Cleveland, OH (June 2, 2024) – The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) today convened more than 1,500 public transportation professionals from across the country for its Rail Conference in Cleveland, OH. The conference runs from June 2 through June 5, 2024.

The opening day features remarks by Grammy Award-winning Hip Hop artist Speech Thomas, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Acting Administrator Veronica Vanderpool, APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas, and APTA Board Chair and past Chair of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors Michele Wong Krause.

The conference also includes sessions and workshops to address the critical priorities and challenges facing all rail modes — urban, commuter, high-speed, and intercity – including ridership recovery; decarbonization; approaches to personal safety and public security; strategies to combat fare evasion; high school and community college training programs; and innovative technologies to accelerate capital rail projects.

Additionally, manufacturers, suppliers and technology developers will be on hand to discuss the latest trends and technology in rail transit at the Products & Services Showcase.

“We want to thank the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) for hosting this important annual event during a pivotal time for our industry,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “With its rich history in advancing passenger rail, Cleveland is the ideal location this year for industry leaders to come together and exchange insights, explore advancements, and drive tangible progress within the rail transit sector.”