5
Commuter Traffic Operations
Like many commuter rail systems, VRE has used, and contin-
ues to use, a variety of passenger equipment. VRE began with
conventional coaches and previously leased full trainsets from
the Seattle “Sounder” fleet. The road also obtained bi-level
cars from Chicago Metra and most recently has purchased the
Nippon Sharya cars. At any one time VRE has used several vari-
eties of trainsets.
VRE trainsets usually consist of a single locomotive (currently
an MP35PH, but formerly a variety of EMD units includ-
ing F40PH-2s and GP40-H2s) and from four to seven cars
including one cab car. The locomotives always face south.
Exceptions exist, and sometimes trains include more than one
5: A VRE train departs Backlick Road station on bi-
directional NS trackage, running wrong-way to occupy
the platform.
