VRE Remains Free Between 6 Stations During Extended Metro Shutdown

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Virginia Railway Express will continue to be a fare-free alternative through Metro's extended shutdown through Nov. 5.

VRE's operations board previously approved a fare-free month for all riders during September as well as fare-free October for riders traveling between zones 1, 2 and 3. The decision had been a response to Metro's shutdown of six Blue and Yellow Line stations south of Reagan National Airport from Sept. 10 to Oct. 22. However, Metro recently extended the closures through Nov. 5 due to delays in the track connection work to the new Potomac Yard Metro station.

The VRE board responded by extending its fare-free initiative through Nov. 5. The free fares only apply to travel between zone 1 (Union Station and L’Enfant), zone 2 (Crystal City and Alexandria) and zone 3 (Franconia-Springfield and Backlick Road).

The board also agreed to reduce VRE fares between zones 1, 2 and 3 during Metro's Yellow Line bridge and tunnel work, which is expected to run through May 2023. A ticket between zones 1, 2 and 3 will cost $5 for a single ride, $10 for a day pass, $40 for a seven-day pass, $46 for a 10-trip ticket and $138 for a 31-day pass. Reduced-price passes will be available through VRE Mobile.

The six stations south of Reagan National Airport will reopen on Nov. 6, but Metrorail service will not run between Pentagon and L'Enfant Plaza. Yellow Line will not run but will be served by Blue and Green Line trains. Service frequency will depend on the return of additional 7000-series trains, which Metro must get approval from the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission.

VRE offers free parking at its Backlick Road station. Franconia-Springfield Metro parking is free while stations are closed through Nov. 5, but parking fees will resume during the Yellow Line tunnel portion of the project. The parking fee at the Metro-owned Franconia-Springfield parking facility will $4.95 during the Yellow Line tunnel project. Bicycles are allowed on VRE trains, and bicycle parking is available at VRE stations.

For more information about VRE and schedules, visit www.vre.org.