Electrification and Commuter Rail Workshop

March 22, 2011 Workshop - Chicago
On March 22, Transit Finance Learning Exchange and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) are co-sponsoring a one day workshop the subject of the electricification of diesel traction power systems in commuter rail. This is a DRAFT agenda for the workshop, please check back for more information. You can register online here.

Attendees should contact the Avenue Crowne Plaza Chicago directly for their housing needs. Use the group code TFLEx when registering.

Avenue Crowne Plaza Chicago
160 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Hotel: 312-787-2900
Group Code: TFLEx
http://www.avenuehotelchicago.com/
Group rate $99/night

Fees: Registration fee is $75/attendee.
To complete your registration, mail a check for $75 per participant to:
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
Attention: Sharon Leary
POBox 660163
1401 Pacific Avenue Dallas, Texas 75266-7220
Make check payable to "TFLEx" or use PayPal option.

PayPal option for the Electrification and Commuter Rail Workshop

Agenda

8:15 - Welcome & Overview

8:30 - State of the Railroad

Across North America freight and passenger rail service is operated using multiple traction power alternatives. This session will explore the applications of these alternatives in the railroad industry today.

9:30 - Regulatory Issues and Technology Development

Rising environmental and safety expectations are spurring innovations in traction power technology. This session will describe the regulations that impact the railroad industry and how manufacturers are addressing these regulations.

10:30 - Break

10:45 - Powering GO Transit: A Case Study

Learn about the recent decision made by GO Transit to pursue the partial electrification for its system. Mr. McNeil will discuss the process and factors by which this decision was reached.

Noon - Lunch

1:00 - Operations and Interoperability

Traction power decisions impact railroad operations. This session discusses the characteristics and limitations of electric and diesel operations and the impact on interoperability with freight and passenger rail service.

2:00 - Energy and our Environment

Commuter rail plays an important role in protecting the environment and developing the communities which it serves. This session will explore the short and long-term environmental impacts and economics of traction power alternatives.

2:45 - Break

3:00 - Maintenance Requirements

Each traction power alternative presents its own maintenance benefits and challenges. This session will explore the issues with maintaining the diesel and electric infrastructure and vehicles.

4:00 - Where Do We Go from Here?

An informal roundtable of transit executives will reflect on the day's presentations and discussions.

5:00 - Adjourn