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APTA NEWS

Rail Conference Sessions Address Safety, Security, SGR

What’s next for the rail industry—and how can professionals stay on top of the changes? Technology expert and futurist Michael Rogers will share his views at the Closing General Session of the APTA Rail Conference, June 19-22 in Phoenix.

“A Practical Futurist’s View of the Rail Industry: Technology, Demography, Sustainability” will offer practical steps rail managers can take, such as improving customer satisfaction, productivity or operations, through methods involving technological upgrades, demographic changes and sustainability. Rogers’ ideas include reviewing the organization’s research and development plan and identifying elements of the organization’s ­culture that may be getting in the way.

Rogers is completing a two-year ­tenure as futurist-in-residence for The New York Times and writes the “Practical ­Futurist” column for MSNBC. He was vice president of the Washington Post ­Company’s new media division for 10 years.

At a General Session Monday afternoon, June 20, high-ranking DOT representatives will lead a dialogue regarding the challenges facing public transportation now and over the next 30 years, such as aging infrastructure, increasing demand, investments in workforce development, new technologies and FTA’s safety role.

The conference will also feature a roundtable discussion exploring the infrastructure needs of U.S. rail systems. Panelists include agency leaders from large legacy and mid-size systems, who will share their thoughts on investments required to keep their systems reliable, efficient, safe and secure.

Educational Sessions and Tracks
APTA has organized the conference’s educational sessions into six tracks: technology and technical forums; operations and maintenance; safety, security and emergency preparedness; planning, finance and sustainability; capital programs; and policy, management and workforce development.

The Mid-Level Managers Magnification program will offer three sessions covering leadership development, a National Transit Institute program on leading as a mid-manager in the current environment and a workshop on next career steps.

Other highlights include the 2016 Rail Safety & Security Excellence Awards, the Products & Services Showcase, a session on PTC, the Host Forum on TOD, the Business Member Networking Breakfast, and a session on international lessons learned in intercity and high-speed rail.

Host System Tours
Valley Metro has scheduled five tours.

The first three will be held Sunday, June 19: a visit to PHX Sky Train, an automated service that connects ­Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport terminals to a Valley Metro Rail light rail station; a guided tour of ­public art projects at light rail stations in Tempe and Mesa; and a tour showcasing the Valley Metro Rail Operations & Maintenance Center, home to both routine maintenance and heavy repairs, and the Valley Metro Mobility Center, where ADA eligibility assessments and paratransit programs are conducted.

Monday evening, June 20, Valley Metro will present a progressive tour of the latest in award-winning TOD and adaptive reuse projects in central and downtown ­Phoenix, including visits to restaurants and stores along the Valley Metro Rail line. The tour of the Valley Metro Rail Operations & Maintenance Center and Valley Metro Mobility Center repeats Wednesday, June 22.

Day Tour to Tucson’s Sun Link
Rail professionals planning to attend the conference might want to arrive early to take advantage of a few pre-conference special events.

An all-day tour on Saturday, June 18, will introduce participants to the Sun Link streetcar system in ­Tucson, 115 miles south of ­Phoenix. Tom Hickey of Virginia Railway Express, immediate past chair of the APTA Streetcar Subcommittee, will lead the tour of the modern single-line streetcar system, which is nearly four miles long. The tour also will include a visit to the Sun Link integrated operations control and maintenance facility.

Attendance is limited, so advance registration is required by contacting Hickey. LTK Engineering Services Inc. is sponsoring charter bus service between the hotel and Tucson.

On the evening of June 18, Valley Metro, host system for the conference, invites conference attendees and participants in the 2016 APTA International Rail Rodeo to “All Star Night at the Park.” This event at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, will feature ballpark tours as well as local dishes and beverages. Dress is casual and sports team-related jerseys are encouraged.

BMBG Changes
Several business member activities have been rescheduled at this year’s conference to avoid conflicts with Father’s Day. Changes include the Business Member Board of Governors meeting and the Business Member Networking Breakfast, which will both now take place on Tuesday, June 21.

The business member committee meetings will occur prior to the Rail Conference by conference call as follows (all times are eastern): Small Business Committee, Tuesday, May 31, 2 p.m.; Programs Committee, Thursday, June 2, 2 p.m.; Procurement and Legislative Committees (joint meeting), Friday, June 3, 2 p.m.; Business Development Committee, Monday, June 6, noon; and the Workforce Development Committee, Friday, June 10, 2 p.m.

Contact Fran Hooper for additional information.

To register or for more information, click here.

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