More than a Title: Reflections from Rich Dalton
After more than a decade leading Virginia Railway Express, Chief Executive Officer Rich Dalton is set to retire this October 2025. Having spent sixteen years at VRE, Rich has been a steady presence, guiding the railroad through challenges, growth, and plenty of memorable “Wacky Wednesdays.” The VIP Newsletter sat down with Rich to reflect on the values that have shaped VRE’s culture, the moments he’s most proud of, and his hopes for the future. Dive into our interview below.
Starting a Career in Rail
After leaving the military and spending many quiet months fishing with his father, Rich decided it was time to get back to work. He took an internship in Idaho with the railroad industry on the manufacturing and equipment side. That’s when, as Rich puts it, he was “bit by the rail bug.” His work eventually led him to remanufacturing locomotives for VRE, which introduced him to the company he would later go on to lead.
Q: Safety plays a huge role at VRE. What values or habits do you think contributed to that reputation and culture?
Rich: “We always say safety is paramount, and it is. But for me, people are paramount. I’ve always approached leadership as serving people—not just those who report to me, but also my colleagues and our passengers. We’re really in the people business. The best way to take care of people is by keeping them safe. At VRE, I wanted safety to be managed out of care and compassion, not fear. Safety isn’t for the organization, it’s for the people.”
Q: What moments at VRE are you most proud of?
Rich: “I can’t pinpoint one single moment. I’m proud of the long-term strategies we put in place, like lifecycle maintenance processes that strengthened safety and reliability. I’m also proud of our Costumer Service Survey that asks our passengers to evaluate us every year. They’re honest, and their feedback makes us better. But none of this was just me—it’s always been the team and their grit to get things done.”
Q: Have you had moments with riders or staff where you thought, ‘This is why I do what I do’?
Rich: “Absolutely. I’m often out at stations, maintenance facilities, or riding the trains myself. I’ll see a clean, safe station that no one knew I was visiting, and that kind of integrity inspires me. I’ve also built personal connections over the years. I’ve watched families grow, hearing about kids when they were babies and later seeing them head off to college. Those relationships are what I’ll miss most.”
Q: You have to tell us more about how your Wacky Wednesday tradition started!
Rich: “It started before I was CEO. A few colleagues teased me, saying, ‘You’ve got a lot of good ideas, but could you save them all for one day a week?’ Later, board member Mr. Stork told me about the Dr. Seuss book Wacky Wednesday and even gifted me a copy. It became a fun tradition.”
Q: What do you hope VRE will accomplish after your departure?
Rich: “Maintaining a positive safety culture is number one. It takes years to build and only a moment to tear down. Patience will also be critical as VRE undertakes big infrastructure projects that will transform service regionally. The foundation is laid. I look forward to coming back as a rider one day to see the progress firsthand.”
Q: If you could leave one lasting message with riders and employees, what would it be?
Rich: “This region is always evolving, and VRE has evolved with it. Since 2020, there have been headlines predicting the end of public transportation, but that never stopped us. We stayed focused on the future. My message is this: use what VRE has accomplished so far as a foundation to imagine what it can become. If you think VRE meets your needs now, just wait.”
Closing Thoughts
As Rich Dalton prepares to retire, his legacy at VRE reflects more than trains, tracks, and timetables. It’s about people, safety, and a vision for the future. And if you happen to ride with us on a Wednesday, you just might notice a little extra wackiness in the air—a tradition that will always be part of VRE’s story.
