If you missed Metra’s recent Routes to Safety conference on human trafficking, a recording is now available on the agency’s website. The April 8 event was organized to educate and strengthen collaboration between transportation, law enforcement and social services in the fight against human trafficking.

METROLINK CELEBRATES EARTH DAY

LOS ANGELES – Tuesday, April 22, Metrolink will once again provide free rides on all trains, including the Arrow service, in honor of Earth Day. Riders can board any train at any Metrolink station with no ticket required. This is the fourth consecutive year Metrolink has offered free fares for Earth Day after initially debuting the promotion in 2019.

“An experience aboard Metrolink can inspire people to make more sustainable choices—not just on Earth Day, but every day. We encourage our communities to embrace this free ride opportunity and enjoy the many positive benefits of train travel.” - Metrolink Board Chair and Orange County Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee

Riders can use Metrolink’s Personal Impact Calculator to learn how making changes to their transportation habits, like taking the train instead of driving, can have a significant ecological and economic difference through the reduction of greenhouse gases and road congestion. Visit metrolinktrains.com/earthday to learn more.

Access to a recording of Aon’s April 2 Rail and Transit Virtual Roundtable is now available. Moderated by CRC Board Member Otis Tolbert, panelists addressed the state of risks, trends, concerns and potential solutions, and offered insights into the risk transfer market.

LAST CHANCE

An active and engaged board of directors is essential to the success of any association. More than simply ensuring good governance, for the Commuter Rail Coalition the board is the voice of stakeholders, representing the interests and needs of the industry as the CRC channels those priorities into advocacy.

As the Coalition embarks on its seventh year representing commuter rail, it is imperative that its board of directors is filled with forward-thinking leaders who can help the association plan for and navigate the myriad challenges facing the industry.

The nominations process closes next Friday, April 25.  If you are interested in serving or simply curious, please reach out to learn more.

EXPLORE HOW DB IS REDEFINING
THE FUTURE OF STATIONS

Agency personnel are invited to discover Deutsche Bahn’s innovative station designs and operations September 7–12, 2025. Join DB E.C.O. North America in Berlin, Leipzig, Stuttgart and Munich for an exclusive opportunity to explore Germany's innovative train station concepts and learn how these stations are managed and operated, shaping transportation networks and urban spaces. Over the course of six days, attendees will visit 10+ stations in 4+ cities, go on guided tours and listen to expert presentations, which will provide you with actionable insights to enhance your own station operations, improve the passenger experience, and promote sustainability in station design and management practices.

Highlights:

• Station Design & Operations – Visit major and regional hubs, with behind-the-scenes access to control rooms and maintenance operations.

• Digital Innovation & Passenger Experience – Learn about real-time info systems, crowd management, wayfinding, and integrated retail strategies.

• Multimodal Integration & Community Use – See how German stations connect modes of transport and serve as vibrant public spaces.

Spots are limited! Sign up via this survey or email marketing@db-eco.us to register for this trip.

Do not miss this unique opportunity to gain global perspective and actionable strategies for station management and design.

WHAT WE’RE READING

• New Weekend Ridership Record (MetroLink LinkedIn)

• Denver RTD to release call for projects partnership program (Mass Transit)

• Main Line business leaders say proposed SEPTA cuts would be ‘absolutely devastating’ (WHYY PBS)

• Hanging In The Hall: Death by a thousand cuts (The Philadelphia Sun)

• As brutal service cuts and fare increases loom, Philly-area officials demand solutions for SEPTA (City&State Pennsylvania)

• PA: Philly's 250 plans challenged as SEPTA funding crisis looms (Mass Transit)

• The Risky Plan to Stop Chicago’s Transit “Death Spiral” (Slate)

• Elon Musk Wants to Privatize Amtrak, But the Real Problem Is Freight Monopolies (Washington Monthly)

• Amtrak, NJ Transit Present Progress Report Highlighting Infrastructure and Equipment Improvements (Railway Age)

• PA: County councilwoman issues call to action amid potential severe SEPTA cuts (Mass Transit)

• TriMet warns of cuts to transit service without an increase in transit funding in 2025 Oregon transportation package (TriMet News)