Rail Users Network Conference - April 29

Are you an advocate for Public Transit? If so, this may interest you. National Conference in Boston, open to interested parties.

The Rail Users Network (RUN) is a national non-profit with a new concept in the representation of rail passengers. It is based on the successful British Passenger Focus model, created by act of the British Parliament, which has been serving passengers throughout the United Kingdom since 1948. RUN is different, however, in that it represents many different types of rail passengers, including long distance, commuter, and transit riders. It is not sanctioned by an act of Congress - but some of our representative groups are legislatively mandated by their respective states and municipalities, giving riders a seat "at the table," and bringing the needs of rail users to the attention of those in charge.

RUN's national conference will be in Boston this year at the Boston Foundation on Arlington Street, downtown, on Friday April 29, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Thanks to local and national sponsorship, there is no fee to attend this year. Rail advocates from all over will attend. The conference may offer insight into the state of affairs in rail in New England. Hear directly from the heads of agencies.

This year's speakers and presenters include;

• Frank DePaola, General Manager, MBTA
• Gerald Francis, General Manager; Keolis Commuter Services
• Astrid Glynn, Rail and Transit Administrator; MaDOT
• Rina Cutler, Amtrak's Senior Director for Major Station Planning & Development
• Maggie Super Church, Conservation Law Foundation and Mass. Housing effort
• Michael Izbicki, Executive Director, New Hampshire Rail Transit
• Mela Bush-Miles, Lead Community Organizer, Greater 4 Corners (Boston) Action Coalition
• Former Governor and presidential candidate, Michael Dukakis
• ... and others.

About RUN: http://www.railusers.net

Conference agenda: http://www.railusers.net/index.php?link=conference

There is no fee, but advance registration is REQUIRED by April 19 at: http://www.railusers.net/index.php?link=register

A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Yes, this is open to the public.

For more info contact Richard Rudolph through the RUN web site. E-mail and phone available.