Service Information - Virginia Railway Express

Security Remains Top Priority

The safety of VRE passengers both on and off the train is, and always has been, our top priority. We want to reassure you that VRE and its host railroads are committed to your safety on the train and in our facilities.

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, many people are rethinking their safety and security with renewed focus. Similarly, VRE officials have revisited all of our security procedures throughout the system, all of which are described below. Many of the procedures were in place prior to September 11, while others have been enacted as a result of the terrorist activity.

The bottom line? VRE passengers can rest assured that a safe and secure environment is provided on every train, every day.

On-Board Safety
The on-board conductor and assistant conductor are responsible for the safe operation of the train. In addition to their current duties, they, along with our mechanical forces, inspect each passenger coach before each trip including all lockers, storage cavities, under-seat areas, etc. for unrecognizable or suspicious items. While in transit, the conductors also check the trains during the trip for suspicious activity or packages. To supplement these activities, VRE has also established roving, on-board, semi-undercover patrols, who sweep the trains en route for suspicious luggage and/or persons. If unattended articles are found and believed dangerous, the crews will evacuate the train and call appropriate law enforcement. All VRE crews have received training in hazardous material (hazmat) recognition and response.

As part of our tariff, the document that details VRE procedures and rules, uniformed state, federal and local officers are also permitted to ride VRE for free. They have the power to conduct arrests, and they will help VRE personnel in any kind of security related emergency. Additionally, VRE has proposed a tariff revision to allow any sworn officer not in uniform to ride VRE for free and assist in security.

One passenger amenity that will be affected by the increased security is our lost and found program. Previously, all found items were sent to the lost and found to be reunited with their owners. But because we now must be more vigilant about unattended items, passengers should be aware that if an item can be construed as suspicious, authorities may be called and the item may be destroyed. We recognize that this may be an inconvenience to some, but it is a necessary security precaution. Passengers should also be more cognizant about keeping their belongings with them at all times; even an innocent trip to the restroom, while leaving a briefcase behind, can be cause for concern for your fellow passengers.

Facilities and Track Security
We have hardened the security in outlying layover yards to prevent unwanted entry, including 24-hour guards and mandatory sweeps of all the trains before the first passenger ever sets foot on a train.

Several new procedures are also in place to protect the track, tunnels and station facilities. Amtrak police are assisting VRE in this regard by patrolling the 1st Street tunnel at Union Station and making extra rounds in and around Union Station and our Ivy City Storage facility to look for suspicious activity. Parking lot patrols have also been supplemented so that more vigilance is given to the security of the stations during service hours.

To further protect bridges and tracks, CSX has supplemented their own police force with contract personnel to increase the number of daily inspections. Norfolk Southern is also stepping up their patrols using their current police force to ensure that the tracks and bridges that VRE and NS (Norfolk Southern) use are secure.

Passenger Responsibilities
No matter how much an organization does, however, we’re sure you’d agree that in today’s changed world, we can always use even more security, and that’s where you, the passenger, can help. We have said for many years that our customers are the eyes and ears of the VRE, and we’re very proud of the strong dialogue that has always existed between VRE staff and our customers. We urge you keep that two-way communication going.

Following are several steps that each and every passenger should take to help ensure the safe operation of VRE service:

Be more alert than usual. We’re not asking you to skip your morning or evening nap: we’re just asking that you be more cognizant of unusual occurrences or circumstances, particularly while boarding.
Keep track of your belongings. It is important to keep your bags with you at the station and on the train. As mentioned earlier, VRE’s successful lost and found policy has been modified so that suspicious bags will be turned over to and examined by authorities and possibly destroyed.
Alert your crew to any suspicious packages on the train or in the station. Crew members can be identified by their uniforms and can be found as they walk the cars or at a station stop near open doors.
Report suspicious activity or persons to your crewmember or call VRE at (703) 684-1001 (Please remember that the conductor is the authority on the train, and he or she will make the decision on how a situation is best handled!)
Finally, in our zeal to be safe and secure, please be mindful and tolerant of others, particularly those who may look different than you. Race, skin color or national original is not a signal of a suspicious person. Actions - not looks - should be what triggers your suspicions. When in doubt, see your crewmember or call VRE.

Additional security measures will be implemented as threats to our nation and city evolve and gel. While every attempt will be made to minimize customer inconvenience, your cooperation and your patience are critical to the success of these efforts. Thank you for your continued support.