Happening Now
22nd Annual Southwestern Rail Conference
Date
Monday, May 18, 2026 Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Location
Hurst Conference Center 1615 Campus Drive Hurst TX
The 22nd Annual Southwestern Rail Conference will be held May 18-19 at the Hurst Texas Conference Center
Rail Passengers Association members can register for the 2-day event at https://www.texasrailadvocates.org/events/2026-southwestern-rail-conference/ Until April 10th, RPA members can register for the conference at a rate of $169.00 if you use the Registration Code "Rail Advocate". Regular early registration price is $299.00.
Speakers include FRA Administrator David Fink, Surface Transportation Board member Karen Hedlund, TxDOT Rail Division Director Don Franks, TxDOT Public Transportation Division Director Eric Gleason, noted rail analyst Tony Hatch
Presentations on Amtrak's successful Mardi Gras train, DART's new Silver Line to DFW International Airport, a Texas Legislative Rail Caucus being formed, a session on effective rail advocacy in Texas and more.
Attendees will also be able to experience "Train Sim World", an online train simulation video from Dovetail Games, that allows users to operate locomotives, manage freight, and drive passenger trains in 3D environments
"On behalf of Amtrak’s onboard service staff, I want to thank the Rail Passengers Association for honoring their hard work with this award. The past couple years have indeed been difficult for Amtrak onboard service staff – coping with furloughs and job insecurity, adapting to changing protocols and services, not to mention the unfortunate events such as a tragic derailment and a fatal shooting. Nevertheless, our dedicated members at Amtrak have handled these hurdles with the care, attention and diligence for which they’re known. We thank Rail Passengers for their acknowledgement of our members’ hard work and, as always, look forward to seeing you on the rails."
Arthur Maratea, TCU/IAM National President
December 21, 2021, on the Association awarding its 2021 Golden Spike Award to the Frontline Amtrak Employees.