Changed VRE Fares in Effect July 1

A train ride on the Virginia Railway Express will be a tad more expensive when commuters take to the rails Monday morning.

The VRE's 3 percent fare increase goes into effect on July 1, officials of the commuter rail service said. 

Tickets purchased prior to July 1 will still be accepted for one year, officials said.

The increase is largely because of expected cuts in federal and state funding, according to VRE officials.

The increase is the VRE's first since 2009, when fares increased twice in a six-month period. The three percent increase is expect to bring in about $3.9 million more in revenue.

VRE accepted public comments and hosted several public hearings on the rate increase in cities and towns along the railway before the rate increase was finalized.