Keolis to continue operating Virginia Railway Express lines

Virginia Railway Express (VRE) has reappointed Keolis to operate and maintain its commuter rail service in the suburban areas of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region in Virginia. 

With an initial five-year term running until 2031, the contract includes two additional five-year options, potentially extending the total duration of the partnership to fifteen years. 

Starting in July 2026, Keolis will continue to operate 32 weekday trains across two lines covering nearly 150 kilometers of track and with approximately 100 passenger carriages. More than 100 Keolis employees will be tasked with train operations, rolling stock maintenance and the upkeep of specific facilities. 

The new contract consolidates operation and maintenance into a single agreement to provide a more integrated and efficient organisation. With this approach, Keolis will support Virginia Railway Express in implementing its "System Plan 2050", a long-term strategic plan aimed at expanding transport provision, modernising infrastructure and strengthening regional connectivity. 

Since the beginning of its partnership with VRE in 2010, Keolis has delivered outstanding operational results, with punctuality exceeding 99%. Furthermore, Keolis has continued to hold ISO 9001 certification for VRE since 2015, a testament to its commitment to the continuous improvement of quality and safety standards. 

Backed by the SNCF Group, Keolis partners with cities and public transport authorities to design, operate, and develop rail systems. By combining international expertise with a long-term local presence, Keolis helps ensure service reliability, optimise assets and create long-term value for passengers and local communities. This expertise is notably in evidence in the Netherlands (Valleilijn, province of Gelderland and the IJssel-Vecht concession, provinces of Overijssel, Gelderland and Flevoland), the United States (MBTA – Boston), the United Arab Emirates (Etihad Rail – Abu Dhabi) and Canada (Alto project). Keolis actively contributes to all stages of the project lifecycle, from design and mobilisation to operations, maintenance and infrastructure projects. Together, Keolis and the SNCF Group operate and maintain services drawing on proven technical and commercial capabilities, an extensive network of partners, and their ability to work within complex contractual models, all in the aims of safety, passenger experience, and operational and financial performance.