VRE: Adult abuse of kids' fares may end train discount
By: Kytja Weir
Examiner Staff Writer
September 21, 2009
Some train commuters have been trying to seem younger than their years.
So Virginia Railway Express is considering eliminating its youth discount program to prevent adults from using kids' cheap train tickets.
The transit agency that runs commuter trains from Manassas and Fredericksburg into the District offers youths 21 and under a 50 percent discount on tickets. That's significant savings on a system that can cost as much as $10.30 for a single ride.
But the agency noticed it was selling more and more youth tickets, VRE spokesman Mark Roeber said.
"There wasn't a corresponding increase in students riding the train," Roeber said. "The logical deduction was people have figured out how to ride the edges."
The transit agency proposed eliminating the discount and instead letting children 10 or younger ride for free if traveling with a fare-paying adult. Currently, children ages 6 and younger ride free.
The agency also is planning on limiting where it sells senior citizens' discount tickets and requiring more documentation for those with disabilities who seek a discount.
The agency also is planning on limiting where it sells senior citizens' discount tickets and requiring more documentation for those with disabilities who seek a discount.
"All we're doing is trying to put some safeguards in place," Roeber said.
Some students use the trains to get to school, especially private and parochial schools, he said.
But the trains are increasingly crowded and the commuter train service does not want to use its limited seats for half fares that aren't legitimate. VRE estimates that the crackdown could bring in as much as $300,000.
Schools still could get discounted group rates for field trips or events, he said.
A public hearing and vote will have to be held before VRE can eliminate or change the youth discount. No date has been set.
