VRE looks to change direction of management

WOODBRIDGE, Va. - If you could get a better product for a lower price, you'd probably buy it.

That's why leaders of a local commuter rail system want to make a big change.

Since service first began 17 years ago, Virginia Railway Express has relied on Amtrak employees to run and maintain its commuter trains.

Now, VRE's Operations Board wants to award a contract to Keolis, a European company.

"They are the largest provider of rail service in France," says Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair and VRE Operations Board Officer Sharon Bulova.

"They do an outstanding job, and we think they'll do a great here for us."

If hired, it would be the first time Keolis operated commuter rail lines in America.

The proposed five-year contract is expected to save VRE $1 million a year or more, and would take effect on July 1, 2010.

All of the affected Amtrak employees would be offered jobs with Keolis and would be given extensive incentives to stay, including a signing bonus.

The contract still needs final approval from VRE's parent commissions: The Northern Virginia and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commissions.

Those commissions are expected to take up the issue next month.

Some people have safety concerns about the plan.

"I don't agree with the choice, but it is their choice and we will do what we can to work for a smooth transition," says Herbert Harris, an Amtrak employee with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

Harris says VRE's safety record is superb.

"In the 17 years that VRE has existed, they've never had a major incident."

He says keeping current Amtrak workers in place would maintain that quality of service.

All of those workers will be offered jobs with the French company. About 70 percent are expected to make the switch, so there will have to be some new hires.

Timothy Craver, who's also with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, says learning to operate a train is a long process involving ever-changing rules and signals.

For example, "In some areas a red light means that you stop," says Craver. "In other areas it doesn't. It means you can proceed."

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)