Art Leahy  (LA Metro)

Chad Edison (CalSTA)

Karen Hedlund,
Deputy Administrator, FRA

The State of California is a national model for intercity passenger rail, with the highest ridership of any state in the Amtrak system.  During this panel, the Chairs from each of the three intercity rail Joint Powers Authorities and the emerging Coast Daylight service, will provide an overview of joint efforts to protect the state’s investment and expand this successful system. 
  

Hon. Gail Murray, Vice Chair, (CCJPA)

Hon. Henry Perea (SJJPA)

Hon. Fred Strong, Chair, (LOSSAN JPA)

Hon. Dave Potter (CRCC)

Tourism industry experts will discuss the importance of passenger rail service for Southern California. International travel to Southern California is growing and the modern traveler expects a seamless opportunity to use passenger rail service to navigate our region. Learn how tourism, the multi-billion dollar industry can collaborate with passenger rail service   

Metro – Boardroom     Scott White / Moderator (Greater Palm Springs CVB) Moderator

Patti MacJennett (Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board)

Lynn Carpenter (Visit California)

Ashlee Ciora (Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau)

The development of new projects and programs is an important part of the leadership that Chief Executive Officers bring to their agencies. In this panel CEO’s will discuss the challenges of developing projects with ever-changing needs, while simultaneously dealing with competing programs, and limited resources.    

Metro – Boardroom     Hon. Gail Murray, Vice Chair, (CCJPA) / Moderator

Yvonne Burke  (Amtrak Board of Directors)

THURSDAY

"Getting Shovels in the Ground: California High-Speed Rail Program"     Metro – Boardroom

Dan Richard (Chair CHSRA)

Michelle Boehm (CHSRA)/Introductions  

California has long been a leader in providing  intercity passenger rail service, which has numerous quality of life  benefits. The strong demand for additional corridor service is however, met with many difficult challenges. Key decision makers will bring forward possible solutions to streamline this daunting process.    

Metro – Boardroom    

Tom Kirk / Moderator (CVAG) Moderator

Pete Rodgers (SLOCOG)

Hon. Glenn Miller (Cityof Indio)

Christina Watson (TAMC)

Lauren Skiver (Sunline Transit)

Hon. Paul Lewin (City of Palm Springs)

Rail modernization and an integrated rail network are integral to the future of the California transportation system.  With the leadership of the California State Transportation Agency, the state is moving towards the development of an integrated passenger rail network that includes high speed, commuter, and intercity rail systems to connect with regional networks. This panel will discuss the needs associated with this network as well as the opportunities that an integrated system provides.    

Metro – Boardroom  

Don Sepulveda (Metro) Moderator

Paul Dyson (RailPAC)

David Kutrosky (CCJPA)

James Dreisbach-Towle (SANDAG)

Bryan Pennington (LA Metro)

Chad Edison (CalSTA)

Passenger rail systems are developed, for the most part, on existing freight rail corridors.  With ever increasing passenger rail needs as well as increasing freight movements, the capacity of these corridors becomes strained.  Also, the different needs between passenger and freight carriers creates the need for strong partnerships to create a dynamic and mutually supported system!  The panel will discuss areas where that partnership has been successful and the future needs for these corridors to develop.
    
Metro Boardroom 

The State of California has a long history of investment in the state’s rail services.  Key decision makers will provide an overview of recent efforts to continue this focus including the newly-formed Senate Select Committee on Passenger Rail, potential funding initiatives, and other legislative efforts.    

Hon. Greg Pettis, (SCAG)