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Through March, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is seeking public comments on a plan to raise fares, modify the discount ticket structure and implement a fee for passengers exchanging VRE tickets for Amtrak tickets.

The agency has proposed increasing base fares between 2 and 4 percent based on the type of ticket and travel zones. VRE also plans to increase the monthly ticket discount from 33 percent to 34 percent, decrease the 10-trip ticket discount from 10 percent to 8 percent and add a $2 step-up fee for Amtrak tickets.

To cover increased operating costs, the agency must increase its fiscal-year 2006 budget 5.5 percent, or $1 million, according to a prepared statement. Local jurisdictions will contribute an additional $525,000, so overall fare revenue must rise 2.7 percent, VRE said.