VRE gets final OK to abandon Amtrak contract
New contract goes to Keolis Rail Services America.
The Associated Press
WFLS News
Date published: 11/6/2009
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) - The Virginia Railway Express has received
final approval for its plan to abandon its 17-year-old relationship
with Amtrak and partner with a company based in France to operate
its commuter rail system.
On Friday, the Northern Virginia and Potomac and Rappahannock
transportation commissions voted in favor of awarding a five-year,
$85.7 million contract to Keolis Rail Services America, the U.S.
subsidiary of a French company.
The VRE Operations Board approved the plan on Oct. 16. The
contract has two five-year renewal options and will begin July 1,
when Amtrak's contract ends.
A challenge from Amtrak over the VRE board's decision was
dismissed. An Amtrak spokesman says VRE's response did not address
Amtrak's safety and security concerns.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Date published: 11/6/2009
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