As VRE (web|news) ridership increases, one would think more trains would be added to meet the demand. Think again. 

Riding the rail ways was the only clear option for John Heyman, "The gas prices are driving us out of our cars. We're going to have to go rail or bus. By the way, I have to catch my train now."

With gas prices close to the $4 a gallon mark, Virginia Railway Express trains are getting more crowded and plans to add new trains are on hold. 

"I used to have a seat to myself and now sometimes I've had to stand," said commuter Patrick Assouad.

VRE says ridership jumped 12 percent in April making it the tenth straight increase. They had planned to add two new trains but says it doesn't have the 25 million dollar funding. They are hoping the General Assembly's special session next month will fill the bill.

To accommodate the crowds for now, every train added two double-decker cars. Mark Roeber with VRE said the added cars will ease roadway congestion. "Those two trains, if they are operating at their capacity, remove about 2,500 people per day off the highways."

A new rail line is already in place, ready to open Monday. VRE will be getting five new rail cars, but no way to pay to add a 4:45 a.m. train from Fredricksburg and an 8 p.m. to Manassas, all requests of riders.

Plans are in place to extend the Manassas line to Gainesville. A private developer may be on board to build the rail station. Nancy Silva says it makes sense for the state to invest in the rail service because building roads will take too long.

"We get home faster, than if we drive and it's cheaper," said Silva.

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