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2019 Rail Conference - Program

This page is an overview of the conference schedule and subject to change.

 

Saturday, June 22

INTERNATIONAL RAIL RODEO COMPETITION

7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

RODEO SITE: Leslie Barns – Streetcar Maintenance & Storage Facility, 1165 Lake Shore Boulevard, East, Toronto, ON

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is proud to host the 27th Annual APTA International Rail Rodeo, which features intense competition from the best rail operators and maintenance teams in North America and across the globe. The operators’ competition begins at approximately 7:30 a.m. and the maintainers’ competition is set to begin at approximately 9 a.m. Transportation will be provided to the Rodeo site from the host hotel, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel at 123 Queen Street W., Toronto, ON M5H 2M9. Details will be available at the host information desk in the APTA registration area in the Sheraton Center Toronto.

There will be a special combined team event following lunch on Rodeo day for agencies that send both an operator and a maintenance team.

Families are encouraged to attend with their competitor and TTC is creating family fun activities and materials for guests to enjoy during Rodeo day. Details will be provided at the host information desk in the APTA registration area.

The Rodeo competitors will be honored and the champions crowned at the newly redesigned International Rail Rodeo Awards Ceremony on Sunday, June 23, from 7-8 p.m. in the Sheraton Center Toronto hotel, immediately followed by a high-spirited, fun-filled Awards Reception from 8-9:30 p.m.

THANKS TO OUR RODEO MAINTENANCE EVENTS SPONSORS
• Alstom Transport Inc.
• Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI)
• era-contact, USA
• Dellner Inc.
• KLD Labs, Inc.
• Knorr Brake Corporation
• Penn Machine Company
• Schaltbau North America
• Wabtec Corporation
• Voith Turbo Inc.
• ZF Industries


QUESTIONS?
Rodeo Registration: Contact APTA’s Anitha Atkins at 202.496.4839 or aatkins@apta.com.
Rodeo Competition/Events: Contact APTA’s Cheryl Pyatt at 202.496.4875 or cpyatt@apta.com.

Conference Registration Desk

11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Hotel Keys sponsored by Herzog Transit Services, Inc.

 company logo
 
Lanyards sponsored by GIRO Inc.

company logo 

Host Information Desk

11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

APTA Board of Directors

12:30 - 5 p.m.
Grand Ballroom East, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, APTA, Michele Wong Krause

(buffet lunch served at 12 p.m.)

Ventilation & Fire Life Safety Technical Forum

1 - 2:30 p.m.
Birchwood, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Operations Control Center Technical Forum

2:45 - 4:15 p.m.
Birchwood, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, James Ross

Commuter & Intercity Passenger Rail Legislative Subcommittee

5 - 6:30 p.m.
Willow East, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Co-Chairs, Naomi Renek & Julie A White
 

Sunday, June 23

Commuter Rail PTC Subcommittee

7:30 - 10 a.m.
Willow Centre, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, James M. Derwinski

High-Speed & Intercity Passenger Rail Committee

7:30 - 10 a.m.
Birchwood, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Chris Brady

Continental Breakfast sponsored by TALGO, Inc.

Conference Registration Desk

7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Host Information Desk

7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Moderators/Speakers & AV Preview Room

7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Carleton, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Standards Program Information Desk

7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

TCRP Information Desk

7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Light Rail Technical Forum

8 - 9:30 a.m.
Chestnut, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Christopher R. Walker, P.E.

Breakfast sponsored by LTK Engineering Services

Federal Procedures & Regulations AND Funding, Financing & Tax Policy Legislative Subcommittees

8:30 - 9:45 a.m.
City Hall, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Chairs, Christopher P. Boylan & Ronald L. Epstein

Metropolitan Planning AND Transit Performance Management Subcommittees

8:30 - 10 a.m.
Willow West, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Co-Chairs, Grace Gallucci, Todd Lang, Mattew Z. Sibul & Andrea Burnside, Louis Cripps, Laura Zale

Rail Safety Committee

8:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Maple, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Kevin Jones, WSO-CSSD / CSE

Power, Signals & Communications Technical Forum

9 - 11 a.m.
Simcoe/Dufferin, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Daniel Christopher Tinsley

Capital Projects Subcommittee

9:45 - 11:15 a.m.
Willow East, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Richard M. Amodei

Systems Engineering Subcommittee

10:15 - 11:45 a.m.
Pine, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Chair, David M. Springstead

Legislative Committee

10:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Birchwood, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Matthew O. Tucker

Technologies for Vehicle Automation and Connectivity Subcommittee

10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Willow West, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, William Tsuei, PMP, CPA, CSM

Streetcar Subcommittee

10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Provincial Ballroom
Chair, Tom Gerend

Lunch sponsored by Herzog Transit Services, Inc.

P3 Real Estate Subcommittee

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Huron, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Co-Chairs, Charles DiMaggio & Sasha N. Page

American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) Board of Directors

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Willow Centre, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Raquel Olivier

Commuter Rail CEOs Subcommittee

11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.
City Hall, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Catherine A. Rinaldi

Research & Technology Committee

12 - 1:30 p.m.
Willow East, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Manjit Kaur Sooch

EXPO Advisory Committee

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Linden, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Christina Belmont

Innovative Funding, Finance and P3 Committee

1 - 2:30 p.m.
Maple, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Heather McKillop

Rail Transit Committee

1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
Chestnut, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Carolyn M. Gonot

Land Use & Economic Development Subcommittee

2 - 3:30 p.m.
Wentworth, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Co-Chairs, Mark McLaren & Shyam Kannan & Christine B. Vina, AIA

Rail Transit CEOs Committee

3 - 4:30 p.m.
Chestnut, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Carolyn M. Gonot

Track & Noise/Vibration Technical Forum

3 - 4:30 p.m.
Willow East, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Matthew Gibbs, PE

Mid-Level Manager Workshop: Change Champion Training

3 - 5 p.m.
Simcoe/Dufferin, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Commuter Rail Committee

4 - 5:30 p.m.
City Hall, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Catherine A. Rinaldi

Major Capital Investment Planning AND Environmental Subcommittees

4 - 5:30 p.m.
Birchwood, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Co-Chairs, Benjamin Limmer, James D. Parsons, Stephen Salin & Andrew D. Brennan, Kammy Horne

Rail Standards Policy & Planning Committee

4 - 5:30 p.m.
Willow Centre, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Michael Kunkle

Welcome to Toronto Reception at the Products & Services Showcase

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Sheraton Hall/Osgood/Vide, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel

(tickets required)

Mix and mingle among your industry colleagues while examining the various displays in the showcase. This lively event is sure to set the tone for a week of learning and networking. 

Reception sponsored by LTK Engineering Services

company logo

INTERNATIONAL RAIL RODEO AWARDS CEREMONY ~ NEW!

7 - 8 p.m.
Grand Ballroom, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel

(doors open at 6:30 p.m.; no tickets required)

Come celebrate the industry’s top rail operators and maintainers at the International Rail Rodeo Awards Ceremony. All Rail Conference registrants and guests are invited to join the Rail Rodeo contestants and guests to find out who will walk away as the evening’s big winners! And, be sure to also attend the Rodeo Awards Reception immediately following the ceremony.

INTERNATIONAL RAIL RODEO AWARDS RECEPTION ~ NEW!

8 - 9:30 p.m.
Grand Ballroom East, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel

(tickets required)
The celebration of our industry’s rail operators and maintainers continues immediately after the awards ceremony at a lively and entertaining reception. Join us at this relaxed, fun event featuring numerous, food stations, refreshments and cash bar, and more!
 
Reception sponsored by WSP USA
company logo 
TICKETS
Rail Conference Registrants

Tickets for the Awards Reception are not included in the conference registration fee, but may be purchased in advance at a cost of $150 each by completing the “Rail Rodeo Awards Reception Tickets” portion of the Meeting Registration Form and submitting it with your payment to APTA. Tickets also will be sold on site at the APTA registration desk.
 
Rodeo Participants
As part of the registration fee, each rodeo participant receives a reception ticket, and one ticket is included in the spouse/guest registration fee. Please complete the Rail Rodeo Registration Form and submit it with your payment to APTA.

QUESTIONS?
Mobility Conference Registrants
: Contact APTA’s Kwakuita Spence at 202.496.4845 or kspence@apta.com.
Roadeo Participants: Contact Anitha Atkins at 202.496.4839 or aatkins@apta.com; or Cheryl Pyatt at 202.496.4875 or cpyatt@apta.com.
 

Monday, June 24

“Meet the Primes/Agencies:” A Small Business Networking Breakfast

7 - 8:15 a.m.
Provincial Ballroom North, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Designed to help rail OEMs, sub-suppliers, contract operators, and major A&E firms strengthen their business relationships and find new small business partners, the breakfast provides an opportunity for APTA small business members to talk about their companies and how to do business with them.

All APTA business members are invited to come to the breakfast and join in the business-to-business networking fun! Small businesses and DBE firms are particularly encouraged to take advantage.

Transit agency procurement officials are also encouraged to come to the breakfast to promote their current and future procurement opportunities and their anticipated procurement requirements in the coming months.
 
To help you plan your networking activities, a brochure listing information about the networking breakfast participants was prepared and sent out on June 20 in advance of the breakfast. Members wishing to be listed in the brochure, needed to have completed the online registration/brochure participation form by May 31.
 
NOTE: This event is for APTA members ONLY.
 
FEE: There is no registration fee required to participate in the breakfast.
 
REGISTRATION: Registration has closed. You may register on site at the breakfast on the morning of​.
 
The Networking Breakfast is sponsored by the Business Member Activity Fund.
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PRESS Policy & Planning Committee

7 - 8:15 a.m.
Simcoe/Dufferin, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Chair, James M. Derwinski

Continental Breakfast

7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Grand Ballroom Foyer, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Continental Breakfast sponsored by Comtech Group Inc.

company logo 

Conference Registration Desk

7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Host Information Desk

7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Moderators/Speakers & AV Preview Room

7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Carleton, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Standards Program Information Desk

7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

TCRP Information Desk

7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

OPENING GENERAL SESSION: Public Transit’s Inevitable Shift

8:30 - 10 a.m.
Grand Ballroom, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel

A Governor’s View of Trends, Challenges, and Change in Public Transportation

Former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm will share her views on the important trends in passenger rail and public transportation, including the critical role of collaboration and partnerships, customer preferences, and the role of transit in our regional transportation network. As the former governor of the “automobile state,” Granholm’s unique perspective will focus, in part, on how rapid and continuous change is affecting cars, trains, and other forms of mobility, and how we can best anticipate and prepare for continuing change.

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General Session sponsored by HDR

company logo

Presiding Officers
  • David M. Stackrow, Sr., CPA, Member, Board of Directors, Capital District Transportation Authority, Albany, NY
  • Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association, Washington, DC
Sponsor Recognition
  • Tom R. Waldron, Senior Vice President & Global Transit Director, HDR, Newark, NJ
Welcomes
  • Richard J. Leary, CEO, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
  • Councillor Jaye Robinson, Chair, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
Remarks
  • Hon. John Tory, Mayor, City of Toronto, Toronto, ON
Keynote Speaker
  • Jennifer M. Granholm, Former Two-term Governor of Michigan; CNN Senior Political Commentator, Granholm Mulhern Associates, Oakland, CA

TRACK 1: Capital Programs: Adaptability through Alternative Delivery Methods

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Birchwood, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Owners are increasingly managing their risks, finances, and staffing needs by using alternative delivery methods to execute major capital projects (DB, DBFM, PPP, etc.). Come hear the perspectives of Owners, Contractors and the Designers, including their lessons learned, on major projects around the world.

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https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents
 
Session sponsored by Comtech Group Inc. 
company logo 
Moderator
  • Richard M. Amodei, Executive Vice President, Transportation and Infrastructure Division, STV Incorporated, New York, NY
Transit Program Delivery - Key Issues to Consider from Owner/Sponsor’s Perspective
  • Raja P. Tenneti, P.E., P.Eng., Director, P3 Advisory Services, AECOM, Richmond Hill, ON
  • Andrew Philip, P.Eng., Vice President/Manager, P3 Advisory Services, AECOM, Richmond Hill, ON
Early Contractor Involvement Models on Transit Projects
  • Jake D. Speck, Rail Market Manager, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., Phoenix, AZ
  • Jay Wong, Project Manager, Mass. Electric Construction Co., Irving, TX
City of Ottawa State 2 Light Rail Project
  • Michael Morgan, P.Eng., Director of Rail Construction Programs, OC Transpo/City of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON
Design and Construction of Riyadh Metro Project - A Case Study
  • Veera V.N. Duggirala, Lead Signal Engineer, Riyadh Metro Project, Parsons Corporation, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

TRACK 2: Ask the Governor

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Dominion Ballroom North, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

What’s the best way to advocate for your public transit agency in the statehouse? What does a governor need to know about public transportation to be an advocate at the federal level? How can positive stories about public transportation claim a bigger piece of the national media stage? Bring your questions to this special concurrent session with former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, current CNN political contributor, and get unique insight and information.

Moderator
  • Hon. Nuria I. Fernandez, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, Washington, DC
Guest Speaker
  • Jennifer M. Granholm, Former Two-term Governor of Michigan; CNN Senior Political Commentator, Granholm Mulhern Associates, Oakland, CA

Track 3: The Future is Now: A Discussion on Alternative Energy Sources for Rail

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Civic Ballroom, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Public transportation needs to evolve as the demand for cleaner and more efficient transportation increases. This panel looks at several energy sources for passenger rail, including hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, low emission diesel, etc.

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https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Stephanie Wiggins, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles, CA
Panelists
  • Jim Varney, MBA, Senior Director, Major Capture, NY/NJ, Parsons Corporation, New York, NY
  • Yves Laperriere, Engineer, Product Director, Alstom, Saint-Bruno, QC
  • Michelle Bouchard, Executive Director, Caltrain (Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board), San Carlos, CA
  • Devin Rouse, P.E., Director, Passenger Rail Division, Office of Railroad Safety, Federal Railroad Administration, Washington, DC

TRACK 5: Prioritizing Rail in the Region

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Dominion Ballroom South, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Operating in a regional planning context, public transportation agencies must demonstrate the value of rail against other transportation modes and initiatives. Hear from practitioners on how they make the case for high-capacity public transportation investments in their regions, including initiatives that link projects to regional planning goals, evaluate and improve transit's beneficial impacts during the planning process through travel demand models, manage engagement and outreach with the public, and realize effective project management and delivery.

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https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Kimberly Slaughter, CEO, SYSTRA USA, New York, NY
Ten Years In: Celebrating Valley Metro's 'Railversary' and Light Rail's Impact on Quality of Life
  • Scott Smith, Valley Metro, Phoenix, AZ
Multimodal Project Prioritization and Funding in Virginia
  • Jennifer DeBruhl, AICP, PMP, Director, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Richmond, VA
Closing the Gap between Travel Demand Modelling and Project Evaluation in North America
  • Phil Orr, Manager, Metrolinx (GO Transit), Toronto, ON

Automated Transit Technical Forum

12 - 1:30 p.m.
Simcoe/Dufferin, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, Eric Phillips

RAIL PRODUCTS & SERVICES SHOWCASE

12 - 3 p.m.
Sheraton Hall/Osgood/Vide, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel

(includes lunch from 12 - 1:30 p.m.; tickets required)

Many business members’ rail products and services are showcased at the 2019 Rail Products & Services Showcase. Registrants can view the products and obtain information relating to the rail products and services on display. Expert personnel are on hand to answer your questions as you inspect what’s new and innovative in the world of rail equipment and services.

see Showcase Reservations & Exhibitor Registration for details and to register

Mid-Level Manager Workshop: Increase Productivity -- From a Knowledge to a Learning Culture

1 - 3 p.m.
Provincial Ballroom North, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

How will you help your employees and your organization increase workplace productivity? Knowledge workers trained to achieve required tasks are now challenged with a world that is constantly shifting the professional balance. The training process is now a full-time characteristic, shifting corporate culture to one focused on learning. There is a call for change in how we operate, a true shift in corporate and personal consciousness. Workers must continuously evaluate themselves and stay current on their channels and professional networks. On top of that, employees would need to share their new ideas with their employers, in an effort to help their organization innovate and thrive.

The workshop will explore alignment and delivery approach to the value network from executives through to front-line workers. It will discuss the challenges seen implementing new strategic approaches and integrating technological changes in a diverse workforce. New solutions in adapting strategies, processes and competitive alignment will be shown through practical examples. Discussions will center on what is required to have the desired effects of strategic changes adopted by the workforce and how workforce relationships are evolving to allow a true learning culture. 

Speaker
  • Ron Thiele, President, Xpan Interactive Ltd., Calgary, AB

GENERAL SESSION: Priorities and Perspectives from U.S. Federal Partners

3 - 4:15 p.m.
Grand Ballroom, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel

This General Session features updates and insights from the U.S. public transportation industry's two key federal partners.

FTA's K. Jane Williams will discuss such critical priorities as safety and security, mobility-related initiatives, and the reauthorization process, among other issues.

FRA's Karl Alexy will share updates such as PTC and other passenger-rail safety measures, high-speed rail, and plans for the Northeast Corridor, among other topics.

Update from the Federal Transit Administration
Moderator
  • Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association, Washington, DC
Speaker
  • Hon. K. Jane Williams, Deputy Administrator, Federal Transit Administration, Washington, DC
Update from the Federal Rail Administration
Moderator
  • Jeffrey D. Knueppel, P.E., Vice President & Corporate Transit Practice Leader, KCI Technologies, Inc., Mechanicsburg, PA
Speaker
  • Karl Alexy, Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety/Chief Safety Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, Washington, DC

TRACK 1, TRACK 2: Addressing Systems Challenges to Successfully Deliver Capital Projects

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Civic Ballroom, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

As agencies increasingly leverage technology-based systems to enhance capacity and operational capability and complexity, systems integration levels are rising for capital projects. This panel will highlight the increasing trend for adopting Systems Engineering practices and expertise to respond to systems challenges. Implementation case studies and lessons learned will be shared to demonstrate improvements to capital project delivery.

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https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents
 

Session sponsored by Collins Aerospace

company logo 
Moderator
  • Simon Hughes, Engineering Division Manager, UNICO Engineering, Folsom, CA
Achieving System Certification on California High-Speed Rail Program through Integration
  • Rik K. Lor, Pricipal, LOR, Roseville, CA
  • Dominique Rulens, Senior Project Director, Deputy Director Network Integration, WSP USA, Sacramento, CA
From 0-60: Developing a Fast-Tracked System Engineering Capability from Scratch at TransLink
  • William Hui, P.Eng., Director, Systems Engineering, South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink), New Westminster, BC
  • Saulius Fidleris, Principal Engineer, Gannett Fleming Canada ULC, Toronto, ON
Systems Engineering Practices/Systems Approaches Applied to Sound Transit Capital Projects
  • Peter Brown, Director of Systems Engineering & Integration, Sound Transit, Seattle, WA
Agency Adoption of Early Phase Systems Expertise/Practices in NY & Sydney
  • Rachel Negron, Strategic Advisor & Transformation Specialist, Anne O'Neil Consultants Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  • Anne O'Neil, P.E., CSEP, System Catalyst and Strategist, AOC Systems Consortium, New York, NY

TRACK 1: Vehicle Maintenance Innovation

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Birchwood, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Rolling stock reliability is critical for a high, on-time performance. Innovations in the maintenance of rail equipment are making operations more cost effective on a daily basis. Panelists will discuss maintenance practices, technological evolutions, and changing workforce needs.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Julie R. Green, P.E., Global Director Data Analysis, Hatch, Ambler, PA
Agency Operated Commuter Rail Maintenance
  • Bruce Cardon, Deputy Chief Operations Officer, Metro Transit, Minneapolis, MN
NYCT Maintenance - Present and Future
  • John Santamaria, P.E., Senior Vice President, Rail, Clever Devices Ltd., Woodbury, NY
Using Data to Help Manage Maintenance of Assets
  • Robert I. Brownstein, AECOM, New York, NY

TRACK 2: The 7 Ps of Operations Analysis and Planning

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Dominion Ballroom North, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

The 7 Ps is a British Army adage regarding project planning. The original version is memorable and effective because of the literary humor (overdone alliteration). The variation "Proper Preparation, Patience, and Planning Provides Peak Performance" describes the value of operations analysis and planning for the optimization of normal and abnormal operations. This session dives into some examples of the challenges met and rewards reaped through the application of this adage.

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https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Brian Riley, Superintendent of Transportation, MTS Rail, San Diego, CA
BART Single Tracking Operations Planning Analysis
  • Dennis Page, P.E., Rail Operations Engineer, Hatch, White River Junction, VT
Putting Safety First without Sacrificing Reliability: San Diego's OTP Improvement Efforts
  • Brent Boyd, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), San Diego, CA
Integrated Planning, Engineering, and Operations in LRT Design - A Case Study of the City of Edmonton's Metro Line Extension
  • Matthew Butcher, M.Eng., Senior O&M Specialist, Rail Systems Engineering, WSP Canada Inc., Markham, ON
  • Scott Plaxton, P.Eng., WSP, Thornhill, ON
  • Scott Macintosh, P.Eng., PMP, LRT Delivery, Project Manager-Metro Line Northwest, Edmonton Transit, Edmonton, AB

TRACK 4 , TRACK 5: Transit Agency Interactions with People Who Are Homeless

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Chestnut, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

In recent years, homelessness has emerged as one of the most pressing crises to hit communities - large and small - across the country. The lack of sufficient affordable housing options, social services, and relevant policies, as well as the opioid crisis, are contributing to large increases in the homeless population seeking shelter in transit stations, buses and trains, and has created challenging quality of life problems in our systems. Transit agencies are learning to seek solutions to this issue through the development of partnerships and new business practices. Learn from these agencies about how they are trying to improve conditions for transit customers, employees, and the homeless population.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents 

Moderator
  • Jeffrey D. Knueppel, P.E., Vice President & Corporate Transit Practice Leader, KCI Technologies, Inc., Mechanicsburg, PA
Panelists
  • Robert M. Powers, General Manager, BART, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), Oakland, CA
  • Edward N. Addison, Deputy Chief of Police, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Dallas, TX
  • Jeffrey D. Knueppel, P.E., Vice President & Corporate Transit Practice Leader, KCI Technologies, Inc., Mechanicsburg, PA

TRACK 4 : Safety Certification: Best Practices for Transit Projects in the U.S. & Canada

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Dominion Ballroom South, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Attend this important session to learn about safety certification on large, medium, and smaller-sized projects throughout the U.S. and Canada. Hear about how New York City Transit certified an interoperable Communication-based Train Control (CBTC) system for safety, and how an analysis of safety and security certification was conducted on a design build project. In addition, two major U.S. transit agencies, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Sound Transit, will speak about how they are utilizing leading practices at each of their respective agencies in order to safety certify projects of all sizes. Finally, hear from the session moderator regarding a newly created working group that APTA has initiated on Safety Certification and how you can get involved in the development of a recommended practice in this area.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Kevin Jones, WSO-CSSD / CSE, Principal, Eastern Region, ADS System Safety Consulting, LLC, Baltimore, MD
Panelists
  • Philippe Ayrault, Senior VP - System Safety/System Assurance Manager, SYSTRA USA, New York, NY
  • Jean-Claude Aurel, Jr., ASP, CSP, WSO-CSSD, President/CEO, Transit Safety & Security Solutions, Inc., Washington, DC
  • Steven V. Culp, Chief Investigation and Safety Assurance Officer, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Boston, MA
  • Matthew Mitchell, Transit Safety & Security Manager, Sound Transit, Seattle, WA
 

Tuesday, June 25

Rolling Stock Equipment Technical Forum

7 - 8:15 a.m.
City Hall, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel
Chair, John Santamaria, P.E.

Coffee Service

7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Grand Ballroom Foyer, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Conference Registration Desk

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Host Information Desk

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Moderators/Speakers & AV Preview Room

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Carleton, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Standards Program Information Desk

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

TCRP Information Desk

8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

TRACK 1: Maintenance Planning: Mastering the Maintenance Continuum

8:30 - 10 a.m.
Dominion Ballroom North, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Asset management continuum is a hierarchy that describes the steps to mastering maintenance. The steps are: 1) Run to Failure, 2) Corrective Maintenance, 3) Preventative Maintenance, 4) Condition-based Maintenance, 5) Predictive Maintenance, 6) Prescriptive Maintenance, and finally, 7) Foresight Maintenance. This session explores application on the latter end of the maintenance continuum.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Erik Stoothoff, P.E., Chief Engineer, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Boston, MA
Optimization of Traction Power Maintenance Department to Improve Efficiency
  • Michael Hass, General Superintendent - Traction Power Maintenance, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Washington, DC
Asset Management & Maintenance Operations: A Process-based Approach
  • Ryan Versteeg-Biln, Manager, Engineering, SNC-Lavalin Inc., Vancouver, BC
Maintenance Strategy Plan of the Rhaetian Railways: How to Preserve the Patrimony of a Rail Network
  • Giuliano Montanaro, MScience EPF, Founder/CEO, Alius Consulting GmbH, Zurich, Switzerland
Challenges of Wheel/Rail Interface to Combat Leaf Contamination: A Collaborative Project between East Japan Railway Company and the University of Sheffield
  • Kei Ishizaka, Assistant Manager, East Japan Railway Company, Tokyo, Japan

Track 3: Best Practices in Reducing Grade Crossing Incidents

8:30 - 10 a.m.
Birchwood, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Grade crossing and trespasser incidents have been a large concern for the commuter rail industry. This session will be an interactive discussion on best practices to reduce such incidents. New technologies, regulatory perspectives, and educational lessons learned will be shared.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • James M. Derwinski, CEO/Executive Director, Metra, Chicago, IL
Advancing the Use of Connected Vehicle Technologies to Prevent Crashes at Rail Grade Crossings by Warning Vehicle Drivers of Predicted Violations
  • Jeff J. Utterback, Rail Practice Lead, Infrastructure & Environmental Business Unit, Battelle, Lake Arrowhead, CA
FRA Perspectives on Grade Crossings Fatality Prevention
  • Karl Alexy, Associate Administrator for Railroad Safety/Chief Safety Officer, Federal Railroad Administration, Washington, DC
Safety Management for Rail Right of Way and Grade Crossings
  • Matthew O. Tucker, Global Transit Director, HDR, San Diego, CA

TRACK 4 : Transit's Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking in Transportation

8:30 - 10 a.m.
Dominion Ballroom South, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked in countries around the world, including the United States. It is estimated that human trafficking generates many billions of dollars of profit per year, second only to drug trafficking as the most profitable form of transnational crime.”

Transportation and travel stakeholders are working together to combat human trafficking. Learn more about these efforts.

Moderator
  • Hilary E. Konczal, CSSD-WSO, CSM, CST, Chief Safety and Environmental Officer, Metra, Chicago, IL
Panelists
  • Candace Key, Director, Office of System Safety, Federal Transit Administration, Washington, DC
  • Michael A. Palazzi, IV, WSP USA, Glastonbury, CT
  • Hilary E. Konczal, CSSD-WSO, CSM, CST, Chief Safety and Environmental Officer, Metra, Chicago, IL

TRACK 5: Best Practices for Public Engagement

8:30 - 10 a.m.
Civic Ballroom, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

This session will be of interest to any practitioners looking to reduce the risk of public opposition to critical projects, and interested in meaningful ways to engage local communities in highly impactful construction initiatives. Attendees will walk away with best practices on how to build trust and collaboration among apprehensive stakeholders in diverse communities. Hear three case studies and their successes in engaging stakeholders in the design of local transit projects.

Moderator
  • Stephen Salin, AICP, Senior Transit Consultant, HDR , Dallas, TX
Good Neighbor Policy for Transit Project Planning and Construction
  • David Nagler, Head of Community and Council Relations, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
Culturally Appropriate Engagement for Diverse Communities
  • Tania Torres, President & CEO, Torres Multicultural Communications, Phoenix, AZ

TRACK 5: Revenue Opportunities from Value Capture

8:30 - 10 a.m.
Grand Ballroom, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel

A joint session by APTA and the Japan International Transport Institute, USA (JITI)

As private development continues to sprout near transit and passenger rail facilities, transportation agencies continue to seek ways to obtain revenues from the value created by those transit investments. Representatives from four properties will share their formulas for success, while assuring that community residents are not priced-out.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Opening Remarks
  • Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association, Washington, DC
Video Message
  • Masafumi Shukuri, Chairman, Japan Transport and Tourism Research Institute (JTTRI); Chairman, Japan International Transport and Tourism Institute, USA (JITTI USA), Washington, DC
Guest Remarks
  • Hon. K. Jane Williams, Deputy Administrator, Federal Transit Administration, Washington, DC
  • Takako Ito, Consul-General of Japan in Toronto, Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Toronto, ON
Moderator
  • Sasha N. Page, Principal, Rebel Group, Washington, DC
Presenters
  • Kevin Desmond, Principal + National Director, Transit and Rail, Sam Schwartz Engineering, Seattle, WA
  • Heather McKillop, Chief Financial Officer, Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART), Petaluma, CA
Speakers
  • Yuji Murakami, Manager, Life-style Business Development Headquarters (Shinagawa and Large-Scale Developments Department), East Japan Railway Company, Tokyo, Japan
  • Kantaro Yamaguchi, Manager, Urban Management Strategy Headquarters, Tokyu Corporation, Tokyo, Japan

Interactive Presentations - Session 1

9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Provincial Ballroom

(Session 2 is on Tuesday afternoon from 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.)

These highly interactive tabletop discussions are a new format that will offer registrants an opportunity to learn from a spectrum of discussion topics in an informal setting. Enjoy participating in these informal exchanges that maximize your time with industry leaders.

Note: These same presenters and topics will also be participating in Session 2 on Tuesday afternoon from 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. 

Navigating the MaaS Paradigm
  • Nicole Fontayne-Bardowell, EVP & Chief Administrative Officer, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Dallas, TX
MDOT MTA Capital Program Dashboard
  • Laurie McMormick Brown, Capital Program Manager, Maryland Transit Administration, Baltimore, MD
Station Area Plans: Participating in the Discussion about local Land Use
  • Zach Chissell, Manager of Project Development, Maryland Transit Administration, Baltimore, MD
Combining Data Visualization and Operations Expertise to Improve Light Rail Service Reliability
  • Dr. Matt Broughton, Senior Data Scientist, Metro Transit, Minneapolis, MN
Improving Toronto Union Station-Canada's Busiest Transportation Hub
  • Trevor Anderson, Program Sponsor, Toronto Union Station, Metrolinx (GO Transit), Toronto, ON
Design Optimization and Prototype Development of Light Rail Transit Concrete Crossties
  • Arthur de Oliveira Lima, Research Engineer, RailTEC University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Global Trends in Rolling Stock Design
  • Alexander Barron, Associate Director / Head of Metro and Light Rail Benchmarking, Transport Strategy Centre, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
Capital Project Delivery by BART M&E - A Case Study
  • Samuel Sowko, Senior Construction Engineer, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District, Oakland, CA
Upgrading the Metro Vancouver Expo and Millennium Lines
  • Jeffrey Busby, A/Vice President, Engineering, South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink), Burnaby, BC
TransLink’s Expo Line Stations Upgrade Project
  • Jennifer MacLean, South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink), New Westminster, BC
Why Design Matters: The Role of Customer Experience in Transit Modernization
  • Ian Dickson, Manager, Design and Wayfinding, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
Owning the Issue: How the TTC Set Out to Combat Harassment
  • Susan Sperling, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
Peer Support for Acute Emotional Trauma
  • Calum Frame, Safety Inspector, Safety & Environment Department, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
Roundabouts: Innovative Integration of Light Rail Transit (LRT) into Street Intersections
  • Nathaniel Chadwick, Planner I, Valley Metro, Phoenix, AZ
What We Learned in the Sandboxes
  • Joe Z. Ramirez, Manager, Contracts and Procurement, Valley Metro
Work Car Speed Governor
  • Edward Chan, P.Eng., Engineering Principal, Signals Standards, Metrolinx (GO Transit), Toronto, ON
Universal Access Gates in Lower Mainland British Columbia
  • Nadia Krys, P.E., P.Eng., PMP, Manager Engineering Project Delivery, South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink), New Westminster, BC
The Customer-Led Organization: Bringing Together Data and the Voice of the Customer
  • Sue Motahedin, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON

TRACK 2, Track 3: Driving Towards the Driverless: Autonomous Rail Operations

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Dominion Ballroom North, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Automation is taking the transit world by storm and has now become a reality for rail modes beyond metros, including streetcars, light rail, and, perhaps soon, passenger and high-speed rail. This session explores some of the recent breakthroughs in automated rail operations.

Session sponsored by Keolis

Moderator
  • Eric Phillips, Associate Principal, Lea+Elliott, Inc., San Francisco, CA
Emerging Technologies for Diversified Autonomous Transportation
  • Valentin Scinteie, MBA, Kontron America, Inc., Boisbriand, QC
Autonomous Technology for Streetcars and Light Rail Transit (LRT): What for? How Far Will it Go?
  • Mathieu Melenchon, Systems Engineering Manager, SYSTRA sa, Paris, France
Automatic High-Speed Train Operation based on European Train Control System for Increased Service
  • Loic Hamelin, Operations and System Lead, Keolis Global Headquarters, Paris, France
New Directions: Streetcars in a Connected and Automated World
  • Jason Mumford, STV Incorporated, Baltimore, MD

TRACK 2: CBTC Brownfield Deployment Panel

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Chestnut, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

The session will examine lessons learned from ongoing and major brownfield CBTC programs, including London, Toronto, and New York. It will address current practices and existing solutions, and will identify options, technologies, and best practices that can be implemented using a Systems Engineering approach, including a series of trade-off studies to allow a more efficient deployment while meeting the program objectives. 

Session sponsored by Parsons Corporation

company logo 

Moderator
  • Jonathan D. Hulse, P.Eng., Engineering Director, Transport Systems, Parsons Corporation, Kingston, ON
Panelists
  • Pete Tomlin, Head, Systemwide Resignaling, MTA New York City Transit, New York, NY
  • Philip John Dubery, C Eng, MIMech E, Director, CPC Systems Limited, London, United Kingdom
  • Shantilal Morar, Technical Director, Thales Rail Signaling Solutions, Inc., Toronto, ON
  • Nicholas Columbare, Solution Director, ALSTOM , West Henrietta, NY

TRACK 4 : Safety Culture: A Key Component of an Agency’s Successful Safety Management System (SMS)

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Civic Ballroom, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

As the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) rolls out the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) final rule with a drafting and certification deadline of July 20, 2020, safety culture has emerged as an important SMS component. Attend this session to hear how a business member has assisted transit agencies and commuter rail properties in implementing a successful safety culture, including the use of tools such as safety culture surveys. Further, hear from two agencies that have worked to improve their safety culture: one through successful business intelligence tools (MARTA) and the other through their transition from being reactive to being proactive (Vancouver SkyTrain). Finally, hear from the FTA about what they are doing to help improve safety culture through its support of employee reporting systems, and the piloting of Safety Management Systems nationwide.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Walter Heinrich, Vice Chair, APTA CR Safety & Security Subcommittee; and Senior Safety Consultant, K&J Safety and Security Consulting Services, Inc., Cypress, TX
Panelists
  • Paul Lapee, Manager of Continuous Improvement, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Atlanta, GA
  • Ronald I. Powell, Ph.D., P.Eng.CRSP, SNC-Lavalin Inc., Vancouver, BC
  • Shabnam Mirseraji, Manager, HSQE and Innovation, SNC-Lavalin Inc., Vancouver, BC
  • Candace Key, Director, Office of System Safety, Federal Transit Administration, Washington, DC

TRACK 5: Connecting TOD and Stations with Expanded Mobility Options

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Dominion Ballroom South, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Ride-hailing services and autonomous vehicles are already starting to change the look and feel of transit-oriented developments. However, public transportation remains the backbone of TOD; and successful TOD utilizes the critical linkage between land use and transportation. Transit agencies, along with their counterparts in local government, are developing new ways to incorporate transportation services into new mobility hubs.

Join this session to explore how transit agencies are reimagining the connection between land-use and transit and how the built environment in station areas can best support multiple options for moving people.
 
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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents 

Session sponsored by Comtech Group Inc.

Moderator
  • Lucy Ferguson Galbraith, AICP, Director, Transit Oriented Development, Metro Transit, Minneapolis, MN
Land Use and Transportation in Miami Dade SMART Plan
  • Aileen Boucle, AICP, Executive Director, Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization, Miami, FL
Station Design with Community and Mobility in Mind
  • Holly Arnold, Administrator, Maryland Transit Administration, Baltimore, MD
  • Jade Clayton, Manager of Project Development, Maryland Transit Administration, Baltimore, MD
VRE Crystal City Station Expansion Contributes to Economic Development
  • Sonali Soneji, Planning Program Administrator, Virginia Railway Express (VRE), Alexandria, VA
Universal Design Enhances Multi-modal Transit
  • Tian A. Feng, FAIA, FCSI, District Architect, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), Oakland, CA

TRACK 6: Toronto Transit Commission Workforce Case Study

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Birchwood, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is making great progress advancing several workforce related issues. This session will serve as an organizational case study to highlight their best practices and discuss some of the challenges that they faced along the way.

The following topics will be discussed:
• The TTC Diversity and Human Rights Plan: How they are attracting and developing a more diverse and qualified workforce by intentionally working to become a more respectful and inclusive culture.
• The TTC Rewards and Recognition: How they are enabling employees to succeed, and celebrating a job well done.
• TTC Learning and Development Program: How they are utilizing learning technology to develop front-line employees.
 
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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents 

Session sponsored by Parsons Corporation

Moderator
  • Alan Lyons, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
Embrace Diversity
  • Valerie Albanese, Head - Human Rights and Investigations, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
Embracing Diversity
  • Rupa Aggarwal, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
Engaged Employees: A Case for Employee Recognition Program
  • Michelle Haddad, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
  • Nelly Martins, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
Whole Impact: How TTC Utilizes Learning Technologies to Develop Front-Line Employees
  • Alan Lyons, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON

GENERAL LUNCHEON: APTA’s 2019 Rail Safety & Security Awards and Building Canada’s Passenger Rail System for the 21st Century

12:15 - 2:15 p.m.
Grand Ballroom, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel

This session opens with APTA’s 2019 Rail Safety and Security Awards, which recognize and celebrate exemplary initiatives among APTA’s members to safeguard riders, employees, and systems.

Panel Discussion

This is one of the most transformative periods for the public transit industry in Canada’s history. The Canadian federal government has dedicated $22.3 billion USD over 10 years to fund transit infrastructure through the Investing in Canada Plan.
  
Join this high-level panel to learn more from leading Canadian local rail systems about how these major investments are occurring, what transit projects are underway and planned. The panel members will answer questions regarding their state of good repair programs, which are key to improving the resiliency of aging assets.
 
System reliability is a large driver of customer satisfaction. Managing SOGR not only supports safe operations but also drives reliable operations. Reliability is more critical than ever before as our cities’ reliance on mass transit systems has become more closely linked to economic and social success.
 
This panel will also discuss the importance of creating 10 and 15-year capital budgets to provide a clearer and more
predictable approach to system maintenance and expansion to meet the growing passenger demands that will be created by population growth in Canada’s largest cities.  

Session provided with the support of the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA)

Luncheon sponsored by HNTB Corporation

company logo

2019 Rail Safety & Security Awards
Presiding
  • David M. Stackrow, Sr., CPA, Member, Board of Directors, Capital District Transportation Authority, Albany, NY
Sponsor Recognition
  • Kimberly Slaughter, CEO, SYSTRA USA, New York, NY
Panel Discussion
Presiding
  • Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association, Washington, DC
Moderator
  • Marco D'Angelo, President & CEO, Canadian Urban Transit Association, Toronto, ON
Panelists
  • Richard J. Leary, CEO, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
  • Doug Morgan, Calgary Transit, Calgary, AB
  • Kevin Desmond, Principal + National Director, Transit and Rail, Sam Schwartz Engineering, Seattle, WA

TRACK 1: Capital Programs: Mega Project Masterworks

2:30 - 4 p.m.
Civic Ballroom, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Mega Projects fascinate us! We bring you four major programs that develop, expand, and improve transit systems in North America. What are the challenges? What can we learn from them?

Session sponsored by Comtech Group Inc.

Moderator
  • Connie Crawford, P.E., Director of Transit, ASTM North America, Nanuet, NY
Montreal's Mega Project - The Reseau Express Metropolitan (REM)
  • Dr. Roger Woodhead, Ph.D., P.Eng., SNC-Lavalin Inc., Montreal, QC
  • Jonathan Gouin, P.Eng., Special Projects Manager, REM Project-Infrastucture, SNC-Lavalin Inc., Montreal, QC
Easier Access: Experiences Balancing Aspirations, Expectations and Implementation at TTC MTA & MBTA
  • Americo Gonzalez-Aquino, AIA, OAA, RAIC, NCARB, Senior Project Architect, HDR, New York, NY
  • Ruth Krieger, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, ENV SP, Associate Vice President and Senior Project Architect, HDR, New York, NY
Improving Connectivity and Commuter Flow: The Long Island Rail Road Third Track Expansion Project
  • Susan F. Walter, P.E., Senior Vice President & Design Manager, Stantec , New York, NY
  • Michael Guter, BSE, Design Build Coordinator, Dragados USA, Westbury, NY
Triumphs and tribulations: Lessons Learned from CATS’ LYNX Blue Line Extension Project
  • Kelly R. Goforth, PMP, Chief Development Officer, Charlotte Area Transit System, Charlotte, NC

TRACK 2: Future Casting - Predictive Maintenance Applications

2:30 - 4 p.m.
Birchwood, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Predictive maintenance is a maintenance regime where system integration, data analytics, and thorough investigation are used to identify issues in infrastructure and rolling stock. The ultimate goal is to identify failures before they occur and to diagnose peculiar situations where failures are occurring within acceptable design parameters. This session will look at predictive data analytics for rolling stock, systems integration for State of Good Repair management, and an investigation of a peculiar track defect that occurred within the construction tolerances and design standards. 

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents
 

Session sponsored by Cummins Rail

Moderator
  • Richard Wong, Acting Chief Vehicle Officer, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto
Leveraging Real-Time IoT Sensor Data to Identify At-Risk Rolling Stock and Enable Proactive Optimization
  • Peter Buccellato, IoT and Analytics Presales Lead, Nokia, Rochester Hills, MI
Role of System Integration (SI) in Maintaining a Transit System in a State of Good Repair (SGR)
  • Patrick Haramija, Project Manager, AECOM, Jersey City, NJ
Mixed-use Corridors: Design Meeting Standards Resulting in Track Defects
  • Christopher Price, Track and Civil Engineer, AECOM , Mississauga
  • Robert Netopilik, P.Eng., Manager, Track Infrastructure, Metrolinx (GO Transit) , Etobicoke, ON

TRACK 5: High Performance Intercity Passenger Rail, Part I: International Developments

2:30 - 4 p.m.
Dominion Ballroom South, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

High-speed and intercity passenger rail is on an unprecedented scale of development globally. This session will update some of the new developments in Wales, Canada, and North America’s Pacific Northwest.

Session sponsored by Cummins Rail 
company logo 
 
Opening Remarks
  • Regina Barringer, General Manager - Global Rail and Defense, Cummins Engine Co., Columbus, IN
  • Miranda Cross, Cummins Inc., Columbus, IN
Moderator
  • Richard W. Andreski, President & CEO, Trinity Metro, Fort Worth, TX
Creation of a Modern Welsh Transport System
  • James Price, Chief Executive, Transport for Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Amtrak Passenger Rail Initiatives
  • Byron S. Comati, AMTRAK, Philadelphia, PA
Ultra High-Speed Ground Transportation Study for the Cascadia Corridor
  • Karen J. Hedlund, Board Member, Surface Transportation Board, Washington, DC

TRACK 5: Managing the Environmental Review Process

2:30 - 4 p.m.
Dominion Ballroom North, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

The National Environmental Policy Act is a major part of the decision-making process during project development, and is being approached in different ways around the country. Looking ahead and planning for environmental clearance can make an enormous difference in the ability to apply for and secure grant funds. Three transit agencies will discuss their lessons learned and best practices for navigating the environmental review process and answer questions from the audience.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Andrew D Brennan, Vice President/National Transit & Rail Practice, HNTB Corporation, Boston, MA
Midday Storage Replacement Facility: Planning and Operations in Washington Union Terminal
  • Oscar J. Gonzalez, Senior Vice President Transit & Rail Market Lead, WSP USA, Washington, DC
Regional Strategies for Identifying an Early Preferred Alternative
  • Daryl R. Wendle, Principal Consultant, Parametrix, Inc., Seattle, WA
  • Matt Bihn, Principal Transportation Planner, Metro Council, Portland, OR
OneDOT Coordination During NEPA
  • Stephen Salin, AICP, Senior Transit Consultant, HDR , Dallas, TX

TRACK 6: Knowledge Management: Apprenticeships, Internships, and Mentoring Programs

2:30 - 4 p.m.
Chestnut, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

In an industry that's struggling to fill open positions while coping with the retirements of long-term employees, transit agencies need to leverage a variety of techniques to address these tough challenges. This session will focus on successful programs that have introduced students to transit through meaningful internships as well as how incumbent employees have been mentored by passing knowledge from one generation to another. In this session, learn from organizations that have built successful apprenticeship, internship, and mentoring programs to ensure that the future workforce is prepared to tackle new approaches, tools and technologies.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Inez Evans Benson, SVP National Bus and Facilities Practice Director, WSP USA, New York, NY
Successful Rail Practices and Programs at Metro Transit
  • Brian Funk, Deputy General Manager, Chief Operating Officer, Metro Transit, Minneapolis, MN
Teaching a New Dog Old Tricks: Examples of Knowledge Sharing and Transfer
  • Dr. Roger Woodhead, Ph.D., P.Eng., SNC-Lavalin Inc., Montreal, QC
  • Shormila Chatterjee, P.Eng, SNC-Lavalin Inc., Ottawa, ON

Interactive Presentations - Session 2

3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
Provincial Ballroom

(Session 1 is on Tuesday morning from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.)
A repeat of Session 1.

These highly interactive tabletop discussions are a new format that will offer registrants an opportunity to learn from a spectrum of discussion topics in an informal setting. Enjoy participating in these informal exchanges that maximize your time with industry leaders.

Note: Session 2 is a repeat of Session 1, please see Interactive Presentations - Session 1 on Tuesday morning from 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. for the list of participants and their presentation topics. 

TRACK 1: Track Inspection & Maintenance Using Modern Technologies

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Dominion Ballroom North, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

The Age of Information is here and has brought new technologies and techniques to the field of track inspection and maintenance. This session explores some of the latest innovations in this dynamic field.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Marie Benton, American Public Transportation Association, Washington, DC
Implementation and Use of Track Imaging Systems
  • Gavin Thiel, PMP, Product Manager, ENSCO Rail, Inc., Springfield, VA
State of Good Repair: Infrastructure Management for Structure Inspections, Maintenance and Repairs
  • Alexis Billingslea, P.E. Intern, Travel Demand Modeling Unit Chief, Illinois Department of Transportation, Chicago, IL
  • Joni Korte, PE, SE, Structures Inspection Program Manager, MetroLink, Bi-State Development Agency (dba Metro), St. Louis, MO
Harnessing Asset Data Using High-Tech Drones and Robots
  • Anthony V. Mehl, Director, Sales & Marketing, Altametris, Saint-Denis, France
FTA’s Track Inspection Demonstration - Implementation of Phase I Autonomous Track Inspection Systems
  • Jennifer Zahaczewski, Project Manager, ENSCO Rail, Inc., Springfield, VA
  • Abhay "AJ" Joshi, PMP, LEED AP, Interim Director of Construction, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Atlanta, GA

TRACK 2, Track 3: Trials and Tribulations: Operational Crisis Planning and Management

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Birchwood, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  It was the age of normalcy, it was the age of crisis, it was the trial of the routine, it was the trial of the unthinkable, it was the spring of customer service, it was the winter of costumer discontent, we had everything before us, we had the weight of the world on our shoulders, it was all functioning as normal, it was all functioning the other way…

In short, at any moment, a crisis can emerge that fundamentally changes the ability of an agency to serve its customers. These events arrive with little or no warning, and their effects are far-reaching. How can we prepare for the unthinkable and what can we learn from facing the mirror?

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Erik Stoothoff, P.E., Chief Engineer, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, Boston, MA
Rubber to the Rescue!
  • Andrea Valente, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
When Disaster Strikes...Twice!!
  • John W. Binsse, P.E., Senior Project Engineer, Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT), Pittsburgh, PA
Equalizer Beam Failure Causes Rail Fleet Removal
  • Jeffrey D. Knueppel, P.E., Vice President & Corporate Transit Practice Leader, KCI Technologies, Inc., Mechanicsburg, PA

TRACK 2: Clear Track Ahead: Signal Resiliency

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Civic Ballroom, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

This session explores signal fault identification and signaling system resiliency.

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Visit https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents
 

Moderator
  • Steve D. Bezner, Chief Electrical Engineer, Transportation, AECOM, Rocky Hill, CT
Providing Signal Fault Notification to Anyone, Anywhere, and in Real Time
  • Edward Chan, P.Eng., Engineering Principal, Signals Standards, Metrolinx (GO Transit), Toronto, ON
Storm Hardening and Resiliency Concepts for Conventional Signaling System Infrastructure
  • Philip Scharff, P.E., Principal Engineer, Parsons Corporation, Newark, NJ

TRACK 5: High Performance Intercity Passenger Rail, Part II: Domestic Developments

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Dominion Ballroom South, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Passenger rail projects continue to move forward in regions across the United States. Projects profiled in this session provide a glimpse of some of the activity that is underway as America seeks to bolster its passenger rail network.

Session sponsored by Cummins Rail 
 
Moderator
  • Jennifer Hu, Director-Railroad Legal & Regulatory Affairs, Texas Central High-Speed Railway, LLC, Washington, DC
Connecticut’s Hartford Line: Service Expansion Lessons Learned
  • Carl Jackson, Connecticut Department of Transportation, New Haven, CT
VRE Manassas Line Capacity Expansion Sets the Stage for Future Growth
  • Christine Hoeffner, Project Development Manager, Virginia Railway Express (VRE), Alexandria, VA
Fitting the Pieces Together: Prioritizing Regional Rail Connectivity
  • Catherine LaFata, AICP CTP, Transportation Equity Director, HDR, Boston, MA
Overcoming High-Speed Rail Challenges through Design and Planning,
  • Maria Alvarez, Senior Project Manager/Rail Engineer, Jacobs, Toronto, ON

TRACK 5: Realizing the Promise of Asset Management - Senior Management Perspectives

4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Chestnut, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

This session looks beyond the federal requirements to consider how to make asset management meaningful within a transit agency. You will hear different management perspectives on the organizational capabilities, products, and work required from the “asset management function” to better accomplish the agency mission. From where they sit this discussion session we will explore the CFO, the asset manager, and the capital planner perspectives on:

•  Success, challenges, and what is next for their agency
•  Most effective role for the asset management organization
•  Role for asset management in managing risk
•  Change required to grow asset management maturity

Come to listen, share and join the dialogue. We promise an informative lively session.
 

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents 

Moderator
  • David C. Rose, Ph.D., Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects, P.C,, New York, NY
Panelists
  • Heather McKillop, Chief Financial Officer, Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit District (SMART), Petaluma, CA
  • Michael Hass, General Superintendent - Traction Power Maintenance, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Washington, DC
  • Holly Arnold, Administrator, Maryland Transit Administration, Baltimore, MD
  • David M. Springstead, Logistic Consultant, Radix Engineering & Software, Atlanta, GA
 

Wednesday, June 26

Coffee Service

7 - 8 a.m.
Grand Ballroom Foyer, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel

TRACK 2, TRACK 4 : Tunnel Vision: Ventilation and Fire Life Safety - Is it Just about Hot Smoke?

8 - 9:15 a.m.
Dominion Ballroom North, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

This session explores fire life safety design challenges, including resiliency, capacity constraints, and CBTC considerations.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Thomas Eng, Sr. Director, Corporate Safety, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles, CA
Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety (RAMS) and Operation Requirements for a Resilient Tunnel Ventilation System
  • Ibrahima Khalil Mbaye, Senior Tunnel Ventilation Engineer, Parsons Corporation, Pasadena, CA
Fire Life Safety Solutions for an Underground Wye Junction
  • Ian Ong, P.E., Vice Presdent and Deputy Practice Leader, Mott MacDonald, Los Angeles, CA
Solutions for Multiple Trains in a Tunnel Ventilation Zone while Increasing Capacity
  • Justin M. Edenbaum, P.Eng, P.E., Founder, Never Gray, Toronto, ON
Tunnel Ventilation Requirements on CBTC System Operation
  • Keith Brown, SNC-Lavalin Inc., Vancouver, BC

TRACK 4 : 21st Century Security Concerns and Cybersecurity in Transit

8 - 9:15 a.m.
Dominion Ballroom South, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Century security concerns and cyber security in transit cyber risk management information is important to surface transportation operators because cybersecurity threats are real, and they can have real consequences for an organization’s operations and profitability. Listen to cybersecurity concerns and security best practices.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents 

Session sponsored by Parsons Corporation

Moderator
  • Rachel L. Deen, Chief of Staff & Technology, Transit Safety & Security Solutions, Inc. , Denver, CO
Panelists
  • Karsten Oberle, Global Railway Practice Lead, Transportation, Energy and Public Sector (TEPS) Division, Nokia, Stuttgart, Germany
  • Andrew W. Lee, P.Eng, PMP, Senior Project Manager, Parsons Corporation, Markham, ON
  • Chris Johnson, CEng MIET MITP, SNC-Lavalin Rail & Transit Inc., Montreal, QC

TRACK 5: The Benefits and Risks of the Promotion of Research and Innovation

8 - 9:15 a.m.
Civic Ballroom, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Everyone wants to be on the leading edge of innovation and research, but there is a risk of bleeding rather than leading. This panel explores past projects and identifies how agencies can minimize the risks and maximize the rewards of being the first to try something new.

Moderator
  • Narayana Sundaram, Sr. Portfolio Director - Signal Systems Renewal Program, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Washington, DC
Panelists
  • Dr. J. Riley Edwards, Ph.D., P.E., Research Scientist and Senior Lecturer, RailTEC University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
  • Abhay "AJ" Joshi, PMP, LEED AP, Interim Director of Construction, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Atlanta, GA
  • Ronald I. Powell, Ph.D., P.Eng.CRSP, SNC-Lavalin Inc., Vancouver, BC
  • Nicholas Wilson, Chief Scientist, MxV Rail, Pueblo, CO

Conference Registration Desk

8 - 10:30 a.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Host Information Desk

8 - 10:30 a.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Moderators/Speakers & AV Preview Room

8 - 10:30 a.m.
Carleton, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Standards Program Information Desk

8 - 10:30 a.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

TCRP Information Desk

8 - 10:30 a.m.
Concourse Level Foyer, Concourse Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

TRACK 1: New Economics of Transit: How to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck

9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Civic Ballroom, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

This session will focus on innovations in evaluating benefits and costs of rail projects with insights into best practices, innovative uses of data, and specific project examples.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Jonathan H. McDonald, P.E., Global Director Systems & U.S. National Practice Leader/Rail & Transit, Hatch, Oakland, CA
Best Practices for Developing Strong Business Cases and Delivering on Benefits from Rail Investments
  • Joshua Engel-Yan, Principal Sponsor. Benefits Management and Sponsorship Office, Metrolinx (GO Transit), Toronto, ON
New Structural Solutions for Retrofit Easier Access Elevators and Second Exit Structures. Case Study
  • Antonia Iuhas, P.Eng., Senior Structural Engineer, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
  • Nedim SystemTextBox Mulahalilovic, P.Eng., Senior Structual Engineer, Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, ON
Innovations in Data for Rail Ridership and Benefit Estimation
  • Albert Racciatti, PP, AICP, WSP USA, New York, NY

TRACK 2: Practical Big Data Applications for Rail Systems

9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Dominion Ballroom South, Second Floor, Sheraton Centre Hotel

At this session we will take a look at three practical applications of big data tools in various aspects of rail transit.

Session sponsored by Collins Aerospace

Moderator
  • William T. Thomsen, P.E., President/CEO, Urban Engineers of New York, D.P.C., New York, NY
What are the Artificial Intelligence Applications in Rail Transit?
  • Yousef Kimiagar, P.Eng., PMP, FIRSE, VP Advanced Technologies & US Rail Systems Lead, Hatch, Mississauga, ON
MDOT MTA’s Capital Budget: A Data-Driven Impact Analysis
  • Leah Visakowitz, GIS Analyst Lead (KLT Group), Maryland Transit Administration, Baltimore, MD
Fusion of Travel Demand Modelling, Geospatial Data Science & Big Data For Regional Rail Planning
  • Anthony Smith, Research & Planning Analytics, Metrolinx (GO Transit), Toronto, ON

TRACK 5: Filling Funding Gaps with Innovative Finance

9:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Birchwood, Mezzanine Level, Sheraton Centre Hotel

Creative Ways for Transit Agencies to Raise and Save Cash

Wondering about ways to make your cash-flow stretch a bit further? Our panel of practitioners will discuss practical experiences with P3s, TIFs, property management, and other techniques that can make a difference.

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Visit
https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/tcrp/apta-rail-conference-tcrp-reports/ to access TCRP-related documents

Moderator
  • Josh Colle, Senior Vice President, Infrastructure Advisory, Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance Inc., Toronto, ON
Presenter
  • Karl H. Reichelt, Head of Sales & P3, Americas, Alstom
Panelist
  • Aileen Boucle, AICP, Executive Director, Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization, Miami, FL
Presenter
  • Charles DiMaggio, CEO, Greystone Management Solutions, New York, NY

CLOSING GENERAL SESSION: Engineering the Building Blocks of Today’s Modern Cities

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Grand Ballroom, Lower Concourse, Sheraton Centre Hotel

What does a successful modern city look like, and how does it operate? The most visionary thinking suggests that modern, “smart” cities are at least partly defined by the degree to which technology is integrated to enhance economic growth and individuals’ quality of life. The panel of experts will explore how the critical—and integrated—building blocks of passenger rail technology, intelligent transportation networks, 5G spectrum, and urban street design are creating today’s modern city.

At the end of the session there will be a drawing for a $500 Visa gift card. You must be present to win!

Presiding Officer
  • Paul P. Skoutelas, President and CEO, American Public Transportation Association, Washington, DC
Moderator
  • Kimberly J. Williams, J.D., Chief Innovation Officer, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro), Houston, TX
Panelists
  • Greg Percy, Executive Vice-President Passenger Services and Strategic Planning, Cad Railway Industries Ltd., Toronto, ON
  • Shailen P. Bhatt, President and CEO, ITS AMERICA (Intelligent Transportation Society of America), Washington, DC
  • Harriet Tregoning, Director, New Urban Mobility Alliance (NUMO), Washington, DC
  • Andrew Miller, Associate Director, Mobility, Sidewalk Labs, New York, NY
Invitation to the 2020 Rail Conference
  • Leda Melara Rozier, Sr. Operations Manager (Rail and Bus), San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, San Francisco, CA

TTC TECHNICAL TOURS

2 - 4 p.m.

TTC has arranged the following technical tours for conference registrants. Tour space is limited, so be sure to stop by the host information desk and sign up early for the tour of your choice.
 
Leslie Barns Streetcar Facility  | 20 person limit
Take a tour of the new streetcar facility Leslie Barns. The complex opened November 22, 2015, at the southeast corner of Lake Shore Boulevard and Leslie Street culminating an eight-year-long process. Leslie Barns was the first new streetcar storage facility in Toronto to be built in 93 years. It has been built to house and service the majority of the Commission’s modern and accessible Low Floor Light Rail Vehicles (LFLRVs). 

Transit Control Centre  | 15 person limit
Tour TTC’s Transit Control Centre (TCC), currently responsible for the direct management of 77 kilometres (47.85 miles) of subway/SRT tracks serving a total of 75 stations. During peak hours the TTC operates as many as 117 subway/SRT trains on 4 lines servicing an average of 1,030,000 customers on a daily basis.
 
King Street Transit Pilot
The King Street Transit Pilot began on November 12, 2017, to improve transit service on TTC’s busiest surface transit route, the King streetcar. The corridor travels through some of the fastest growing residential and employment neighbourhoods in the City, in addition to serving Toronto’s Financial District. Implementation of the pilot followed the King Street Visioning Study and comprehensive community and stakeholder engagement that informed the pilot’s design and key priorities.
 
Wilson Complex - subway yard & bus garage/maintenance facility  | 20 person limit
The Wilson Complex is the largest of TTC’s three subway yards and seven bus garages. The 60-acre (240,000 m2) yard was completed in 1976 and began operations in 1977. Wilson Transportation Division serves Line 1 (Yonge-University-Spadina) and Line 4 (Sheppard Subway) lines. The facility also houses a bus garage and maintenance facilities for Toronto Rocket (TR) open gangway subway cars.
 
SELF-GUIDED TOUR: Toronto-York-Spadina Subway Extension (six new stations)
Tour the 8.6 kilometers (5.375 miles) Toronto-to-York subway extension opened to the public on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2018. The new Line 1 extension - TYSSE subway zone (Vaughan to Wilson) connects the TTC subway system across the municipal boundary between the City of Toronto and The Regional Municipality of York.
 
The six new stations to visit are:
 
• Downsview Park
• Finch West
• York University
• Pioneer Village
• Highway 407
• Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station
 
All six stations are fully accessible, Wi-Fi-equipped, PRESTO-enabled, and are staffed by new Customer Service Agents. Trains will operate on the new ATC signalling system. To encourage commuters to use the system, TTC commuter parking lots were built along the Line 1 extension at Finch West Station (347 spaces), Pioneer Village Station (1,881 spaces) and Highway 407 Station (583 spaces).