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Virginia Railway Express brings back free-ride certificates for 30-minute train delays; staff recommends scaling back youth fare discounts Date published: 9/19/2009
BY KELLY HANNON WOODBRIDGE --Virginia Railway Express is restoring a popular rider perk: a free-ride voucher that's handed out when trains are running 30 minutes late.But other policy changes discussed yesterday by VRE's governing body could frustrate senior, disabled and youth passengers. VRE staff want to eliminate the 50 percent youth fare discount for 11- to 21-year-olds, citing low ridership in that age group, crowded trains and a need to save money in an upcoming budget year that's expected to be difficult. Also, due to action taken by the VRE Operations Board yesterday, senior and disabled passengers will no longer be able to purchase tickets discounted 50 percent in person at stores in the Fredericksburg area. Instead, those customers must purchase discounted tickets over the phone or online through CommuterDirect, or in person at vendors near VRE stops at Springfield, Alexandria, Crystal City, L'Enfant Plaza and Union Station. Only full-fare VRE tickets can be bought from machines on train platforms. The changes will limit the fraudulent purchase of senior and disabled tickets, said Dale Zehner, VRE's chief executive officer. "In the past year, we've noticed that discount ticket sales have gone up substantially. Looking at that, we're finding people are buying discounts that should not get those," Zehner said, addressing the Operations Board in Woodbridge. To purchase a discounted senior ticket, a rider must show a vendor proof that he is at least 65 years old. A rider with disabilities must show the vendor a government-issued ID that indicates he is disabled. A one-way trip between Fredericksburg and Union Station in Washington costs $10.30 without the discount. Zehner said some of VRE's 11 vendors are relaxed about policy enforcement. At convenience stores with high staff turnover, some clerks will sell discounted tickets to anyone who verbally claims to meet the standard, even if he has no documentation, Zehner said.
Date published: 9/19/2009
It happens everywhere. And read the article: if you're disabled or a senior, you can still purchase your ticket with documentation. I am a bit surprised about the Free Ride Certificate (FRC) reversal. Didn't see that coming. They (VRE) just mentioned that the month of July or August (can't remember right now) broke a record with absolutely no delays caused by mechanical problems. That's never happened in their history. There are good and bad times, but their on-time is better than most Amtrak trains.
You are absolutely correct. This is not a new policy, its a change to an existing one. VRE decided to offer discount tickets, and made them relatively easy to purchase. They tried to be nice, and trust people. but we are learning once again that there are too many people that take advantage of the system. Now the seniors have to suffer because of a group of dishonest people, its sad.
Instead of immediately bashing the VRE, stop and think for a minute about the fact that just like every other business in America, the VRE operates on a budget. If you are upset about where and who can purchase discount tickets, send your dislike to the people who caused the change. Thank those who were cheating and abusing the system.
now that Logan has sold Spotsy down the river and VRE will be getting Spotsy's precious dollars to commute a few well paid folks to their jobs (many which probably include VRE discount vouchers already). Good work there Logan and f(r)iends.
Seems that every move VRE makes is to maximum inconvenience. Welcome Spotsy!
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