OCTOBER 19-21, 2021 | VIRTUAL

Rail~Volution

Rail~Volution is a national non-profit network of transit leaders, experts, and professionals committed to meeting the needs of communities. For many years, Kimley-Horn has been part of the National Steering Committee, which guides the organization’s programs and initiatives. Rail~Volution’s programs, including the annual conference, emphasize the importance of more livable, equitable, and sustainable communities through major transit investments.

Rail~Volution

KIMLEY-HORN SPEAKERS, PRESENTERS, AND FACILITATORS

Melissa DuMond, AICP

SPEAKER

Negotiating with Freight Railroads: Leading with Service Planning

October 20, 2021 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CT

In December 2019, Virginia announced they were negotiating with CSXT for the purchase of over 400 miles of rail right-of-way and track throughout the state to bring better, more frequent passenger rail service to Virginians. The approach, phased in over 10 years includes doubling the number of Virginia Amtrak trains, increasing service and improving schedules, and laying the foundation for Southeast High Speed Rail for future east-west passenger service. The agreements were signed on March 30, 2021, marking a unique approach to passenger and freight rail negotiations that was led with service at its core. While there are many public agency heroes responsible for this landmark deal, this group presentation will talk about the methodology that underlaid the negotiation between passenger rail operators, owners, and a freight railroad. This session will demonstrate how aligning train schedules and maximizing the infrastructure to serve the needs of both passenger and freight leads to better service.

Beth Bartz, AICP

SPEAKER

Reflections Toward a Path of Equitable Transit

October 20, 2021 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CT

Across the country transit agencies are adopting policies to promote more equitable outcomes in project development and service delivery and demonstrate tangible ways that they “are doing things differently.” In this session, three agencies (Sound Transit, The Twin Cities Metropolitan Council, and Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority) will share their stories about how they are exploring more equitable outcomes within a dynamic and sensitive social and political context, understanding that addressing equity cannot be a one-time fix, but rather a journey of exploration and conversation. This session will focus on finding the humility and the courage to start the journey and continue learning and evolving in conversation with communities.