VRE and AMTRAK

VRE Announced April 27 to delay increases for AMTRAK step up rates until July. GOOD.

This issue directly impacts Fredericksburg Area Commuters, who pay an average per ride cost of $6.68 using VRE Monthly or ten trip passes. Today, we pay an extra $2.00 per trip to ride Amtrak or a trip cost of $8.68. Amtrak charges VRE $10.00 per trip leaving an average short fall of $1.32.

VRE's CEO Dale Zehnor advocated a $10.00 surcharge totaling 16.68 per trip. A trip surplus of $6.68. Coincidentally, the same trip cost to ride a VRE train.

Those riding AMTRAK would pay for their ride and ONE other Person to ride VRE. I consider this price gouging. Mr. Zehnor disagrees believing the surcharge is fair, and needed to balance this years budget..

Trip parity, is increasing the surcharge from $2.00 to $3.32 equalizing the AMTRAK Fee (on average)

VRE funding is horrid. VRE needs new or improved engines, a third rail, station improvemensts and much more to start providing appropriate timely service. These are issues our elected officials must address. The cost of this service must also remain in an affordable zone for the average commuter.

VRE Does Not need to price gouge Fredericksburg Area Commuters for riding AMTRAK trains, nor does VRE need to continue its current service cuts by eliminating Federal Holiday travel schedules, weekend travel, etc. VRE needs to be a valid partner in the total transportation plan for the Fredericksburg Community. A community embedded in one of the most congested regions in the country.

Rob Tanner

1105 Douglas Street

Fredericksburg VA, 22401

5408422067