VRE Step-Up Price Reduction Again Delayed

The reduction of the price of Amtrak step-up tickets from $5 to $3 for Virginia Railway Express (VRE) riders has been delayed again, VRE officials reported this week.

"We were hoping to have this completed January 1 and then again on February 1, but we were unable to proceed until the Commonwealth of Virginia signed off on the step-up price commitment," according to the announcement.

VRE monthly or 10-trip tickets holders now pay $5 for a step-up ticket that allows them to ride select Amtrak trains.

Virginia officials are required to sign off on the fare reduction agreement because the Commonwealth is contributing funds from the Interstate 95 High Occupancy/Toll (HOT) Lanes, VRE spokesman Mark Roeber said.

"We're still waiting for this sign off," VRE officials said. "While we're told it shouldn't be much longer of a wait, we no longer have an estimated time completion."

VRE believes the step-up tickets will help reduce the overcrowding of VRE trains.  "We will send out immediate notices once the agreement contracts are signed," officials said.