how reliable is Manassas VRE plus opinions of Bristow? (Fredericksburg: home, neighborhood) - City-Data Forum

old bird · 08-02-2010, 07:30 PM

I'm debating between Bristow, VA and Poolesville, MD. We're moving from New Mexico, so either is quite a change. Both have about 1 hour train commute.

I've heard that VRE can be somewhat unreliable, but the only discussion on this site is several years old.

Thoughts on whether I will make it to DC for my 8am start times from the Manassas station? Are the trains frequently off schedule?

Opinions about Bristow? It reminds me a bit of Orange County, CA, which isn't my favorite, but seems like it would have a lot of options for our four little kids.

klm144 · 08-02-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old bird

Opinions about Bristow? It reminds me a bit of Orange County, CA, which isn't my favorite, but seems like it would have a lot of options for our four little kids.

Bristow does seem to be a great place for those who are raising kids. Loudon county is probably more like Orange county.

ceomom703 · 08-03-2010, 04:51 AM

Bristow is in PW County. I live in Loudoun and from CA originally. It reminds me of nothing Orange County.

marchar123 · 08-03-2010, 09:07 AM

The VRE is reliable. I have rode the VRE for 2 years from the Manassas Park station and have had very few problems. The Manassas Line has better on time performance than the Fredericksburg line. On-time performance is worse in the summer months due to the heat. Also, register at commuter connections in the case you need to get home during times the train is not offering service.

pgtvatitans · 08-03-2010, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marchar123

The VRE is reliable. I have rode the VRE for 2 years from the Manassas Park station and have had very few problems. The Manassas Line has better on time performance than the Fredericksburg line. On-time performance is worse in the summer months due to the heat. Also, register at commuter connections in the case you need to get home during times the train is not offering service.

How is the parking lot? Is there a particular time that it gets packed? Also how pack does the train gets as you approach the city in the morning?

ChristineVA · 08-03-2010, 10:00 AM

I just had to laugh at your comparison of Bristow, VA and Orange County. I mean, I've never lived in Orange County and get most of my info on it from TV but I think the two places couldn't be more opposite.

HUbison · 08-04-2010, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meatkins

How is the parking lot? Is there a particular time that it gets packed? Also how pack does the train gets as you approach the city in the morning?

Pretty curious about this one myself. Moving my wife and 4 kids to the area DC area soon. The towns along the Mannassas VRE line look pretty good for family living. Hopefully I'm right.

VAFan · 08-04-2010, 07:35 PM

I have lived in Bristow for about 7 years now. Lots of my neighbors use the VRE and have no problem. I love my neighborhood, neighbors and all the new shopping, etc.

My neice lived with us for some time and I always drove her to the station each morning and off she went with no problems. I am speaking of the Broad Run Station which takes no time at all to get to now that Linton Hall & 28 have been widen. Is that the station that you are talking about leaving from or are you going to drive further up into Manassas?

All of the stations are short on parking once it gets later in the morning. If you plan on leaving early, parking should not be a problem. The train ran on time every day when my niece rode it which was 7 months+ M-F.

HUbison · 08-05-2010, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VAFan

I have lived in Bristow for about 7 years now. Lots of my neighbors use the VRE and have no problem. I love my neighborhood, neighbors and all the new shopping, etc.

My neice lived with us for some time and I always drove her to the station each morning and off she went with no problems. I am speaking of the Broad Run Station which takes no time at all to get to now that Linton Hall & 28 have been widen. Is that the station that you are talking about leaving from or are you going to drive further up into Manassas?

All of the stations are short on parking once it gets later in the morning. If you plan on leaving early, parking should not be a problem. The train ran on time every day when my niece rode it which was 7 months+ M-F.

Very informative, thanks!

One follow up: how "early" is early enough to get a parking spot?

pgtvatitans · 08-05-2010, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VAFan

I have lived in Bristow for about 7 years now. Lots of my neighbors use the VRE and have no problem. I love my neighborhood, neighbors and all the new shopping, etc.

My neice lived with us for some time and I always drove her to the station each morning and off she went with no problems. I am speaking of the Broad Run Station which takes no time at all to get to now that Linton Hall & 28 have been widen. Is that the station that you are talking about leaving from or are you going to drive further up into Manassas?

All of the stations are short on parking once it gets later in the morning. If you plan on leaving early, parking should not be a problem. The train ran on time every day when my niece rode it which was 7 months+ M-F.

Thank you for your response. Just looking at a possible commute, I'm thinking I am going to try to be out there by 6 AM at the latest. Wasn't sure how packed those lines get. If I were to use a line, I'm seriously considering moving my family between the Manassas and Manassas Park stations, so it would be between those two. Sounds great!