For all rail modes — urban, commuter, high-speed, and intercity — this technical conference features sessions on technology, operations, maintenance, safety & security, planning, finance, capital projects, workforce development, and more. Experience the latest industry advances at the Products & Services Showcase.
Committee Meeting Schedule
APTA Program and schedules are subject to change.
| Friday, Jun 27, 2025 |
Friday, Jun 27, 2025
7:00 AM - 5:45 PM PDT
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APTA High-Speed Rail Seminar
High Speed Rail: Connecting AmericaThe coming years present a unique opportunity to amplify the economic potential of our nation’s mega-regions while extending that prosperity to rural communities. Much like the transformative power of the national highway network, the development of a nationwide high-speed and intercity rail system will be a catalyst for future growth. By building a robust, energy-efficient, and sustainable high-speed rail network, we can create, nurture and nurture thousands of high-paying jobs, drive regional economic development, and support a more resilient, connected future for all Americans. This High-Speed Rail Seminar will bring together diverse stakeholders and experts to address the critical technical and policy challenges needed to turn this vision into a reality. REGISTERView Program Location: Salons 1-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 1-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025062707:0017:45 000 | FRI, JUN 27 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PDT
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Beyond 9 to 5: The Shift from Commuter Rail to Regional Rail
As commuter rail agencies across North America transition toward regional rail models, integrating frequent all-day service with intercity operations presents both opportunities and challenges. This session will explore the evolution of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) rail network from a traditional commuter-focused system to a European-style regional rail network, while also examining best practices for layering local, express, and intercity services on shared rail corridors.
Since 2021, MBTA has expanded all-day weekday and weekend service across its lines, shifting away from peak-period-only operations. However, fully realizing the benefits of regional rail requires addressing diverse challenges, including rolling stock performance, freight activity, last-mile connectivity, development density, integration with intercity rail, and funding availability. These issues are not unique to Boston and Providence but are also relevant to systems like Caltrain, Metra, NJ Transit, SEPTA, and FrontRunner as they navigate their own regional rail transformations. CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Christof Spieler, Director of Planning, Huitt-Zollars, Inc. Speaker: Janice Thomas, Deputy Executive Director External Affairs/Chief of Staff, Metra Speaker: Michael Rooks, Chief Railroad Officer, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Speaker: Caroline Kieltyka, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Connecticut Department of Transportation Speaker: Paul Hubler, Chief Strategy Officer, Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA)Location: Salons 4-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 4-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070113:0014:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM PDT
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Green Light for Innovation: Advances in Train Control & Signaling
Modern railway operations face increasing demands for efficiency, sustainability, safety, and adaptability. This session brings together innovative developments in integrated Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) for light rail systems operating across street-level and underground segments, and high-performance Automatic Train Operation (ATO) systems designed for complex, high-capacity mainline infrastructure.
For light rail, the focus is on a unified CBTC system that supports low-, medium-, and high-density operations while seamlessly handling the challenges of both surface and subterranean environments. Featuring a high-availability, low-latency data communication backbone, the system architecture is designed for longevity, scalability, and lifecycle efficiency. Innovations include data center virtualization, asset management integration, and advanced telecommunication and positioning technologies. Emphasis is placed on reducing wayside infrastructure and promoting standardized components to reduce long-term maintenance costs and enable future upgrades. Complementing this, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) presents the development of a next-generation ATO system optimized for brownfield infrastructure and high-density urban networks, including the Tokyo metropolitan area and Shinkansen routes. This ATO platform leverages group control—real-time coordination between onboard and ground systems—to optimize entire line operations, minimize unnecessary acceleration and deceleration, and enhance energy efficiency. CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Casey Blaze, Rail Equipment Manager, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Panelist: Yosuke Sugano, JR East's Initiatives for High-Performance ATO in Future Main Line Railways, East Japan Railway Company Panelist: Rudy Rochefort, Vice President, Technical URS, Hitachi Rail Sponsor Remarks: Kemal Gafar, Sr. CBTC Systems Engineer, Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc.Location: Salons 4-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By Mitsubishi Electric |
Location: Salons 4-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070110:3011:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM PDT
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Modernizing Urban Rail Infrastructure: Lessons from Chicago and Boston
Two major rail infrastructure projects—the Des Plaines Rail Yard Upgrade in Chicago and the Lechmere Viaduct Rehabilitation in Boston—demonstrate innovative solutions to complex engineering, operational, and historical challenges.
The Des Plaines Rail Yard modernization addressed deteriorated tracks, outdated turnouts, and drainage issues while maintaining 24/7 rail service. Key challenges included hazardous gas line relocation, ensuring operational continuity through a critical 16-day yard outage, and protecting the adjacent historic Concordia Cemetery. The Lechmere Viaduct Rehabilitation aimed to increase train speeds and eliminate a major operational bottleneck while preserving the historic 1912 structure. The project navigated an extensive permitting process, coordinated with multiple stakeholders, and executed a complex strengthening strategy—including the use of CFRP wraps—all within an 11-month shutdown window. Both projects highlight critical lessons in balancing infrastructure upgrades with operational needs, managing environmental and historical constraints, and coordinating interdisciplinary efforts under tight schedules. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming logistical, engineering, and regulatory hurdles in urban rail projects. CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Dena Abakumov, North America Transit & Rail Sector Lead, Stantec Speaker: Kai Huang, Rail Engineer, CDM Smith Speaker: Matthew Gibbs, Senior Manager, Track/Civil Engineering, Chicago Transit Authority Speaker: Sean Kullen, Chief Engineer, VHB Speaker: Stephen Jahnes, Structural Engineer/ Project Manager, VHBLocation: Salons 4-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By Stantec |
Location: Salons 4-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070210:1511:15 000 | WED, JUL 2 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
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Electrifying Caltrain: Balancing Service and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Caltrain Electrification Project (PCEP) faced complex challenges, from installing nearly 130 low-voltage power drops to keeping passenger service running smoothly during major construction. This session will highlight the innovative strategies Caltrain used to stay on schedule and budget while delivering critical infrastructure upgrades.
To overcome utility delays, material shortages, and permitting hurdles, the team streamlined designs by reusing existing infrastructure, selecting readily available materials, and relocating power drops to avoid lengthy approvals. At the same time, Caltrain maintained service through weekend bus bridges, standardized timetables, and coordinated communication across teams, guided by a flexible four-step planning approach. Attendees will walk away with practical insights into managing large-scale electrification projects while minimizing rider disruption—lessons that are valuable for any agency planning complex capital improvements. CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Casey Fromson, Chief of Staff, Caltrain Speaker: Stacy Cocke, Director of Signal and Transmission Power, Caltrain Speaker: Ted Burgwyn, Director of Rail Network and Operations Planning, Caltrain Sponsor Remarks: Sarv Asgari, Vice President, Transportation Business Leader, StantecLocation: Salons 4-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By Stantec |
Location: Salons 4-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063011:0012:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM PDT
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Next-Gen Rail Maintenance: Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Analytics for Vehicles and Infrastructure
Emerging advancements in rail monitoring technologies are revolutionizing how operators maintain and optimize rail networks. By leveraging real-time data collection and predictive analytics, agencies can shift from reactive maintenance approaches to proactive strategies that enhance efficiency, safety, and long-term asset performance.
This session will explore two innovative applications of rail monitoring technology. The first focuses on a novel approach to continuous track and train monitoring, utilizing compact, non-invasive sensors installed on in-service trains. These sensors collect high-frequency acceleration data across all three spatial dimensions, transmitting real-time insights via cloud-based systems. By comparing deviations against digital twin models of rail infrastructure, operators can detect early indicators of track degradation, alignment issues, and vehicle performance anomalies—empowering them to implement predictive maintenance strategies and minimize service disruptions. The second case study highlights advancements in transit vehicle wheel maintenance, where a cutting-edge monitoring and reporting system automatically detects and flags damaged wheels. By providing early warnings to maintenance teams, this system has significantly reduced the time required to address wheel defects—on average, by 75 days—lessening infrastructure wear and improving overall fleet reliability. Additionally, trending analysis has provided key insights into wheel deterioration rates and the impact of environmental factors, such as temperature-induced stiffness variations in vehicle and track components. Together, these real-world applications demonstrate how rail agencies can enhance maintenance efficiency, reduce lifecycle costs, and improve service reliability through smarter, data-driven decision-making. Attendees will gain insights into scalable monitoring solutions, predictive maintenance methodologies, and best practices for integrating real-time analytics into rail operations. CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Brett Ulrich, Director, Operations and Regulatory Practices, MTA Metro-North Railroad Speaker: Niels Goet, Chief Product Officer, Cemit Digital AS Speaker: Arthur Lima, Sr. Research Engineer, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignLocation: Salons 4-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 4-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070114:3015:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PDT
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Future of Transit: Innovations and Trends in Light Rail Vehicles
Light rail vehicles (LRVs) represent an important part of urban transit systems. This session will cover the latest advancements in LRV technology, design, and performance. Attendees will learn about considerations for vehicle procurement, operational efficiency, accessibility features, and sustainable energy options. The session will also highlight case studies of successful LRV implementations and the lessons learned from these projects.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Shankar Rajaram, Deputy Executive Director - Innovation & Public Private Partnerships, Sound Transit Panelist: Ian Hodkinson, Business Development Director, Alstom Transport USA Inc. Panelist: Guido Vogel, Rail and Transit Rolling Stock Lead, Jacobs Panelist: Joe Speaks, Project Manager, Transit Operations Light Rail Procurement, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Sponsor Remarks: Emily Guill, Director, Business Development, Hallcon CorporationLocation: Salons 4-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By Hallcon |
Location: Salons 4-6 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063014:0015:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
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On the Right Track: Modernizing Standards for the Next Generation of Rail
Standardization is critical to ensuring safety, interoperability, and efficiency in transportation systems. This session will cover the process of developing and implementing standards for rail and transit systems, including technical specifications, safety protocols, and operational guidelines. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the role of standards in promoting consistency and quality across the transportation industry and how standards evolve to meet changing technologies and regulations.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Tom Peacock, AtkinsRealis Speaker: Eloy Martinez, AVP Senior Project Director, HNTB Speaker: Benjamin Spears, Resource Director - Vehicle Mechanical, Hatch Speaker: Michael Gill, Senior Consultant, AtkinsRealis Speaker: Ben Holland, Senior Program Manager, Virginkar & Associates, Inc. Speaker: Kristine Severson, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Volpe National Transportation Systems CenterLocation: Salons 10-12 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 10-12 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063011:0012:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Sunday, Jun 29, 2025 |
Sunday, Jun 29, 2025
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM PDT
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Opening Reception and the Products & Services Showcase
Get ready to connect and collaborate with top industry experts at the conference's opening reception. Enjoy cocktails and light bites while mingling with professionals from all rail modes, including urban, commuter, high speed, and intercity. This is your chance to discover innovative products and solutions for maintenance, safety & security, sanitation, operations, finance, workforce development, sustainability, and more. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to expand your network and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies in the rail industry.
Location: Golden Gate Ballroom (B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By Herzog |
Location: Golden Gate Ballroom (B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025062917:3019:30 000 | SUN, JUN 29 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PDT
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Location: Golden Gate Ballroom (B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By transdev |
Location: Golden Gate Ballroom (B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063010:0011:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM PDT
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Location: Golden Gate Ballroom (B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Golden Gate Ballroom (B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063012:0013:30 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM PDT
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Location: Golden Gate Ballroom (B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By HDR |
Location: Golden Gate Ballroom (B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063015:0016:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM PDT
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Products and Services Showcase
This is your chance to interact with professionals from all rail modes including urban, commuter, high speed and intercity. Have the opportunity to see products, services, and solutions for maintenance, safety & security, sanitation, operations, finance, workforce development, sustainability, and more.
Location: Golden Gate Ballroom (B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Golden Gate Ballroom (B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063010:0016:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM PDT
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Extended Conversation: Maximizing Investment: Development-Transit Partnerships in Action
Conference attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a continued conversation with panelists from the morning General Session in an open, informal setting.
CEU Credits: PLANNERS 1.0 Location: Foothill C (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By WSP |
Location: Foothill C (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070110:3011:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 018B0979-B81F-F011-8104-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM PDT
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Location: Foothill C (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By WSP |
Location: Foothill C (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070112:0012:45 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 018B0979-B81F-F011-8104-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PDT
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Moving Masses for Major Community Events
Rail systems provide an invaluable service through their ability to carry high volumes of people quickly and efficiently during events such as major concerts, sporting events, and other festivals and community events. With the upcoming Olympics in Los Angeles and FIFA World Cup in almost a dozen cities throughout the US, transit's role in accommodating major events provide more reasons for transit systems to stand up and be noticed. LA Metro's new "Ready SetGo: Special Event Industry Playbook" includes ideas and practices that all transit systems need to know.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Panelist: Stephanie Wiggins, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Panelist: Jannet Walker-Ford, Advisory and Planning Business Line Executive, WSPLocation: Foothill C (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By WSP |
Location: Foothill C (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063014:0015:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 018B0979-B81F-F011-8104-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
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CEO Chats: What’s Next
Join a group of dynamic Transit CEO’s for a lively and intimate discussion on what’s next - emerging trends, new technology and dreaming big at the APTA innovation station.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Angela Schwarz, Senior Vice President, transit and rail market leader, WSP Panelist: Julie Kirschbaum, Director of Transportation, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni) Panelist: Henry Li, General Manager/CEO, Sacramento Regional Transit DistrictLocation: Foothill C (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By WSP |
Location: Foothill C (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063011:0012:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 018B0979-B81F-F011-8104-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM PDT
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AI Playbook: Prompts, Policies & Predictions
Dive into an interactive AI playground and explore cutting-edge applications in rail transit. Navigate themed stations addressing AI policy, prompt engineering, predictive maintenance and Generative AI tools. Micro presentations will explore the possibilities of AI solutions with digital twins, surveillance, and cybersecurity. Get hands-on with experience with Microsoft CoPilot. Join us for a journey where technology meets innovation and come see the future of rail operations come to life before your very eyes!
Speaker(s): Moderator: Kristen McDonald, Digital Advisory & Transformation Lead, Jacobs Panelist: Shannon Bailey, Senior Director, Sales (Public Transit), Miovision Technologies Inc. Panelist: Peter Westenbroek, Strategic Workloads Architect, Microsoft Panelist: Siddhant Ekale, Palantir Panelist: Tas Jalali, Head of Cybersecurity, AC Transit (Alameda Contra-Costa Transit District) Panelist: Michael Brown, Jacobs Panelist: Amit Lal, AI Workloads Specialist, MicrosoftLocation: Foothill C (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By WSP |
Location: Foothill C (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070114:3015:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 018B0979-B81F-F011-8104-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PDT
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A Shared Vision: Shaping Transit for All Riders
How does rail planning and development evolve to best meet the needs of the communities being served? This session explores successful stakeholder engagement and community outreach strategies that can result in broader access to transit service.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Catherine LaFata, Transportation Equity Director, HDR Panelist: Morgan Galli, Northern California Deputy Regional Director, California High-Speed Rail Authority Panelist: Sibtay Hassan Haider, Senior Transit Planner & Project Manager, Jacobs Panelist: Erica Roecks, Interim Director of External Affairs, Santa Clara Valley Transportation AuthorityLocation: Foothill C (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By WSP |
Location: Foothill C (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070113:0014:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 018B0979-B81F-F011-8104-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM PDT
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Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By AtkinsRéalis |
Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063007:0008:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM PDT
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Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By AutoDesk |
Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070107:0008:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM PDT
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Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070110:0010:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM PDT
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Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070111:3013:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM PDT
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Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070114:0014:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM PDT
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Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070115:3016:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM PDT
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Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070207:0008:00 000 | WED, JUL 2 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM PDT
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Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Yerba Buena Grand Assembly (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070209:4510:15 000 | WED, JUL 2 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PDT
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Enhancing Cybersecurity Resilience in Public Transportation
As public transportation systems increasingly embrace digital technologies, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. Join this masterclass session which will explore best practices that can safeguard public transportation networks against evolving cyber threats and offer insights and strategic guidance to help agencies enhance the resilience of networks, protect sensitive data, and ensure the safety of passengers in the face of growing cyber threats.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Michael Echols, CEO, Max Cybersecurity LLC Panelist: Gabriel Agboruche Mr, Executive Director, OT & Cybersecurity, Jacobs Panelist: Travis Engstrom, Director of Technology, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Panelist: Hirokazu Tsukisawa, Deputy Manager of Standardization Strategies & Promotion Department, East Japan Railway Company Panelist: Satinder Bhalla, Principal, TransSIGHT LLCLocation: Salon 13-14 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salon 13-14 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070113:0014:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
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Enhancing Efficiency, Safety & Passenger Experience with AI
Discover how AI can enhance passenger rail systems, improving efficiency, safety, and satisfaction. Learn about deploying AI applications like intelligent CCTV and obstacle detection, and explore innovations for predictive maintenance and performance optimization. Gain insights from real-world success stories in the transit sector.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Ahsan Baig, Chief Information Officer, AC Transit Panelist: Dave Jackson, Chair, APTA R&T Committee; and Managing Partner – Transportation Industry Lead, Gartner Panelist: Toni Lozancic, Solution Architect, duagon USA Panelist: Jeremy Suard, CEO, Exodigo Panelist: Sridevi Lakshminarayanan, Engineering Manager, Parsons Corporation Panelist: Brian Pina, Vice President, System Safety, MTA Metro North Railroad Panelist: Ibro Muftic, Vice President - Rail and Transit Leader, ParsonsLocation: Salon 13-14 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salon 13-14 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063011:0012:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM PDT
|
Transit Worker Assaults: The Federal & Transit Agency Perspectives
Attend this session to learn about Transit Worker Assaults, which have been on the rise in both bus and rail over the past few years. FTA will present on a General Directive they published in late 2024 and the data gathered. In addition, we'll have BART present on the various programs they have implemented to deter assaults, and a business member will present on de-escalation training.
Speaker(s): Moderator: James Dougherty, President, Excellence in Safety, Inc. Panelist: Jeremy Furrer, Division Chief, Safety Policy and Promotion Division, Federal Transit Administration Panelist: Curtis Boyd, Sr. Consultant/Coach, Insight Strategies, Inc. Panelist: Jeffrey Lau, Chief Safety Officer, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART)Location: Salon 13-14 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salon 13-14 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070114:3015:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PDT
|
Streamlining Fares & Data Across Platforms
Explore the impact of innovative transit passes and contactless fare payment systems on public transportation. Learn from the Clipper BayPass pilot in the Bay Area, Capitol Corridor's Tap2Ride system, and Japan's Mobile Suica app. Discover how these technologies enhance convenience, equity, and operational efficiency, and their effects on ridership, revenue, and regional coordination. Gain insights into practical implementation and the future of seamless, stress-free travel.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Michael Veltri, Vice President, Transit and Rail Engineering, WSP Panelist: James Mahady, Analyst, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Panelist: Ryan Reeves, Clipper BayPass Program Manager, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Panelist: Erika Ehmsen, Customer Experience Officer (CXO), Xentrans Panelist: Hidehiko Kojo, Manager - Marketing, East Japan Railway Company (EJR) Panelist: Ayumi Mori, Assistant Manager Marketing, East Japan Railway CompanyLocation: Salon 13-14 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salon 13-14 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063014:0015:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM PDT
|
Collaborative Contracting on Major Capital Projects
Relationships between a transit agency and its contractor on a major capital project often turn adverse in a short period of time as each party seeks to manage risk, scope changes and schedule and cost disputes. Must it always be this way? Two of the nation’s largest transit contractors will detail their success at “collaborative contracting” along with their transit agency clients and discuss how, with trust and collaboration, projects can be completed claims free.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Douglas Jackson, Senior Vice President, HDR Panelist: Clayton Gilliland, President, Stacy Witbeck Panelist: John Haggarty, Former Chief Engineer, SANDAG Panelist: John Williams, President, Northeast US and Canada, Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation Panelist: Trey Walker, Vice President - Capital Design & Construction, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Panelist: Kenny Crabb, Program Manager, Archer Western Construction Sponsor Remarks: Maggie Walsh, Senior Vice President, HDRLocation: Salon 13-14 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By HDR |
Location: Salon 13-14 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070110:3011:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM PDT
|
LGBTQ+ Reception
Please join us for this casual reception celebrating the many faces of public transportation.
Location: SoMa (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: SoMa (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070118:0019:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
6:45 AM - 8:15 AM PDT
|
Meet the Primes*/Agencies: A Business Networking Breakfast
This breakfast provides an opportunity for APTA’s smaller business members to engage with and learn about APTA’s major business partners from A&E firms, equipment OEMs, suppliers and technology companies, as well as key transit agencies officials. Using a speed dating format, primes* and small businesses can learn about each other and build relationships for opportunities in the future. Each business will have 3-minute “dating” opportunities to talk about their companies by visiting each designated table.
All APTA business members and procurement personnel from our public agency members are invited to come to the breakfast and join in the business-to-business networking fun! Small businesses are particularly encouraged to take advantage. Transit agency procurement officials are encouraged to come to the breakfast to promote their current and future procurement opportunities, including their immediate anticipated procurement requirements. Registration/RSVP FEE: There is no separate registration fee required to participate in the breakfast. RAFFLE: Bring your business card to drop in the basket for a chance to win a special prize. Winners are drawn at the end of the breakfast. * Primes, in this case, are any entity whom in the course of procurement or fulfillment would hire/contract smaller firms. Location: SoMa (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By Business Members Activity Fund |
Location: SoMa (Second Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063006:4508:15 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PDT
|
Optimize Procurement and Production Process with Data
This session explores the need to transform outdated public sector procurement processes to foster innovation and efficiency. It highlights strategies for future-proofing procurement, emphasizing data-driven practices and modernizing RFI/RFP methods. Real-world examples, like Metro's P2000 Light Rail Vehicle Midlife Modernization, demonstrate the impact of process re-engineering to overcome workflow bottlenecks, optimize testing, and improve efficiency by 50%. Attendees will gain actionable insights on improving procurement practices, eliminating inefficiencies, and achieving timely, high-quality outcomes in public transit, ultimately helping agencies streamline decision-making and reduce costs while upgrading existing fleets and services.
Speaker(s): Moderator: David Rojas, Program Manager, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Panelist: Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal, President, Icomera US Inc Panelist: Sahith Moturu, Electrical Engineer, Jacobs Panelist: Jane Huang, Industrial Engineer, Jacobs Panelist: Dan Howard, Project Manager, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA)Location: Nob Hill C-D (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Nob Hill C-D (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070113:0014:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PDT
|
Right of Way Worker Protection (RWP): FTA’s Mandate and Technologies to Comply
Please join us for this informative session on Right of Way Worker Protection (RWP). In 2024, the FTA published a regulation on RWP, with a transit agency compliance date of December 2025. Attend this session to learn more about the final rule, and the technologies created by APTA business members to help comply with this RWP regulation.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Theresa Impastato, Executive Vice President and Chief Infrastructure Officer, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Panelist: Jordan Davis, Associate Vice President - Training & Media Services, RailPros Inc. Panelist: Jeremy Furrer, Division Chief, Safety Policy and Promotion Division, Federal Transit Administration Panelist: Stig O. Buch, Sales Manager International, Schweizer Electronic AG Panelist: Benjamin Bakkum, Principal Investigator I, MxV RailLocation: Nob Hill C-D (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Nob Hill C-D (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063014:0015:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM PDT
|
Analyzing Safety Risk Through Regulations, FTA’s RBI Program, and Systems Engineering
This panel will delve into Safety Risk Management and Analysis, including an overview of Safety regulations, statewide implementation of the RBI program, and various TVA and PHA methods used in systems engineering and safety certification.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Walter Heinrich, Vice Chair, APTA CR Safety & Security Subcommittee; and Senior Safety Consu, K&J Safety and Security Consulting Services, Inc. Panelist: David Esquibel, Senior Systems Engineer - Transportation, Cordoba Corporation Panelist: Cumbysis Tampal, Sr. Systems Integration Manager, Kiewit Engineering Group, Inc. Panelist: Mark Sprick, Director, Admin/Program Support, Public Trans Div, Texas Department of TransportationLocation: Nob Hill C-D (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Nob Hill C-D (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070210:1511:15 000 | WED, JUL 2 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
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Assessing Risk, Developing Mitigation Strategies and Measuring Results to Enhance the Protection of Public Transit
Join a fast-paced discussion that shares strategies for assessing risk, implementing preventative measures, performing public outreach, conducting infrastructure hardening, and determining effective public safety efforts to improve the onboard experience for customers and employees through measured impacts and evidence-based practices which result in the strengthened protection of public transit.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Neil Crosier, Managing Director, Security and Emergency Management, King County Metro Panelist: Michael Steinle, Vice President & Practice Lead, Marine Tiger Technologies Panelist: Laura Petersen, Senior Security Research Advisor, International Union of Railways (UIC) Panelist: Rachel Dungca, Senior Manager, Research, Data and Analysis, Metro Transit Panelist: Chris Filippi, Communications Officer, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District Panelist: Diana Palmer, Transportation Rail Officer II, Connecticut Department of Transportation Panelist: William Madsen, Transit and Urban Design Department Manager, HNTB CorporationLocation: Nob Hill C-D (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Nob Hill C-D (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063011:0012:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM PDT
|
Revolutionizing Procurement with Progressive Design-Build
The SFO AirTrain Project, a $252 million initiative, employed Progressive Design-Build (PDB) to manage complexities, including coordination with airfield operations and multiple stakeholders. It delivered a 1,900-ft elevated guideway and LEED Gold stations, achieving safety milestones and zero lost-time accidents. Similarly, Sound Transit’s ST2 and ST3 projects, with over $4 billion in annual capital spending, are using PDB to improve project speed and efficiency. This session highlights the benefits of PDB in accelerating project delivery, fostering collaboration, and aligning stakeholder goals, drawing from both the SFO AirTrain and Sound Transit’s strategies for overcoming challenges in transit infrastructure.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Panelist: Clifford Wong, President, PGH Wong Engineering, Inc. Panelist: Daniel Fargie, ARUP Sponsor Remarks: Venus Garg, Vice President, Global Program Mgmt., AECOMLocation: Nob Hill C-D (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By AECOM |
Location: Nob Hill C-D (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070114:3015:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM PDT
|
Advancing Public Safety: Innovative Strategies for Progressive Policing in Transit Systems
Engage with officials of the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Police Department as they share their layered approach to public safety. BART prioritized building strong relationships with employees and customers by focusing on progressive and equitable policing practices and the establishment of the Progressive Policing and Community Engagement Bureau (PPCEB).
Transit Ambassadors, and Crisis Intervention Specialists, deliver a presence that enhances safety without relying solely on sworn officers. These members behind the badge are actively deployed throughout the transit system to perform educational outreach and address emerging crises. The benefits of the BART police department’s public safety program have enhanced security, increased rider confidence, and a rapid emergency response contributing not only to improved safety and security within the transit system but also an enhanced rider experience. Speaker(s): Speaker: Kevin Franklin, Chief of Police, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit Speaker: Gina Galetti, Deputy Chief, BART Speaker: Ja'Son Scott, Deputy Chief, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART)Location: Nob Hill C-D (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Nob Hill C-D (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070110:3011:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
|
Transit and Intercity Rail as A Foundation of Economically Strong Communities
Transportation systems and economic activity go hand-in-hand. Always have. Always will. Good planning can help position rail stations as hubs for mobility and economic activity in communities. Our panel will review places where rail investments have sparked housing development, commerce, vibrant local activity, and transit ridership.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Mark McLaren, APTA Transit Oriented Communities Subcommittee; and Senior Vice President, HDR Panelist: Alix Bockelman, Chief Deputy Executive Director, Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Panelist: Charles DiMaggio, CEO, Greystone Real Estate Advisory Group Panelist: Andy Byford, Special Advisor to the Amtrak Board of Directors, Penn Transformation Project, AMTRAKLocation: Salons 1-3 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By Business Members Activity Fund |
Location: Salons 1-3 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063011:0012:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025
10:15 AM - 12:15 PM PDT
|
Capital Projects Workshop: Using Urgency As A Call To Action: A Crisis Is A Terrible Thing To Waste
This annual, interactive workshop will pose a scenario of a crisis that requires urgent actions. Attendees will consider a scenario of a community in crisis, then work together to propose plans to restore facilities / service expeditiously given the urgent need to do so. This session will extend the conversation of the Wednesday General Session on accelerated project delivery. How might those lessons be applied more broadly?
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Facilitator: Mike Eidlin, Vice President, KKCS Panelist: Sarah Espinosa, Transit Program Manager, Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Panelist: David L. Adams, Senior Manager – Traffic Operations Division, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Panelist: Jennifer Donaldson, Vice President, Operational Controls, Stacy Witbeck Panelist: Ryan White, Growth Leader - Transportation (US Southeast), StantecLocation: Salons 1-3 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 1-3 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070210:1512:15 000 | WED, JUL 2 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 37CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM PDT
|
Success Stories in Building Accessibility into Rail Projects
Learn how transit agencies are making their facilities and services accessible both through capital plans and physical adjustments, and by embracing digital solutions for enhanced wayfinding and improved accessibility for all. Panelists will review the steps they have taken to ensure / enhance / facilitate ways to make transit services that are accessible to all.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Michael Catsos, Director of SMS and Safety Oversight, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Panelist: Mark Walker, Vice President, WSP Panelist: Thomas Horejes, Director, Government Relations, Convo Communications, LLC Panelist: Jumana Nabti, Manager of Access Programs, BART Panelist: Robbie Phelan, Director, Modular Transport Access Solutions (MODTAS)Location: Salons 1-3 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 1-3 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070114:3015:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM PDT
|
Stepping-up State and Local Funding Support for Transit
A good majority of operating and capital funding supporting public transportation come from state and local sources. This session will spotlight a variety of solutions found in several regions. Once again, we have an opportunity to learn from one another the funding and budgeting strategies that can help address financial challenges and lead to fiscal stability.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Robert Tuccillo, HS&IPR Committee Secretary / Treasurer; Senior Vice President, Management & Budget, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Panelist: Shima Mirzaei, Chief Financial Officer, Transbay Joint Powers Authority Panelist: Laura Gilmore, Senior Director of Strategic Transit Planning, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Panelist: Caroline Kieltyka, Strategic Initiatives Manager, Connecticut Department of Transportation Panelist: Tony Ryan, Vice President Public Infrastructure, Bechtel CorporationLocation: Salons 1-3 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 1-3 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070110:3011:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PDT
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Keeping HS & IPR Momentum on Track
Intercity passenger rail is being developed around the country at unprecedented levels. Persons with key positions in this renaissance will report on progress to date, and plans to sustain that progress into the future.
CEU Credits: PLANNERS & ENGINEERS 1.0 Speaker(s): Moderator: Chad Edison, Chair, APTA Committee on High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail; and Chief Deputy Secretary for Rail and Transit, California State Transportation Agency Panelist: Arthur V. Sohikian, Executive Director, High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency Panelist: Lucie Anderton, Director of Sustainability, uic - International Union of Railways Panelist: Jennifer Mitchell, Executive Vice President, Strategy & Planning, AMTRAK Panelist: LaDonna DiCamillo, Southern California Regional Rail Director, California High Speed Rail Authority Sponsor Remarks: Diane Cowin, SVP Director Global Transit – ESG, AECOMLocation: Salons 1-3 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By AECOM |
Location: Salons 1-3 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063014:0015:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PDT
|
Staying Future-Ready through Transit Asset Management and State-of-Good Repair Actions
Keeping rail assets in a state-of-good-repair is fundamental to good rail planning. Panelists will discuss best practices for achieving optimal performance from assets, and how that positions the organization for stability and growth.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: David Hancock, Chief Capital Services Officer, Utah Transit Authority Panelist: Kathryn La Chapelle, Project Manager, Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. Panelist: Trey Walker, Vice President - Capital Design & Construction, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Panelist: David Cuff, Senior Director of Asset Planning, Metropolitan Transportation Authority - Construction & Development Panelist: Jared Scarbrough, Director of Design and Construction, Utah Transit Authority Panelist: Collin Christensen, Project Manager, Stacy and Witbeck, IncLocation: Salons 1-3 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 1-3 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070113:0014:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Saturday, Jun 28, 2025 |
Saturday, Jun 28, 2025
11:30 AM - 4:00 PM PDT
|
APTA Board of Directors Meeting
Speaker(s): Facilitator: MJ Maynard-Carey, Chair, APTA; Chief Executive Officer, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern NevadaLocation: Salon 7 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salon 7 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025062811:3016:00 000 | SAT, JUN 28 |
D95A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PDT
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BART: A Case Study in Maximizing ROI and Hiring
Join with members of the BART workforce team as they share their stories about the high-impact successes of their scalable engineering internships program and their work with local partners including representatives from their local Workforce Board, local community colleges, and non-profits. Learn how their centralized internships programs, from intern to hire, helped transform their workforce development efforts to address and align with their long-term hiring needs.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Diane Iwata, Deputy Director, Human Resources, BART Panelist: Prem Bajaj, Manager of Workforce Development, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District Panelist: Ray Hathorn, Deputy Director of Human Resources, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Panelist: Marie Benton, Assistant Chief, Office of Infrastructure Delivery, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit DistrictLocation: Nob Hill A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Nob Hill A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070113:0014:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM PDT
|
Unlocking Asset Value Through Digital Integration in Rail Transit
This session explores how transit agencies are using digital integration, AI, and data-driven strategies to enhance asset management across the full lifecycle. Presentations will cover frameworks for operationalizing asset data, case studies on AI-enabled condition assessment and predictive maintenance, and the implementation of IBM MAS 9 to improve visibility, automation, and reporting. Attendees will also gain insight into Bentley Systems’ new Asset Performance Services group and its role as a digital integrator across the rail and transit ecosystem.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Ravindra Misra, Assistant General Manager Technology / CIO, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Panelist: Jon Berkoe, Associate Principal, Arup Panelist: Zeeshan Tariq, CEO, Zpro Solutions Inc Panelist: Edward Reardon, General Manager, Transdev Panelist: Greg Hoile, Americas Transportation Industry Lead, Bentley Asset Performance ServicesLocation: Nob Hill A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Nob Hill A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070210:1511:15 000 | WED, JUL 2 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM PDT
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Fast, Frequent, Reliable: How Muni improvements are driving customer satisfaction
In 2024, Muni received its highest satisfaction rating since the SFMTA began surveying riders more than 20 years ago. That’s because SFMTA’s efforts to make improvements to deliver Muni service that is “Fast, Frequent, Reliable, Clean and Safe” are paying off. Speaker(s): Moderator: Kate McCarthy, Public Outreach and Engagement Manager, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) Panelist: Sean Kennedy, Chief Planning and Implementation Officer, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Panelist: LaNair Haynes, Senior Operations Manager, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni) Panelist: Charles Drane, Chief Maintenance Officer, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Panelist: Ammee Alvior, Deputy Senior Operations Manager Rail and Bus, San Francisco Municipal Transportation AgencyLocation: Nob Hill A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Nob Hill A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070110:3011:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM PDT
|
The BART Safety Turnaround: Earning Trust Through a Relentless Focus on Safety
BART has seen a 17% reduction in violent crime, a 33% decrease in fare evasion reports among riders, and the highest customer satisfaction levels in a decade. These impressive achievements stem from BART's comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to passenger safety.
Key initiatives contributing to this success include the installation of advanced fare gates designed to discourage undesirable behavior, the launch of a first of its kind Progressive Policing Bureau, and the strategic adjustment of train sizing to create and foster a safer experience for riders. Discover the innovative strategies that have proven effective for BART and learn about future plans designed to further enhance the rider experience. Join us to learn how BART is redefining safety and satisfaction in public transit. Speaker(s): Moderator: Michael Jones, Deputy General Manager, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Panelist: Kevin Franklin, Chief of Police, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit Panelist: Sylvia Lamb, Assistant General Manager, Infrastructure Delivery, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Panelist: Ja'Son Scott, Deputy Chief, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Sponsor Remarks: Barbara M Schroeder, Rail Transit Program Manager, BeneschLocation: Nob Hill A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By Benesch |
Location: Nob Hill A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070114:3015:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PDT
|
Building Skills and Capacity - Developing Long Range Planning Programs
Rail industry workforce leaders are rolling out new plans and programs to build capacity and bench strength to ensure long-term organizational success. Learn how BART is building leadership career pathways, succession planning strategies, and programs for its long-term success. Hear how East Japan Railways is addressing workforce shortages through a new five-year training period where employee gain critical technical skills and experience through goal setting, task assignments and responsibilities, supervisor engagement, and presentations to management. Engage with International Transportation Learning Center and agency representatives as they address bridging common skill gaps for new hires, elevating competencies, and stressing safe industry performance. Learn how Metro-North Railroad established a Strategic Initiative that focuses on the development and engagement of its managerial workforce.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Billy Terry, Vice President, Northeast Region, AtkinsRéalis Panelist: Diane Iwata, Deputy Director, Human Resources, BART Panelist: Yoko Tanaka, Railway Talent Acquisition and Development, JR East Electrical System Integration, East Japan Railway Company (EJR) Panelist: Masakazu Amamiya, Electrical System Integration Office, East Japan Railway Company (EJR) Panelist: Kristen Ribaudo, Senior Instructional Designer, International Transportation Learning Center Panelist: Yvonne Hill-Donald, Chief Administration Officer, MTA Metro-North Railroad Panelist: Derek Allen, Wayside Supervisor, Sacramento RTDLocation: Nob Hill A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Nob Hill A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063014:0015:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM PDT
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Organizational Culture - The Binding that Retains Your Staff
Culture can enable or impede an organization in reaching its goals. Tapping from local case studies and industry research, this session takes a closer look at the factors that define an organization and motivate staff to stay. Session highlights include: aligning workforce engagement with mission delivery; psychological and operational safety, and leveraging hybrid work models, all which can strengthen and improve organizational culture.
Speaker(s): Moderator: Alex Wiggins, Senior Vice President, KKCS Panelist: Evan Klondar, Human Capital and Transit Practice Leader, Deloitte Consulting LLP Panelist: Jaye Bailey, Arbitrator/Mediator, Former Chief of Staff VTA, Independent Panelist: Kevin Catlin, President and Managing Partner, Insight Strategies, Inc. Panelist: Dave Schlesinger, Cordoba CorporationLocation: Nob Hill A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Nob Hill A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063011:0012:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Sunday, Jun 29, 2025 |
Sunday, Jun 29, 2025
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM PDT
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Location: South Registration A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: South Registration A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025062907:3018:00 000 | SUN, JUN 29 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM PDT
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Location: South Registration A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: South Registration A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063007:3016:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM PDT
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Location: South Registration A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: South Registration A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070108:0016:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Saturday, Jun 28, 2025 |
Saturday, Jun 28, 2025
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM PDT
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Location: South Registration A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: South Registration A-B (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025062810:0015:00 000 | SAT, JUN 28 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM PDT
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Opening Ceremony featuring Keynote Speaker Marita Cheng
Get ready to kick-start the rail conference in San Francisco! Join industry peers for two and a half days packed with learning and networking. The opening session will feature APTA leadership and our hosts, the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), setting the stage for the exciting content ahead.
In addition to a robust keynote from Forbes World’s Top 50 Women in Tech, roboticist and entrepreneur Marita Cheng, who inspires people through the possibilities of technology. Speaker(s): Keynote Speaker: Marita Cheng, Founder and CEO, Aubot Introducer: Raymond Melleady, President, STER North America LLC Remarks: Daniel Lurie, Mayor of San Francisco Remarks: Toks Omishakin, Secretary of Transportation, California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Chair's Welcome: MJ Maynard-Carey, Chair, APTA; Chief Executive Officer, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada President's Welcome: Paul Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association Host Remarks: Julie Kirschbaum, Director of Transportation, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni) Host Remarks: Robert Powers, General Manager, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Sponsor Remarks: Veronique Hakim, Sr VP & National Transit & Rail Market Sector Leader, HNTB CorporationLocation: Salons 7-9 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 7-9 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063008:3010:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 35CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM PDT
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Remarks from Tariq Bokhari and Gold Rush: America’s 2028 Games and LA’s Rail Revolution
Gold Rush: America’s 2028 Games and LA’s Rail Revolution is your invitation to get involved in one of the most ambitious transit undertakings in U.S. history. With 37 months until the world arrives in Los Angeles, join LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins as she speaks with the leaders shaping the future of mobility for the 2028 Games, Bill Panos, Senior Vice President of Transportation at LA28, along with LA Metro’s Chief Operations Officer Conan Cheung and Chief of Innovation & Games Mobility Planning Seleta Reynolds. Together, they’ll share how leveraging investment in rail modes -- urban, commuter, and intercity rail – will make the 2028 Games the most successful in American history. This wide-ranging conversation reveals the innovative strategies and bold partnerships needed to deliver a seamless, inclusive, and Olympic-ready transportation network with legacy—and how public transit agencies and private sector firms can play a vital role.
FTA Acting Administrator Tariq Bokhari will open this general session with remarks. Speaker(s): Introducer: MJ Maynard-Carey, Chair, APTA; Chief Executive Officer, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada Remarks: Tariq Bokhari, Acting Administrator, Federal Transit Administration Featured Speaker: Stephanie Wiggins, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Featured Speaker: Bill Panos, Senior Vice President of Transportation, LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games Featured Speaker: Conan Cheung, Chief Operations Officer, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Featured Speaker: Seleta Reynolds, Chief of Innovation & Games Mobility Planning, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation AuthorityLocation: Salons 7-9 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 7-9 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063016:0017:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 35CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM PDT
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Golden State Transit: Leading the Way Forward in Northern California
This session brings together key leaders from Northern California's public transportation agencies to discuss the region's evolving mobility landscape and California as a laboratory for innovation. Panelists will explore innovative strategies for enhancing rider experience, addressing funding challenges, integrating new technologies, and leveraging each other’s successes to create a regional transportation superhub. Discover collaborative approaches shaping the future of transportation in the Bay Area and beyond.
Speaker(s): Introducer: Jeffrey Wharton, APTA Secretary/Treasurer; and SYSTRA USA Director, Contracts and Technical Services, SYSTRA USA Moderator: Michael Pimentel, Executive Director, California Transit Association Panelist: Michelle Bouchard, CEO, Caltrain (Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board) Panelist: Julie Kirschbaum, Director of Transportation, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (Muni) Panelist: Henry Li, General Manager/CEO, Sacramento Regional Transit District Panelist: Robert Powers, General Manager, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART)Location: Salons 7-9 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 7-9 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070116:0017:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 35CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM PDT
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Project Acceleration Success Stories
While transit agencies strive to have all projects implemented as expeditiously as they can, challenges inevitably arise in the delivery of most projects. To reduce the number of years to implement transit projects, we collectively can learn from the experiences of those who have found ways to expedite project delivery. The session will highlight techniques and strategies utilized to advance projects and accelerate timelines.
Speaker(s): Closing Remarks: Paul Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association Moderator: Nadine Lee, President & CEO, Dallas Area Rapid Transit Panelist: Timothy Lindholm, Chief Program Management Officer, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Panelist: Dow Constantine, CEO, Sound Transit Panelist: David L. Adams, Senior Manager – Traffic Operations Division, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Panelist: Basem Muallem, Statewide Regional Director, California High-Speed Rail Authority Panelist: Phillip Eng, General Manager/CEO, Massachusetts Bay Transportation AuthorityLocation: Salons 7-9 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 7-9 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070208:3009:45 000 | WED, JUL 2 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 35CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM PDT
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Maximizing Investment: Development – Transit Partnerships in Action
Join transit leaders from the U.S. and abroad to learn how they're turning transit assets into powerful growth engines that spur economic development and urban and regional regeneration. In this session you will discover proven development-transit partnership models, learn how to forge powerful alliances with local partners and developers, and uncover strategies to maximize your investment, drive ridership, and build thriving communities.
Rail Safety, Security and Emergency Management Awards: Prior to our panel discussion, join us as we honor the achievements of public transportation providers and railroads who have successfully implemented impactful safety, security and emergency management programs. Speaker(s): Introduction: Leanne Redden, Vice Chair, APTA; Executive Director, Regional Transportation Authority Moderator: Carolyn Gonot, CEO/General Manager, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Panelist: Bruno Carr, Head of Strategy, The Transport for London Property Company Panelist: Theresa Impastato, Executive Vice President and Chief Infrastructure Officer, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Panelist: Jessica Mefford-Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Valley Metro Panelist: Phillip Eng, General Manager/CEO, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Sponsor Remarks: Timothy McKay, Americas Transit Market Director - VP, JacobsLocation: Salons 7-9 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By Jacobs |
Location: Salons 7-9 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070108:3010:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 35CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM PDT
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Hydrogen-Powered Rail: Implementation Challenges, Safety Considerations, and the Path Forward
As rail operators transition to zero-emission fleets, hydrogen fuel cell technology has emerged as a promising solution for decarbonizing intercity passenger rail, particularly on routes where overhead catenary systems (OCS) are not feasible. Hydrogen-powered trains offer advantages such as zero greenhouse gas emissions, long-range capability, and rapid refueling. However, widespread implementation requires addressing a range of technical, operational, and safety challenges.
This session will explore the key factors involved in deploying hydrogen rail systems, including propulsion system design, hydrogen storage solutions, vehicle procurement, fuel supply security, refueling infrastructure, and workforce development. Additionally, regulatory engagement, stakeholder outreach, and risk mitigation strategies will be discussed as critical components of successful implementation. A key focus of this session will be hydrogen safety, particularly in enclosed spaces such as maintenance facilities. While existing standards like NFPA-2 provide guidance for hydrogen storage, they do not fully account for the large hydrogen volumes carried by rail vehicles. This presentation will examine best practices for designing hydrogen maintenance facilities, including ventilation strategies, risk-based safety approaches, and lessons from recent facility adaptations in the U.S. and Europe. Ultimately, the successful deployment of hydrogen rail requires a holistic, integrated approach that brings together rail operators, energy providers, regulatory bodies, and industry partners. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming implementation barriers, ensuring safe operations, and leveraging hydrogen technology to create a sustainable future for rail transportation. CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Jackson Xue, Trainset Engineer, Ricardo LLC Panelist: Marcin Taraszkiewicz, Rail & Transit Vehicle Technology Lead, HDR Panelist: Joy M. Buenaflor, Deputy Director of Transit and Rail Programs – Capital Delivery, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority (SBCTA) Panelist: Joseph Tax, Rail Vehicle Specialist, HDR Panelist: Martin Schroeder, Contract Manager, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (Jacobs) Sponsor Remarks: Rob Klovsky, Southern California Transit Director - Vice President, HDRLocation: Salons 10-12 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis Sponsored By HDR |
Location: Salons 10-12 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070114:3015:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM PDT
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Don’t Cross the Streams! Mastering Rail Interface Management
Transit projects, whether greenfield or brownfield, require a robust approach to interface management and system integration to minimize deployment risks, ensure seamless operations, and reduce costly late-stage design changes. Effective coordination between agencies, designers, contractors, and consultants early in the project lifecycle is critical to mitigating constructability concerns, service disruptions, and migration delays.
This session will explore best practices for implementing a structured interface management program on major transit and signaling projects. It will highlight the importance of engaging stakeholders early in the RFP process, defining clear integration responsibilities, and ensuring compliance with performance and safety standards. Additionally, it will examine how system integration strategies can streamline the deployment of signaling solutions, enabling cost-effective reuse of certified products while maintaining operational efficiency and safety. Attendees will gain insights into key interface management methodologies, strategies for integrating external and internal systems, and staffing considerations for successful project execution. A case study will illustrate how these principles have been successfully applied, providing actionable lessons for transit agencies and industry professionals navigating complex rail infrastructure projects. CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Manjit Khalsa, Senior Systems Engineer, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Panelist: Antonis Panayotatos, Senior Project Manager, CDM Smith Panelist: Daniel Tinsley, Deputy Chief Engineer, Chicago Transit Authority Panelist: William Hillesheim, AVP, Deputy Project Executive, MTA Construction & Development Panelist: Sridevi Lakshminarayanan, Engineering Manager, Parsons Corporation Panelist: Gopala Muthukrishnan, Senior Engineering Manager, Parsons Panelist: Sravani Tadanki, Senior Engineering Manager, ParsonsLocation: Salons 10-12 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 10-12 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070110:3011:30 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM PDT
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Building Connections: The Art of Systems Integration in Rail Projects
Successfully delivering complex rail projects requires a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating technology and integration challenges before revenue service begins. Too often, capital projects encounter last-minute technical issues that could have been prevented through robust planning, testing, and systems engineering practices.
This session will feature an industry panel sharing best practices for anticipating and resolving these challenges early in the project lifecycle. Panelists will discuss techniques such as establishing clear and robust requirements, developing comprehensive testing and integration plans, and gradually introducing assets into service. By shifting issue identification to earlier project stages, agencies can avoid costly delays and ensure smoother transitions to operational service. Finally, the panel will explore how such lessons learned and best practices can be imparted to future capital projects. The panel will propose strategies for transportation professionals to promote broad awareness of the industry best practices for delivery of capital projects, and to advocate for the development of a standard to promote consistency in applying such techniques. CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Dale Brown, Director, Infrastructure, NSI Advisory Services Speaker: William Hui, Director, Systems Engineering, South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink) Speaker: Justin Lee, Sr Project Manager, Systems Engineering, Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet) Speaker: David Ginsberg, Deputy Director, IT Program Management Office, Sound Transit Speaker: Jane Wilson Eur Ing, SESA Senior Director, AtkinsRealisLocation: Salons 10-12 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 10-12 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063014:0015:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM PDT
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Powering Progress: Innovations in Traction Electrification for Modern Rail Systems
Traction electrification is a critical component of rail systems, directly affecting the reliability and efficiency of train operations. This session will focus on the fundamentals of traction electrification systems, including power generation, distribution, and safety. Experts will explore the challenges of providing consistent, high-quality power to modern rail fleets and discuss innovations in electrical power supply.
CEU Credits: Speaker(s): Moderator: Barbara M Schroeder, Rail Transit Program Manager, Benesch Speaker: Hesham Elbarawy, Senior Engineering Manager, Kiewit Engineering Group Speaker: John Schlick, Sr Program Director - Rail Systems, HNTB CorporationLocation: Salons 10-12 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 10-12 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070113:0014:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 D55A0F14-66E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025 |
Wednesday, Jul 02, 2025
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM PDT
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Data-Driven Service Disruption Management: Lessons from Coast to Coast
Maintaining reliable rail service during disruptions is a critical challenge for transit agencies. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) District is preparing for major track renewals in its core network, requiring downtown Oakland closures that will impact nearly 150,000 daily riders. To manage these disruptions, an operational analysis using TrainOps® network simulation software was conducted to evaluate service scenarios, test bypass strategies, and measure resilience through the Recoverability Quotient—an innovative metric assessing delay propagation and schedule recovery.
At the same time, understanding the full impact of service disruptions extends beyond operational planning. Metro has developed LINC, an advanced algorithm designed to link recorded incidents and other sources of delay to individual customers. By quantifying the root causes of late trips, measuring the number of affected passengers, and assessing total delay impacts, LINC provides valuable insights that guide infrastructure investment and asset management strategies. This session will explore how simulation-driven operational planning and advanced data analytics can improve transit resilience and customer experience. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for managing track closures, mitigating service disruptions, and leveraging delay attribution tools to inform long-term infrastructure decisions. Speaker(s): Moderator: Deepika Gangwani, Manager, Corporate Deliverables, Toronto Transit Commission Speaker: Ethan Call, Operations Planning and Simulation Analyst – Advanced, Hatch Speaker: Joel Soden, Principal Operations Planner, BART Speaker: Gabe Pincus, Data Science & Research Manager, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit AuthorityLocation: Salons 10-12 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Salons 10-12 (Lower B2 Level), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070210:1511:15 000 | WED, JUL 2 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 39CC7C14-61E6-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Sunday, Jun 29, 2025 |
Sunday, Jun 29, 2025
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM PDT
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Location: Pacific B (4th Floor), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Pacific B (4th Floor), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025062907:0018:00 000 | SUN, JUN 29 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025 |
Tuesday, Jul 01, 2025
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM PDT
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Location: Pacific B (4th Floor), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Pacific B (4th Floor), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025070107:0018:00 000 | TUE, JUL 1 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Monday, Jun 30, 2025 |
Monday, Jun 30, 2025
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM PDT
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Location: Pacific B (4th Floor), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: Pacific B (4th Floor), San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025063007:0018:00 000 | MON, JUN 30 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |
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| Sunday, Jun 29, 2025 |
Sunday, Jun 29, 2025
7:30 AM - 5:00 PM PDT
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Location: San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
Location: San Francisco Marriott Marquis |
2025062907:3017:00 000 | SUN, JUN 29 |
725DF8A3-65E5-EF11-8103-ED7CCB3A2628 |