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Virginia Railway Express (VRE) recently proposed a 4 percent fare increase — effective July 1 — as part of the agency’s fiscal-year 2004 budget.



The fare increase would help VRE offset increasing operating costs. The agency is paying more for diesel fuel, Norfolk Southern Railway and CSX Transportation track access fees, and Amtrak crew and mechanical staff contracts.



The increase would be the agency’s first since 1995.



VRE also requested a $600,000 per year increase in subsidies from local jurisdictions to help fund operating and capital requirements. The increase would enable VRE to receive matching federal capital funds for projects, such as enlarging parking facilities, and purchasing and overhauling equipment, according to a prepared statement.