Commuter Rail Conversations

Recap: Washington Fly-In Spring 2024

In this episode, Commuter Rail Coalition [https://www.commuterrailcoalition.org] CEO, KellyAnne Gallagher, and Coalition Government Affairs Director, John Cline, recap the March 13th and 14th Capitol Hill spring fly-in. During this spring’s now semi-annual event, the CRC had a series of productive meetings including conversations with Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), House Railroad Subcommittee Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX), Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN), Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-IN) and staff in the committees of jurisdiction in both chambers.  This month’s fly-in was led by CRC Chair Mike Noland (NICTD/South Shore Line) and CEO KellyAnne Gallagher and the delegation was comprised of CRC members from around the country who articulated policy implications for their agencies and companies. Thanks to VRE’s Joe Swartz, SEPTA’s Joe Connelly, Wabtec’s Chris Zappi, and Herzog’s Gregg Baxter for participating, and to John Cline (Cline Strategic Consulting) and Julie Minerva (Carpi & Clay) for support. Look for details coming soon regarding the upcoming Commuter Rail hearing.

Rolling Stock Solutions: Bridging the Gap for Commuter Railroads

In this episode, Coalition CEO KellyAnne Gallagher is joined by guest host Melissa Boyles, Rolling Stock Solutions [https://www.rollingstocksolutions.com]’ CEO Phillip Puccia and  Chief Mechanical Officer, Sean Kehoe. Recently, KellyAnne joined them onsite in Montreal where she quickly realized the enthusiasm and passion Phil and Sean share for this simple yet innovative and effective approach to bridging the gap for commuter rail roads in their vehicle replacement strategies is contagious. Not only does the Rolling Stock Solutions' model extend the useful life of locomotives that would otherwise be discarded, it provides a valuable resource for agencies as they are transitioning fleets and performing critical maintenance activities. This proven model, used frequently in aviation and freight, is now available to commuter railroads in North America.

Excess Liability Market: A Real Risk for Railroads

In this episode of Commuter Rail Conversations, Coalition CEO, KellyAnne Gallagher and John Cline, of Cline Strategic Consulting and CRC’s Director of Government Affairs,  discuss the impacts of excess liability requirements on commuter rail roads. They are joined by special guest Otis Tolbert. Otis is the Managing Director and Global Practice Leader of Aon’s Rail and Transit Practice. He has been with AON since 1998 and has served clients as a strategic advisor on complex risks. As Global Practice Leader, Otis has responsibility for thought leadership, product innovation, strategic direction, and financial performance of one of Aon’s oldest industry segment practice groups; rail and transit. Excess liability requirements for commuter rail roads have shifted due in part to existing US policy as well as shared use agreements with freight, PTC, and other considerations. The impacts to the industry are significant and, should our commuter railroads find themselves unable to meet the increasing coverage requirements, could leave our passengers stranded at the platforms.  Listen in to hear from the experts about what’s happening, potential solutions, and an understanding of our call to action.

Recap: Washington Fly-In Spring 2023

In this episode of Commuter Rail Conversations, Coalition CEO KellyAnne Gallagher talks with Director of Government Affairs John Cline about the takeaways from our first Washington Fly-in of 2023.  Our itinerary prioritized meetings with new committee leadership on the House side, while also catching up with professional staff on the Senate side, and checking in with FTA and FRA.  Capitol Hill has reopened, making transitioning from meeting to meeting as seamless as before COVID, and the schedule reflected that. Listen in as KellyAnne and John discuss the policy priorities at the top of CRC’s agenda; what members are saying about legislating rail safety post-the East Palestine NS derailment; and a possible pathway to CRISI eligibility.

Commuter Rail Conversation with Caltrain's Director of Strategy and Policy, Sam Sargent

In this episode, Melissa Boyles [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-boyles-b59739b/], Vice President of Diversity and Development for Stacy and Witbeck and host of the Moving Arizona [https://www.movingaz.net] podcast serves as our special guest host. She interviews Sam Sargent [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsargent/], Caltrain’s Director of Strategy and Policy, and they talk about taking leaps. First, Sam's big leap from Austin Texas to California’s Bay area and then Caltrain's leap into electrification of its commuter rail service. Sam brings Caltrain a fresh perspective from his many years working with the greater Austin community as CapMetro’s Director of Government Affairs. He recently joined Caltrain, just five months ago, and has hit the ground running!