Information for Persons with Disabilities
Riders with disabilities need a VRE issued Reduced Fare ID or a
Medicare Card to purchase discounted tickets. Previous forms of
identification will no longer be accepted.
Below are the most asked questions regarding the new Reduced Fare
ID program. We will update the list periodically based on inquiries
made by passengers. If you have a question, feel free to email
Gotrains.
Who qualifies?
People with disabilities who require accessibility
features to use public transportation may be eligible to ride at a
discounted rate.
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How much is the discount?
The discount is 50% off the cost of a regular priced
VRE ticket, with the exception of the
VRE-TLC ticket. Visit our
reduced-fares page to view all discounted ticket prices.
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What do I need in order to purchase reduced
fare tickets?
The discount is 50% off the cost of a regular
priced VRE ticket, with the exception of the
VRE-TLC ticket. Visit our
reduced-fares page to
view all discounted ticket prices.
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What information do I need to fill out to receive an ID?
Passengers requesting the VRE Reduced-Fare ID, must
fill out the Reduced
Fare ID application. Please keep in mind that a portion of the
application needs to be completed by a physician, which can delay
your submission time.
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How can I submit my application?
There are several ways for you to submit your
application, which are listed below. Please keep in mind that
you must submit a "head shot" .jpg in order to have
your application processed.
- Fax your application to (703) 838-5422
- Email your application to Anna Gotthardt
- Mail your application to our office:
Virginia Railway Express
Attn: Reduced Fare ID
1500 King Street, Suite 202
Alexandria, VA 22314
- Drop it off at the VRE Headquarters
If you choose to fax or email your application and photo in advance
to start the application process, you must mail the ORIGINAL
physician's certification to the address listed above within 3 business days.
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How long does it take for me to receive my ID?
It will take a maximum of 10 business days, from the
day we receive the information, for you to receive your ID, assuming all
required items have been received.
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Does VRE offer a disabled attendant pass?
Passengers who require assistance from their origination
station to their destination station may have a certified assistant ride
with them for free. A disabled attendant pass is available for those
persons needing an attendant to help them navigate the VRE system. This
pass is valid for any single attendant assisting a rider holding a valid VRE ticket.
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How do I Apply for a Disabled Attendant Pass?
To apply for a disabled attendant pass, the following must be submitted to VRE:
- A request letter from the disabled rider that includes their name, address,
daytime telephone number and their current boarding and alighting stations.
- A letter from the disabled person's physician on his or her official
letterhead explaining the nature of the disability and why special
assistance is needed for commuting on VRE trains.
- The letter must be mailed to Virginia Railway Express at the address below:
Attn: Disabled Attendant Pass
1500 King Street, Suite 202
Alexandria, VA 22314
Upon receipt and verification, VRE will create a special fare
exempt flash pass for an attendant. This process usually takes 10 working days
from receipt.
An attendant fare exempt pass may be used only when the
attendant is riding with the disabled person using a valid ticket. The attendant
cannot have a disabling injury that negates the benefit of their being an
attendant. The pass will be valid through the calendar year and can only be
renewed at the request of the disabled patron. All passes expire on December 31
of each year. To renew a pass for the next year a new letter and request must be
received by VRE no later than November 15 to avoid delays in processing.
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Do senior citizens need to have a reduced fare ID?
No, the VRE Reduced Fare ID cards are specifically for
passengers with disabilities under 65 years of age. Seniors need only
a photo ID displaying their date of birth to purchase reduced fare tickets.
Seniors who would like to receive a VRE Reduced Fare ID may submit Part
A of the application and a "head shot".jpg. Please make sure to note
that you are a senior.
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Why won't VRE accept my VA Disability card?
VRE's Reduced Fare program for Passengers with Disabilities
falls under the Federal Transit Act definition and is intended for passengers
who "because of illness, injury, age, congenital malfunction, or other
incapacity or temporary or permanent disability, (including an individual who is
a wheelchair user or has semi-ambulatory capability),
cannot use effectively, without special facilities or special planning or design
to utilize mass transportation service or a mass transportation facility.
" VRE recognizes there are many types of disabilities; however, only those
that fit the FTA definition are eligible for the Reduced Fare program.
The VA issues disability cards based upon medical conditions related to service
in the military. Not all medical conditions are considered disabilities under the
FTA guidelines. In order to determine if your disabilities fall within the established
criteria, please review the guidelines in Part B of the application and, if appropriate,
forward Part B & C to your physician for completion.
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My local vendor doesn't
sell the Reduced Fare tickets anymore. Now I have to make a special
trip to get my tickets! VRE is sure making it hard on us.
Discounted tickets are intended for
passengers that fall under specific guidelines. To ensure that
half price tickets are sold to only those who qualify, we
found it necessary to limit sales primarily to
specific outlets.
Fortunately, one of the most convenient ways to purchase
VRE tickets is by automatic recurring ticket order with
Commuter Direct. They'll set up an account, establish your
eligibility and even work with a variety of transit benefits
providers. Then they will mail your VRE tickets directly to you.
No special trips or waiting in line ever again! Contact
CommuterDirect at (703) 228-RIDE to set up your account.
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Do I need to have my ID while I am on the train?
Yes, all passengers traveling
on a reduced fare ticket must carry their qualifying ID.
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I receive my tickets from CommuterDirect. Do I need to send them
a copy of this ID?
Once received, you will need to provide them with
a copy of your new ID to remain eligible to receive the discount.
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