Demystifying the VRE Operations Board
If you follow us on X or subscribe to Train Talks, you’ve likely seen reminders about Virginia Railway Express’s monthly board meetings. But what are these meetings really about? More importantly—why should riders like you care? These sessions aren’t just internal updates. They’re where decisions are made about budgets, construction projects, and new initiatives that directly shape your commute. They’re also one of the easiest ways to share your ideas, ask questions, and make your voice heard. Here’s a quick look at who makes up the board, how it works, and how you can get involved.
Who Makes Up the Board?
The Operations Board is made up of representatives from the jurisdictions that fund VRE. Members come from Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Manassas Park, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. Together, they serve as an advisory body to NVTC and PRTC, the two commissions that co-own VRE. The board is responsible for making recommendations on VRE’s management, financing, and property acquisition—essentially shaping the big-picture decisions that affect riders every day.
How Are Board Members Appointed?
Each jurisdiction is allotted board members based on its share of VRE ridership, with a current total of 15 members serving on the Operations Board. A master agreement survey is conducted on-board trains each year to determine each jurisdiction’s share of ridership. The board meets on the third Friday of every month (except August) in Woodbridge, Virginia.
Why Does This Matter to You?
Board meetings are where budgets, construction projects, and service improvements are proposed and voted on for approval. These decisions directly impact your commute, which is why meetings are open to the public. Every agenda includes a public comment period, and no pre-registration is required. If you can’t attend in person, you can still share feedback by submitting an online comment form that will be read aloud during the meeting: Submit a comment here.
At the March 2025 meeting, for example, a rider from West Virginia shared challenges with validating senior tickets at Woodbridge Station. He asked about future plans for station vendors and received an immediate response from board members.
“It’s actually really great to get direct feedback from the public,” said Operations Board Chair and Alexandria Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley. Watch it on YouTube here.
Why It’s Worth Tuning In
Whether you attend in person, follow the livestream, or submit a comment online, these meetings are a direct line between riders and decision-makers. It’s one of the best ways to learn what’s coming, influence projects, and make sure your daily commute is represented in the conversation.