Virginia Railway Express (VRE) saw a jump of nearly 100,000 passengers in March 2025 compared to the same month last year, Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley reported at Alexandria City Council’s recent legislative meeting.
Bagley, who sits on the Virginia Railway Express Board of Directors, provided the update during Oral Reports from members of City Council on Boards, Commissions, and Committees.
“The service has always been good,” Bagley said. “When people needed to return to work, they chose to get back on the train.”
As ridership picks up, VRE is reaching out to passengers to remind them about train etiquette and how to use the system.
Bagley also shared updates on two major projects: upgrades to the Alexandria VRE station and the King and Commonwealth bridge project.
The Alexandria station improvements will eliminate at-grade crossings. Instead of having to cross tracks to board trains, passengers will use new elevators and underground passages.
“If you’ve used that station, you know you sometimes have to cross the tracks with your luggage, kids, and pets to get on the train,” Bagley explained.
Both projects are set to wrap up in 2027.
Bagley touched on VRE’s 2050 Vision plan, which has sparked regional talks about future growth and connections between Alexandria, Arlington, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, and other areas.
“It’s led to some really interesting regional conversations about our shared futures and how we’re all connected,” Bagley said.
She pointed out significant growth happening south and west of Alexandria, particularly in areas like Prince William County.
Bagley encouraged residents to take a look at VRE’s 2050 plan materials.
