VRE gets final OK to end Amtrak contract

Alexandria (WBQB/WFVA/AP)  -- The Virginia Railway Express has received final approval for its plan to end its 17-year-old relationship with Amtrak and partner with a company based in France to operate its commuter rail system. 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.