The LEAST Used VRE Station!

[@sammymarrco47]

Yeah i know I mispronounced the name a few times, my brain works weirdly with place names and it’s hard to train it to say it right. I’ll try to get it right in the future!

[@thomasaly7624]

Hey, where did you find the map at 0:33?

[@novarapidtransit5973]

VPRA now owns the Manassas Line tracks. They purchased them from NS earlier this year.

[@wizard_pirate_9085]

I dont think they did. I think they are still buying it

[@novarapidtransit5973]

​@@wizard_pirate_9085 VPRA is still in negotiations to purchase a nearby railyard in Alexandria, but the tracks between Manassas and Alexandria is a done deal.

[@sammymarrco47]

yep, I finished this video right before that was announced!

[@jyutzler]

This is a brutal location, hemmed in by the Beltway and Backlick Run. In theory the industrial park on the other side of the run could be redeveloped but that would take at least a decade. VRE has an enormous chicken and egg problem. The stations don't have the demand to support additional service but TOD isn't likely to emerge when the system serving it is so limited.

[@RMTStudios]

The Manassas Park station is actually bucking that trend, and is being integrated into a new town center development on the land adjacent to the station, with a new parking garage and bridge physically connecting the two.

[@sammymarrco47]

yep but that "town center" is pretty sad right now, one or two businesses

[@sammymarrco47]

indeed, hopefully with improved service we can get the ball rolling on that.

[@RMTStudios]

@@sammymarrco47 COVID really hurt that development, but they’re slowly starting to see more businesses move in.

[@RMTStudios]

@@sammymarrco47 new restaurants coming soon. The place across the street has a few small businesses, but there’s a few comic shop there.

[@29downtheline]

Wonderful video! I was trying to figure out some VRE ridership stats not too long ago and I quickly ran into the problem of the lack of publicly available data. Also I didn’t realize this until now, but Backlick Road is the only VRE station I’ve never passed either on an Amtrak or VRE train. I’ve either seen/passed/used every other station on the network!

[@sammymarrco47]

oh yep on the way to Hampton Roads you'd pass them all!

[@commercialcritic4676]

Great video as always man! Keep it up!

[@sammymarrco47]

thank you so much!

[@CaradhrasAiguo49]

2:31 Fairfax Connector #322 (clockwise counterpart to #321) as well

[@sammymarrco47]

those opposite names are so trippy 😅

[@commercialcritic4676]

I've always wanted to ride the VRE, thanks for the vid!

[@sammymarrco47]

You should! Thanks for the $2!

[@connecticutmultimodaltrans8226]

Always nice to learn about lesser-known systems, especially outside the DMV area. 1:45 CTrail now uses those cars! Also sounds like a FOIA request is in order for ridership.

[@TheGAMWolferz]

It is a very underrated station when it comes to restaurants. Especially with the variety of interesting you’re mentioning. 🤤 2:23 Burger King is also nearby and you could walk to a McDonalds northbound on Backlick road but based on my experience… that bridge is definitely not pedestrian friendly.

[@sammymarrco47]

yep lots of options, but no one is taking "commuter rail" to get there.

[@TheThirdRailDC]

I’ve been meaning to make a video about this since I live near it, but I haven’t had the time! Great video though!

[@sammymarrco47]

im sure you could provide some more insight into the local area, it was my first time in that general area!

[@brycebundens6866]

This is an excellent video, good sir!!! I’m loving the on site monologs and the expert camera work / quality!!

[@sammymarrco47]

Thanks Bryce, we need to do something at some point!

[@novarapidtransit5973]

One issue for the VRE is Fairfax County does not want to upzone the land are their stations

[@sammymarrco47]

indeed, also the service is so basic that many people would just drive!

[@novarapidtransit5973]

​@@sammymarrco47 They have the opportunity to run all day hourly service with the purchase to provide an option to driving

[@TheGAMWolferz]

Also I got to mention how beautiful the views of the Accotink Tressle is from Above and Below. Awesome video Sammy!

[@sammymarrco47]

yeah, its great views, I want to visit the park itself too!

[@teecefamilykent]

Great video sir.

[@sammymarrco47]

Thanks!

[@wizard_pirate_9085]

LAKE ACCOTINK MENTIONNNEDD AHHH

[@slimshadyjr9889]

Thought it would be the rolling road station but I can see why it’s backlick road station that’s the least used

[@sammymarrco47]

yeah rolling is about three times as many riders as backlick rd pre covid!

[@glowingfish]

I am always curious when an area has two modalities serving it, whether it is for a specific reason, or just because people didn't plan. There is a Metro station pretty close to this station, so why do Metro and Commuter Rail service coexist so close together? Or is that a very, very long story?

[@jyutzler]

Metro and Amtrak share a right of way from the Long Bridge to the split at Cameron Run. When Metro was built, the land was mostly built up so there were not a lot of options. The two stations aren't that close - about 3.5 miles apart by car, on opposite sides of both the Beltway and I95. It's about the same distance as Braddock Rd. and Crystal City.

[@sammymarrco47]

its "close" to the metro but the metro (at least before covid) captured alot of people north form i95 and Backlick Road got ones closer to it.

[@wizard_pirate_9085]

Do one about BCV, Burke Centre

[@sammymarrco47]

what would I feature, like what's interesting enough for a dedicated video?

[@wizard_pirate_9085]

@sammymarrco47 the history of BCV, connecting services(Northeast regional) and the new FFX services that are planned(not funded.) Talk about the pedestrian paths(not the most interesting but allows for better access) manassas line improvements. Show off the overbuilt parking garage but go to the top floor to show the surroundings?? Sooo basically everything except the current station

[@redskinsfan17]

I’ve never rode the VRE. Is it good?

[@connecticutmultimodaltrans8226]

Always nice to learn about lesser-known systems, especially outside the DMV area. 1:45 CTrail now uses those cars! Also sounds like a FOIA request is in order for ridership.

[@sammymarrco47]

yeah I've never done a FOIA request before tho.