VRE fares could increase 15 percent in January; public hearings scheduled this month

Date published: 9/6/2008

By KELLY HANNON

Like most American households, the Virginia Railway Express is spending more on fuel than it planned this year. And now it may ask commuters to help cover the bill.

Public hearings this month are scheduled on a proposal that could raise fares as much as 15 percent in January, and as much as 10 percent next summer.

VRE officials have cautioned that the percentage increases could be lower than 15 percent and 10 percent, but the VRE Operations Board wants to get public comment on the highest possible increases.

Traditionally, fares for train service from Fredericksburg and Manassas to Washington have been raised only in midsummer--the beginning of VRE's fiscal year. This July, fares were raised an average 3 percent.

But VRE's diesel fuel expenses have risen 78 percent over the past year. The $4 million VRE allotted to spend per year on fuel in 2009 and 2010 will not be enough, the agency acknowledged in a message to riders.

State and federal funding levels for the commuter service are set, and a "windfall" from the Virginia General Assembly is not likely, said Mark Roeber, VRE's manager of government relations and public affairs.

"Nobody expects or believes that is going to happen," Roeber said.

Area localities that support VRE--Stafford County and Fredericksburg--pay a subsidy, and levy a 2 percent gas tax. But some jurisdictions have indicated they are unwilling to pay more, Roeber said, and the increased gas-tax receipts will not be enough to cover fuel costs.

The only remaining options are raising fares or cutting service, he said.

A 1 percent fare increase raises an extra $200,000 to $250,000 a year. So a 15 percent fare increase could raise $3 million to $3.75 million.

VRE has taken several cost-cutting steps.

It installed air compressors at both train yards to limit the amount of time locomotives spend idling. The agency plans to reduce marketing expenses, and will consider ending parking-lot leases when they come up for annual renewal.

"Fredericksburg leases would probably be front and center in the debate," Roeber said.

Two sessions are set in the area: Thursday, Sept. 11, 7-9 p.m., Stafford County Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7-9 p.m., Fredericksburg City Hall, 715 Princess Anne St. You may e-mail comments to publiccomment@vre.org or mail them to Virginia Railway Express, 1500 King St., Suite 202, Alexandria, Va. 22314.

Date published: 9/6/2008

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