COVID-19 and State of the US Commuter Rail Industry

The latest data and insights regarding pandemic impacts and ridership recovery to be presented and discussed at the 101st Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board: 

Business Meeting of Urban Rail Transit Systems Committee

Tuesday, January 11, 2022—1:30 PM to 5:30 PM ET

Marriott Marquis, Judiciary Square (Level M3)

Click Here for a Copy of the Presentation 

Virtual Meeting Attendance Alternative via ZOOM

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86139960602?pwd=SjdMYmN0eXNCOEhpdW92c0ZrcnlVZz09

Meeting ID: 861 3996 0602 – Passcode: 894523

101st Meeting of the Transportation Research Board: Commuter Rail Systems Committee

Wednesday, January 12, 2022: 4:00 - 5:30 pm.  

Shaw/LaDroit Park (M3)

Marriott Marquis Hotel, Washington DC 

Click Here for Agenda

Virtual Meeting Attendance Alternative via Zoom Meeting ID: 859 9728 1467 – Passcode: 877483

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85997281467?pwd=ZlNQazE3Ly9BYkNnbmxpdEFzVlJFQT09

Taking the Commuter out of Commuter Rail...........

While the plunge in ridership has left some wondering if commuter rail is dying, others see a rare opportunity to reinvent the suburb-to-city service into something very different. But it won’t be cheap or easy.

Most commuter railroads in the US, faced with an existential threat, are rethinking their timetables, tariffs and service models. 

Click to here to see highlights of recent interviews with industry leaders. 

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

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

Commuter Rail Systems Meeting Agenda | 14 Jan 2021 12:00 to 13:30 Eastern Time

Our 90 minute meeting will begin promptly at noon.

We have lots to cover in these exciting and turbulent times.

For a preview of the meeting materials CLICK HERE

If you have any suggestions please don't hesitate to contact me at david.nelson@jacobs.com

100th Annual Meeting of the Transportation Research Board

The TRB 100th Annual Meeting will be conducted as a virtual event over a series of dates throughout January 2021
.
The decision to go virtual was made out of concern for the health and safety of all meeting attendees, in light of the  coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 

The Commuter Rail Subcommittee Meeting will be held Thursday January 14, 2021 | 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm (EST)