Exciting changes are on track in the United States thanks to the historic investment that is about to be made by the federal government in high-speed rail.  It’s a vision that is going to have a tremendous impact on the future of America’s transportation systems.  There’s a lot to discuss and Art Guzzetti, APTA Vice President-Policy, will host an exclusive discussion of high-speed rail in the United States on Wednesday, January 20 at 1 pm. Eastern Time. This informative, on-the-record call will offer insight into the issues surrounding the high-speed rail debate – including the top ten challenges facing the implementation of high-speed rail in the United States.

For years, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has been at the forefront of this exciting discussion to make high-speed rail a reality in the United States.  APTA is home to the legacy members of the former High Speed Ground Transportation Association (HSGTA), whose efforts established the foundation for the current high-speed rail initiatives now supported at both the state and national levels.  Additionally, APTA’s business members include small and large companies with international expertise in financing, construction, maintenance, supply and operation of rail systems worldwide.  Just last week, APTA launched the Center for High-Speed Rail, which will build on the high-speed rail efforts of other already existing APTA committees and which offers online resources at www.highspeedrailonline.org  .

• WHO:  As chief policy advisor for APTA (an association with more than 1,500 public and private transportation organizations), Art Guzzetti is uniquely qualified to discuss the benefits of high-speed rail and its impact on America’s current transportation infrastructure.
• WHAT:  APTA VP Guzzetti will discuss the top challenges facing the implementation of high-speed rail in the United States.  At the end of his remarks, he will answer participants’ questions.
• WHEN:  Wednesday, January 20 at 1 p.m. Eastern Time
• RSVP:  To Alina Piacentino at apiacentino@apcoworldwide.com or (202) 778-1295. Dial-in information will be sent upon RSVP.

NOTE TO REPORTERS ON HIGH-SPEED RAIL PRACTICUMS:  Next month APTA and the International Union of Railways (UIC) are partnering to host three upcoming high-speed rail regional seminars: February 8-9 in Washington, DC; February 9-11 in Chicago; and February 11-13 in Los Angeles. These seminars will provide U.S. decision makers with the information necessary to implement high-speed rail. 

Media may attend for free; pre-registration is needed.  To pre-register, go to http://www.apta.com/mc/conferences/90days/2010HighSpeedRail_Chicago/Documents/reg_private_09.pdf
When you fill out the registration form, cross out the payment section and write PRESS.  Then fax it to the Meetings Department at 202-496-4331.