Riding the Train

Laray,  Web coordinator for the National Center of Cultural Resources, commutes from his home in Fredericksburg to his job in Washington, D.C. by taking the VRE.  It’s a 1½ -hour commute when you add the time he spends on the Metro as well.

“I was working for the federal government at George Washington’s birthplace in Westmoreland, when this job became available,” Laray said. “But I wouldn’t have taken the promotion if I had to drive to work in 95 traffic.”

The train station in Fredericksburg is only about two miles from his house, and a Fredericksburg city sticker allows him to park for free right next to the train station. The federal government pays about a third of the costs of his train tickets.

He catches the 5:15 train in Fredericksburg in the mornings and usually catches the 4:05 at Union Station in the afternoons. With the exception of slow-moving trains due to heat restrictions, the train is usually right on time. If not, he has more opportunity  to practice. 

“I'm grateful to VRE for giving me the opportunity to play the guitar on board. I have a headset, and I can always find a corner to stretch out in. The conductors are really cool about it, and passengers have told me that they are guitar players too. Some have brought their guitars on board as well.”

VRE Tips

• VRE doesn't run on weekends. They have an agreement with Amtrak that allows VRE passengers to use selected Amtrak trains that do run on weekends.
  
• VRE offers a  "Security Blanket" guarantee that, if you take a VRE train that is scheduled to arrive 30 minutes prior to your daycare's closing, they will get you to your station within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time or they reimburse your daycare late fee.
  
• Delays do happen. To find out if your train is delayed, call (703) 684-0400 or 1-800-RIDE-VRE. The automated TRIPS system will keep you updated on the delay.
  
• Have an emergency and need to get home in the middle of the day? You can! Commuter Connections offers a Guaranteed Ride Home Program.