The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board and its parent commissions, the Northern Virginia and Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commissions, have approved an across-the-board four percent fare increase effective July 1, 2015.  The fare increase was approved after public hearings were held at seven locations throughout the VRE service area and written public comments were received on the proposed fare increase in February and March 2015. 

The fare increase is needed to balance the FY 2016 budget primarily due to increased operating costs associated with Positive Train Control, train operations and maintenance, and scheduled increased costs for track access.  In addition, VRE will increase service later this summer when it opens Spotsylvania Station and adds a new Fredericksburg Line train.  The price of Amtrak Step-Up tickets will increase from $3 to $5 as the subsidy provided by the Virginia Department of Transportation during the construction of the I-95 Express Lanes expired December 31, 2015.  The price of the VRE Transit Link Card (TLC) will also increase.

Master Technician Matthew Fox with the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue Department was honored with the award for Outstanding Pre-hospital Provider by the Northern Virginia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Council.  The award recipients were selected by a group of Northern Virginia EMS providers for their performance in emergency medical services.

Master Technician Fox has been actively involved in every aspect of EMS in the City of Manassas. He provides a high level of commitment to the many committees on which he serves and is always looking for opportunities to improve the Department’s EMS program. Matt is a Lead Field Training Officer and has mentored many providers in the Department. He is well respected by his peers and supervisors for his wealth of medical knowledge, dedication and service.