Mindless Vandalism on the Virginia Railway Express today

Each and every BURKE CENTER fare machine (which cost in the tens of thousands) had its special touch screen plates smashed, as if by crowbar. Whoever the perp was, he or they reserved a special hatred for the fare machines. It will probably take more than 100K to replace them, as I don't see them a being fixable.

The sheer viciousness of this vandalism is confusing.. I can't fathom anyone having such a grudge against VRE to want to do something like this.

In addition, the cold weather shelter alcoves (where you can huddle in from the rain) were all smashed with almost as much methodical visciousness. I certainly hope a reward is offered to bring this guy to justice; if he bragged to friends and acquintansces about hitting VRE, he should be easy to find.

VRE always operates on a shoestring; I have no idea where the money will come to fix up Burke Station now.

STORY (courtesy of ABC and its local affiliate, Channel 8)