Commuter Parking Woes

In February, the Virginia Railway Express carried the most passengers in its history, with more than 20,000 riders boarding the commuter train. 

With this increase in ridership comes parking problems, specifically at the Manassas Park station. There are 600 parking spaces at the station, however it is often filled. VRE stated that as of January it is usually over capacity at 104 percent.

Aside from Manassas Park, VRE reported that there are three stations on the Manassas line that are currently at, or over, capacity. They include Broad Run, Rolling Road and Manassas. While there are plans to expand parking in some of the stations, there are no plans for Manassas Park.

“When we talk about expanding around any station we work in conjunction with its jurisdiction,” said VRE spokesman Mark Roeber. He said that the jurisdiction usually picks up the cost because it own the property on which the station is located.

“The city is always looking for new ways to provide additional parking for the VRE riders,” said Manassas Park Planning and Xoning Director Vanessa Watson. “We are currently researching additional ways to increase parking, but nothing is confirmed at this date.”

Right now the city also provides parking along Manassas Drive and Park Center Court in front of City Hall, Watson said.

“We are currently researching additional ways to increase parking, but nothing in confirmed at this date. Any and all ideas would be welcome.”