ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The fiscal 2025 budget for Virginia Railway Express has received final approval, setting the stage for the commuter operator to begin offering Saturday service for the first time later this year.
The $119.9 million operating budget, up 10% over fiscal 2024, received approval last week from the second of the two agencies that oversee the service — the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission. Also approved was a six-year, $1.3 billion capital improvement program, including purchase of rolling stock, along with improvements at 12 stations, three maintenance and storage facilities, and one parking lot, among other times.
The launch of Saturday service on VRE’s two lines is still contingent on reaching agreements with three host railroads — Amtrak, CSX Transportation, and Norfolk Southern.
The budget also eliminates fares for those 18 and under and simplifies fare payment options. More information is available at the VRE website.
VRE’s operation is impressive.