by ThirdRail7
As VRE looks at their long range plans, they are contemplating a few bold and daring ideas.
Please allow a brief "fair use" quote:
VRE steams ahead on future expansion plans
http://www.freelancestar.com/2013-07-20 ... ion-plans/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Please allow a brief "fair use" quote:
VRE steams ahead on future expansion plans
http://www.freelancestar.com/2013-07-20 ... ion-plans/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
A presentation by VRE, along with consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff, showed that VRE ridership has increased an average of 8 percent annually over the past 15 years. And that opened the floor to one key topic of VRE’s future: how to handle capacity, which officials say is all but tapped out.
“Everybody knows this, our trains are full,” said Christine Hoeffner, VRE’s planning manager.
During the workshop, Doug Allen, VRE’s chief executive officer, said new federal funding is geared to help systems like the commuter rail service increase capacity.
But expanding service is complicated by agreements with CSX and Norfolk Southern, which own the tracks VRE uses.
With that in mind, Operations Board member Chris Zimmerman said VRE should consider a way to get its own tracks so it wouldn’t have to rely on a “host railroad.” Other members agreed.
Board member Jonathan Way said VRE also needs to consider how big it wants to be.
The strategic plan covers ideas both big and small.
On the modest end would be an initiative to simply add rail cars to trains and possibly add a train to each line during peak hours.
Other ideas in the plan would be major changes.
New stations, mostly along the Manassas line’s corridor, could be built.
Reverse commutes, from the Washington, D.C., area south, and all-day service are other scenarios included in the plan.
Expansion into other localities also could happen. The plan names Fauquier and Caroline counties as potential future VRE members.
The most radical idea in the plan would create a regional network, merging VRE with Maryland’s MARC train
I want my road foreman!