolutionary impacts on the railway systems we have in place today.

Since America’s first passenger service in 1830, the beginning of the transcontinental railroad construction in 1862, to the first time a locomotive has exceeded 100 MPH, the development of the railroads has been built into what it is today through the efforts of countless innovative inventors. As February unfolds and Black History Month begins, I’m excited to dedicate this month’s blog to recognizing the often-overlooked Black Inventors who have made revolutionary impacts on the railway systems we have in place today.

Happy New Year, VRE family! Here’s to another year of choosing the easier, less stressful route to get you there. As we embark on another year of commuting, it’s crucial to reiterate how important it is for us at VRE to ensure a safe ride for everyone. While many are seasoned, veteran VRE riders with years of experience on the tracks, the start of a new year and a clean slate presents an opportune moment to refresh ourselves on some safety guidelines.

The enchanting Downtown Holiday Market has made its return for this Christmas season, ushering in the spirit of the holidays for its 19th joyful season! Boasting its delightful outdoor shopping village that hosts more than 70 vendors, with a significant number being black-owned & minority-owned businesses, this market is a celebration of diversity and holiday magic.

Tour de VRE — Anticipation filled the air as I arrived at VRE’s Fredericksburg office for the highly anticipated annual Tour de VRE. Now in its third year and boasting its largest turnout yet, there was much to do before the first riders crossed the finish line.