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A step-up ticket is a ticket that VRE riders can purchase (in conjunction with a TLC Ticket, Monthly Ticket, 31-Day Pass, Seven Day Pass or Ten-Trip ticket) that allows one the ability to ride a designated Amtrak train.
Step-Up tickets are valid one year from the date of purchase and are not refundable or cannot be exchanged once expired.
Amtrak charges VRE $13 for every step-up ticket collected on their trains. The current cost of an Amtrak step-up ticket for riders is $8.00. VRE subsidizes the last $5 to help reduce crowding on some of our trains by allowing riders to take an Amtrak train instead.
If any of the following Amtrak train numbers are operating: 66,67, 83, 85, 86, 84, 87, 93, 94, 95, 125, 171, 174, 176, Monday through Friday, even on a weekday holiday when VRE is not running, an Amtrak step-up ticket with a properly zoned VRE Monthly, 5 day pass or 10 ride ticket, will be accepted by Amtrak for travel on that train.
Amtrak numbered trains that are different from any of the above are not considered cross honor trains and cannot be ridden by a VRE passenger with a VRE ticket or step-up. These trains can only be ridden with an Amtrak ticket.
If you do not have a Step-Up ticket accompanied by a valid VRE ticket and you board an Amtrak train, you will be asked to pay the standard rate for an Amtrak ticket to your destination.
Step-Up tickets can only be used in our service area. From points beyond our service area, you would need a separate Amtrak ticket.
Step-Up tickets may be purchased on the platform at one of the ticket vending machines with a credit or debit card only, or, these tickets may be purchased in bulk from one of our vendors. Please visit our vendor page for the vendor closest to you.
Before boarding the Amtrak train, validate your multi-fare card (if needed) and present your tickets to the conductor (the Step-Up ticket does not need to be validated). The conductor will then collect your Step-Up ticket and you will keep your VRE ticket.
NOTE: SINGLE FARE TICKETS MAY NOT BE USED WITH A STEP-UP TICKET TO BOARD ANY AMTRAK TRAINS.
VRE is not responsible for the on time performance of Amtrak trains.
- OmniRide and Virginia Railway Express Partners in Public Transit
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OmniRide is honored to be able to partner with VRE to meet the travel needs of the region’s essential workers and for passengers making essential travel to employment, grocery stores, health care appointments, and more.
- VRE Mobile Update
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If your phone isn't set to automatically update, open VRE Mobile and manually update by clicking "Update My App" or vist Google Play or the App Store directly.
- Commuter Connections
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The coronavirus pandemic has heavily impacted the way area residents work on a daily basis. With continued travel restrictions for many, working from home has become a common practice. For those required to commute to the worksite during the pandemic, Commuter Connections never stopped providing assistance.
- Virtually Explore a Train
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Wondering what the social distancing cues look like at VRE stations and on our trains? Take a peek with this interactive tour.