VRE Costs Rising, So Could Fares

Rising costs and fewer subsidies have forced Virginia Railway Express to propose a three-percent fare hike that would take effect in July.

The commuter railroad is out with its proposed $88.7 million fiscal year 2013 operating budget that requires not only the approval of the VRE Operations Board but also the local jurisdictions that fund the service, like Prince William and Stafford counties.

The fare increase would equal about 30 cents more on the railroad’s most expensive fares, which now are $10.30 if the train is taken from Fredericksburg to Washington’s Union Station, $8.45 if ridden from Manassas to Washington.

Though ridership has spiked and on-time performance this year is the best it’s ever been, operating costs like fuel and commissions paid out on sales of commuter passes have increased by $790,000 and $675,000, respectively, said VRE spokesman Mark Roeber. Federal and state funding is also projected to be lower in FY 2013.

The railroad will pay $710,000 more to its operator, Keolis Rail Services of America, as part of a contract cost agreement hammered out in 2009. Host railroads Norfolk Southern and CSX are also charging VRE more to share their track, increasing access fee’s by $1.1 million, fueling transit supporters arguments to build a separate track for commuter use.

Local jurisdictions will also be asked to kick in $485,000 more this year to round out the total proposed budget, which has increased by $1 million over last year’s figures.