Crystal City Train Station (VRE) — Local services in Washington

VRE is an exceptional commuter train service, trains are clean, well maintained and run pretty much on time. The conductors are helpful when necessary, friendly and cordial when one has questions. The Crystal City Station seems to be one of the busiest usually lots of passengers traffic with people transferring to the Metro trains or buses but normally there are enough trains to handle the amount of passengers. The station is kept clean, there are sufficient trash containers so rarely do they get filled helping to maintain a well kept appearance and is long enough to keep passengers well separated. It is well lit, the maps are kept readable, the sound system is sufficiently loud to hear the announcements if the trains aren't passing the station if they are it can be a bit of a challenge but that's normally when the Amtrak and cargo trains are passing. Overall the Crystal City Station presents a good, comfortable and clean environment.

Brooke Station is my entry point, clean and well kept, a little busier now than prior years but thats due to Spotsylvania station riders who get on before, still plenty of seats on the train, the Quiet cars have and always will be...

To my knowledge there is no parking for this station as it's mostly a drop off/pick up for work. Looks more run down and in serious need of a facelift. The woman who lives in front of the station always seeking handouts doesn't help either. You can see her dirt patch in the grass which is where she stands, rain or shine, every day. VRE should give her a job as a station attendant given that she seems to live there anyways. Overall this location is what it is, your place to get off and go to work or get on and go home. I know as of writing this there is talk of moving the station but it seems well positioned where it is. Just in great need...

It's a culture. This station is small but the crowds are not large. The people will move fast though. It is a little hidden behind a waterfall. So look carefully. The VRE cars are large and comfortable compared to all other commuter trains in the metro area. The people are friendly and you will find the regulars playing cards, chatting it ip, or just finding 'their' seat. These trains have rest rooms which can be nice if there is a delay, and that does happen. Make sure you figure out how to get your ticket in advance. Not much forgiveness for getting this wrong. But, once you know what to do,...