Virginia: GETTING THERE VRE adjusting in post-pandemic world

[marmar]

VA: Scott Shenk: GETTING THERE VRE adjusting in post-pandemic world
Aug. 8, 2023

The free Friday ride program seems to be having the impact the Virginia Railway Express wanted when the commuter rail system decided to offer it earlier this year.
By Scott Shenk

Source The Free Lance-Star, Fredericksburg, Va. (TNS)


The free Friday ride program seems to be having the impact the Virginia Railway Express wanted when the commuter rail system decided to offer it earlier this year.

The program started on June 2 and will run through Sept. 1. The aim is to draw new and non-traditional riders to take train trips north and back home.

So far, the program has increased average daily rider trips for those Fridays by around 40%, from about 3,500 to 5,000, compared to a period prior to the program start, Rich Dalton, the CEO of VRE, told the Operations Board at its July meeting.

Dalton told the board the program is "a really good tool for us to work specifically with new riders." ................(more)

https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/news/53068462/va-scott-shenk-getting-there-vre-adjusting-in-postpandemic-world

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. I took a fare-free trip to Lorton last, well, Friday.

I got some shopping in at a store that is ordinarily out of reach for me. I've also taken a trip to Manassas and to Franconia-Springfield.

Last Friday's trip was loaded with kids. They all are on Fridays now.