Metro vs. VRE (Manassas, Springfield, Fredericksburg: live, cost of, train)

[lindy112]

As a new resident of Springfield, I'm a little confused about the Metro vs. VRE question. I realize that in some communities, VRE is all they have but what about Springfield? Why would someone here choose to travel on the VRE as opposed to the Metro (and vice versa)? I know that the VRE offers free parking but it also stops fewer places and doesn't run late into the evenings or on weekends. But what else? My family and I have only used the Metro so far but are we missing something?

[FindingZen]

Unless you're planning to head down to Fredericksburg or Manassas for the (week)day, you're better off taking Metro. The VRE is a long distance commuter train that serves those cities and other communties primarily out in Prince William and Stafford Counties. If you lived a bit lower, say in Lorton, I'd say "maybe" to the VRE. But you'll do fine on the Metro.

[slim04]

Besides parking there are a few advantages with VRE. Everyone gets a seat, the seats are larger, the trains less packed, and you don't have to switch trains if you are going to Union Station. The ride is generally smoother on the VRE because the train needs to do slow stops and starts, vs. the herky jerky motion of a Metro train. I can work on a laptop in the VRE, but it just seems too uncomfortable to do it on a Metro train. Also, you can eat and drink on the VRE. No pan handlers, rappers, M&M sellers, evangelists, or tourists.

I find it a more relaxing ride if you don't have to switch to a Metro at Le Fant Plaza or Union Station. Though I'm not sure if it's worth double the cost of metro and the limited schedule. Another annoying thing I find is that if I take the VRE, I always try to get there 15 minutes before the schedule because I don't want to risk missing the train, so that adds another 30 minutes to the commute round trip. Since the Metro runs every 10 minutes or so, you don't have to do that.

Oh I forgot, the other bad thing about the VRE is if there is a problem on the track (like a mechanical problem or hitting a deer), you might be stuck in the train for hours or the train might not run at all. For the Metro, its usually just a 30 min. to hour delay, but you'll eventually get to work. If the line is actually down, they'll route shuttles to get you where you need to be. Not so with VRE. Happens to me about once a year and its very annoying.