Manassas Line



The Manassas Line is a Virginia Railway Express commuter rail service that extends from Washington, D.C. to Bristow, Virginia. The first of VRE's two lines, with service beginning on June 22, 1992, the line operates on tracks owned by CSX Transportation (the RF&P Subdivision) and Norfolk Southern Railway (the Washington District).

History
The line south of Alexandria, Virginia, was once owned by Southern Railway, whose Crescent train stopped at the line's Alexandria and stations. When U.S. intercity passenger service was taken over by Amtrak, the new railroad continued the service between  and New York City.

In 1984, planning began for a commuter rail service for the area. Eight years later, after many new stations were constructed, Virginia Railway Express began operating trains on the line on June 22, 1992.

In 2009, Amtrak extended its service south to Lynchburg, bringing more trains to Manassas and.

In 2017, VRE began a $2.8 million study of expansion to the Broad Run station and layover facility that would allow additional Manassas Line service.

, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority is negotiating with Norfolk Southern to purchase the portion of the Washington District between Broad Run and Alexandria used by VRE.