Washington, D.C. — Passenger rail is an essential element of America’s surface transportation system, and the main provider of intercity passenger rail service is Amtrak. On June 4, the Center for American Progress Action Fund will host Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE) for a keynote address on the importance of passenger rail to the economic vitality of the Northeast Corridor. A panel of experts, including former Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter (D), will highlight that passenger rail deserves greater attention, oversight, and investment.
Passenger rail service supports economic development, connects rural communities to the nation, and helps reduce roadway congestion in major metropolitan regions. In addition, Amtrak facilities and services are vital to commuter rail agencies, allowing 840,000 commuters to reach their destinations every weekday. The crash on Tuesday, May 12, of Amtrak train 188 north of Philadelphia caused the deaths of eight passengers and injured more than 200 other riders. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that the policy decisions made in Washington have real consequences on the state of repair of our nation’s infrastructure assets, as well as on the safety of their day-to-day operations.
Members of the media can RSVP here.
Bookmark this link to watch the live webcast.
WHO:
Welcoming remarks:
Neera Tanden, Counselor to the Center for American Progress Action Fund; President of the Center for American Progress
Keynote address:
Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE)
Participants:
Ray LaHood, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation
Michael Nutter (D), Mayor of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Steven Ditmeyer, Adjunct Professor, Michigan State University; former Associate Administrator for Policy at the Federal Railroad Administration
Thomas Wright, President, Regional Plan Association
Moderator:
Kevin DeGood, Director of Infrastructure Policy, Center for American Progress Action Fund
WHERE:
Center for American Progress Action Fund
1333 H Street NW, 10th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20005
WHEN:
Thursday, June 4, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. ET
For more information on this topic or to speak with an expert, contact Allison Preiss at [email protected] or 202.478.6331.