Commuting from Richmond to DC

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Originally posted by tschilling

I recently moved to Richmond from NC to follow my wife who got a job here. As it works out I've now gotten an unbelievable job opportunity in DC and I'm looking to commute. Unfortunately my work hours are going to be such that VRE or bus/van lines won't work (11am - 7pm). Are there any suggestions as to what I can do? minus moving, which we're considering doing in April once our current lease is up, moving to Fredericksburg that is. Better yet, since single commuting is likely my only option, any tips on cheap parking near Union Station? I know Union Station is $20 a day.
Thanks

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Don't know about parking at union station, and I don't know where in DC you are working but you could always park at Springfield Metro. This probably doesn't help you too much but you should definetly check out the parking at other metro stations. I know that where I work in Arlington you can find monthly rates at parking garages and you could take the metro to your work but since I don't really know your situation I can't help too much.

Good Luck!!!

I got a ride home (slugging) the other day from the Pentagon to Rte 17 with a man who was continuing home to Chester (? Chesterfield?) - SW of Richmond!

I have also seen Vans on the road that are Richmond to Belvoir and Richmond to DC.

Commuter Connections is a good place to go.

There are clearly people doing what you do. Good luck Leroy.

There are tons of us commuting daily from Richmond (a great place to live) to the DC metro area (better paying jobs). Most of us have tried all the options to see which one works best for us. Personally I chose to be in a vanpool for the last year and a half. A few months ago, however, a new option appeared on the scene. Spirit Tours is now providing a luxury motor coach (soft reclining seats, overhead storage for luggage, bathroom, dvd screens) with professional drivers that departs Richmond (and a few other places) each morning and drops off at the Pentagon (metro access to all of DC), Crystal City and Navy Annex. Unlike Greyhound and Amtrak, the cost is reasonable, can be paid per month, and qualifies for the government Transportation Subsidy benefit. To me, this is the best option so far, by far. It's so comfortable, and because we commuters aren't having to share the driving, everyone is pleasant and stress-free. This is the happiest I've been with my commute for years, so I thought I should share the information with my fellow Richmonders. The contact number is: 804-517-4974.

Hi Leroy,

I too recently started working in DC and live in Richmond. I considered vanpooling, commuter flights and rail. I compared the cost and hassle factors of each option and decided to go with buying a monthly pass through amtrak (Cost $650 Richmond - Alexandria). I too get up at about 4am, get ready and then drive to the train station. By the way, I chose Alexandria because its the closest to richmond (and therefore the cheapest) that sits next to the subway. Anyway, once I am on the train I can get up to 2 more hours of sleep and be in DC by 7 or 8am (depending on if you take the 5am or 6 am train). Vanpooling is a third of the cost but I dont see myself getting any work done in the van while watching a bad scene on the Road warrior outside my window (a.k.a I95 especially near the beltway). Also, me driving in that kind of traffic is not an option...too stressful.

I considered commuter flights to Ronald Reagan National (also located on the Metro) but way too expensive and of course the main hassle is those hated two words (airport security). I don't need to undress to take the train, they have a cafe car for food, newspapers and drinks, AC adapters next to all seats and quiet cars (no loud noise or cell phones allowed) for the ride in the morning.

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Originally posted by Leroy

I just joined this site today in hopes of finding a better way to commute from my home in Richmond,VA to the VRE stop in Fredricksburg or to DC. I currently am waking up at 4:00am and driving to Fredricksburg where I catch the VRE by 5:10am. Is there anyone else making that trip that would like to alternate driving to the station with me.

Leroy

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I wish you luck Leroy, you must truly enjoy your job, or make a whole helluva lot of money!

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