Virtual Conference

Save the Date! Spring 2026 Virtual Conference

Rail News and Rumors.   The latest buzz regarding passenger rail and rail transit in the U.S.

APRIL 24, 2026-(1-5 PM EDT)

Register

The conference will provide an update regarding what is happening at some of the major transit agencies across the states.

The PROGRAM (DOWNLOAD PDF) includes:

  • The FRA I.D. Corridor I. D. Phase Two Panel Presentation. Andrew Albert will Moderate.

Panelists include:

  • John Esterly, Executive Director, All Aboard Ohio will talk about the 3C & D project.
  • Todd Liebman, President, All Aboard Arizona will talk about -Tucson to Phoenix rail project.
  • Paul Spoelhof, Planning Director, City of Fort Wayne, Indiana will talk about the Midwest Connect Project connecting Chicago to Pittsburgh through Fort Wayne, IN, and Columbus, Ohio.
  • Knox Ross, Chairman, Southern Rail Commission will talk about the effort to restore passenger rail from Baton Rouge to New Orleans.

Each panelist will have 20 minutes to talk about their state’s projects, with time at the end for Q/A.

Other speakers include:

  • Azita Kaovasia, AVP Major Programs – she leads Amtrak’s Long Distance Fleet Replacement Program, overseeing procurement, vendor selection, and delivery of next-generation trainsets. She will talk at a high level about Amtrak’s Long Distance rail equipment order that will be placed in the coming months.
  • Jason S. Myers, Rail Program Manager at NCDOT’s Rail Division will speak about the Charlotte to DC Corridor.
  • Michael Weinman, Founder and Director, PTSI Transportation will give a talk entitled “British Rail Fragmented: 30 Years of Chaos and Failure”
  • Phillip Streby, Chairman, RUN’s Government Affairs Committee will provide an update regarding the proposed merger of UP/NS and why we are opposed.

  • Alice Rodriguez, Deputy Director of External Affairs, California High Speed Rail Authority will talk about the progress that is being made.

Who should attend? The conference is designed not only for passenger rail / rail transit advocates, but also for civic and business leaders, environmentalists, planners, real estate developers and members of the general public who are interested in knowing more about passenger rail and rail transit in America. Please note this is a free event for RUN members, but registration is required. A registration fee for nonmembers is $30, which includes RUN membership through 2026.

Be sure to register by Friday, April 17 so that we can send along the info needed to attend RUN’s Virtual Spring Conference. 

All people registering on-line will receive an acknowledgement from the system, but may be directed to your junk or spam folder, which we cannot control. Please check there for your registration acknowledgement.

We look forward to your participation. In the meantime, be well and enjoy the coming of Spring and many thanks for all you do to support and improve passenger rail/rail transit.