VRE ridership surges 48% as Alexandria station construction gets underway
New train sees 251% jump; agency begins $129 million King Street overhaul
Virginia Railway Express ridership jumped 48% in December compared to a year earlier, the latest sign of growing demand as the commuter railroad embarks on major infrastructure investments in Alexandria.
Average daily ridership hit 8,185 in December, up from 5,531 in December 2024, according to VRE’s monthly performance report. On-time performance reached 87%, up from 83% a year ago.
A new train added in late 2025 saw ridership increase 251%, Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley reported at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
“Long sought after and much awaited,” Bagley said of the additional service.
The ridership gains come as VRE officially launched construction on its $129 million Alexandria station overhaul, issuing a full notice to proceed on Jan. 12. The VRE Operations Board approved a $21.9 million state funding agreement for the project on Jan. 16.
The work includes a new pedestrian tunnel with elevators connecting the station’s two platforms, extended platforms to accommodate eight-car trains, and replacement of century-old rail bridges over King Street and Commonwealth Avenue. Construction is expected to finish in late 2027.
Seminary storage up and running
VRE has also begun using its new $75.9 million Seminary Road midday storage facility at a former Norfolk Southern yard in Alexandria, according to VRE's January capital projects report. As of Jan. 12, five train sets are stored there during the day, replacing capacity at Amtrak’s Coach Yard in Washington.
Amtrak needed the D.C. space for its intercity trains. The new Alexandria facility provides VRE with more flexibility in its operations.
Long Bridge shuffle ahead
Bagley warned riders to prepare for service adjustments as construction ramps up on the Long Bridge project, which will add rail capacity between Virginia and D.C. over approximately five years.
Passengers on the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines heading back from Washington in the afternoon may need to transfer to another train in Alexandria during construction windows. Bagley advised riders to look for staff in yellow high-visibility vests with the “trains are cool” logo.
New leadership
Bagley, who chaired the VRE board in 2025, handed the gavel to Prince William County Supervisor Andrea Bailey at the board’s January meeting. New CEO Katie Choe started in late January, succeeding interim CEO Dallas Richards.
During her tenure, Bagley oversaw the November groundbreaking for the Alexandria station improvements, the opening of the Manassas Park parking garage, and the reinstatement of the Amtrak Step-Up program that allows VRE riders to use Amtrak trains.
