• Last month USDOT cancelled myriad federal advisory committees with a promise to reconstitute many with new membership. Among the first to re-form: the Advisory Committee on Human Trafficking. The committee is required to make triennial recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation on countering human trafficking in the transportation sector. According to a DOT announcement, nominations for committee members must be received on or before October 14, 2025.

• Employing what’s been referred to as the “nuclear option,” the Senate Thursday night confirmed 48 nominees, including new leadership within USDOT. Not included among the 48, however, was David Fink, the Trump Administration’s nominee to lead the Federal Railroad Administration. However, Politico is reporting that Fink’s name is in the next tranche to be considered.

DB E.C.O. NORTH AMERICA IS HOSTING
TWO EVENTS THIS MONTH

• September 29, Washington, DC: From 3 - 8 pm, participants at the US - Germany Rail Forum will discuss cutting-edge technologies, how to foster strategic partnerships, and enhance operational efficiencies in the rail industry. Find the agenda, registration, and full information here.

• September 30, New York City: The 2025 Rail Innovation Exchange is scheduled for 3 - 8 pm at One World Trade Center. Full details can be found here.

WHY YOTEL? PRICE & CONVENIENCE

Why book at the Yotel? Price and convenience. Other nearby hotels are charging significantly higher rates, even as they undergo construction. CRC’s negotiated rate at the Yotel is $299/night.

RESERVE YOUR ROOM TODAY

Don’t forget to check the Summit website for regular program updates and important registration deadlines.

Nominations are open through October 2.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• New York’s commuter rail system averts possible strike as unions ask Trump for help (AP US News)

• TriMet taps Vitko, Hill for executive roles (Progressive Railroading)

• In Dallas, Transit Cuts Reflect Long-Simmering Suburban Tensions (Bloomberg UK)

• MBTA putting refurbished "heritage locomotives" back into service to honor Commuter Rail history (CBS News/WBZ News)

• Controversial SB 79 Bill Awaits Newsom’s Signature (Beverly Hills Courier)

• California Legislature Passes Senate Bill 79, Paving the Way for More Housing Near Urban Transit Hubs (Perkins Coie)

• Transit Tech Lab releases results from 2025 proof-of-concept phase (Mass Transit)