Fare Increase Proposed For Virginia Railway Express, Public Feedback Accepted

MANASSAS, VA — Commuters on Virginia Railway Express would see another fare hike in the next proposed budget.

VRE, the commuter rail with Manassas and Fredericksburg lines to D.C., released its $117.4 million preliminary budget proposal for fiscal year 2027. The budget proposes a 5 percent fare increase. Fares had been increased by 5 percent in the fiscal year 2025 budget.

According to VRE, the budget proposes bringing back fare increases and funding increases from jurisdictions on a two-year schedule. Jurisdictional contributions to VRE aren't proposed to increase in the latest budget, as an 8 percent increase was approved in the fiscal year 2026 budget.

The budget proposal maintains fare-free rides for children and a $5 flat fare between zones 1 (Union Station and L’Enfant), 2 (Crystal City and Alexandria) and 3 (Franconia-Springfield and Backlick Road). Children 10 and under can ride with a paying adult, and children 11 to 18 can ride with an adult or without an adult when providing an ID.

VRE plans to resume the Amtrak Step-Up program that was paused in 2020. Under the program, VRE riders can ride select Amtrak Northeast Regional trains between Fredericksburg and D.C.’s Union Station.

VRE's budget covers operations, maintenance and existing debt service. The proposed budget is a $1.3 million increase over the last approved budget. Budget decisions are up to VRE's operating board, which has members from nine contributing jurisdictions and the state.

Public comments on the fare increase proposal are being accepted through 5 p.m. on Dec. 17 at public hearings, by mail, email and phone. Spanish-language and American Sign Language interpreters are available by request at public hearings at least five days prior by emailing publiccomment@vre.org.

Public hearings will be held:

• Tuesday, Nov. 4, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Manassas Museum (walking distance from VRE’s Manassas station) 9101 Prince William Street Manassas, VA 20110

• Thursday, Nov. 6, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., Holiday Inn (walking distance from VRE L’Enfant Station) Main Meeting Room #1 550 C St SW Washington, DC 20024

• Thursday, Nov. 6, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fredericksburg City Hall, Council Chambers (walking distance from VRE’s Fredericksburg station) 715 Princess Anne Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Comments may be sent by mail to VRE FY 2027 Budget Public Comment, 1500 King Street, Suite 202, Alexandria, VA 22314; email to publiccomment@vre.org; or by phone to 540-524-2662.