Commuter Rail 2021: State of the Industry and Research Needs

On Thursday 14 January 2021 the Commuter Rail Systems Subcommittee of the Transportation Research Board met virtually to review the state of industry and discuss research needs.  

The industry stands at a COVID crossroads pitting Commuter Rail against "Work from Home."   Industry wide ridership is down 80%!   Serious adaptations to service design and will be required during and after the pandemic.  Key research needs discussed included: 

COVID Pandemic

Temporary Market Disruption
Permanent Market Changes Anticipated

Efficiency

Fare Collection and Fare Policy
Crewing and OPTO
Level Boarding and Accessibility
Nimble Responses to Changing Markets
Automation

Sustainability

Zero-Emissions Motive Power
Urban Rail Service (S-Bahn)
First Mile / Last Mile

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