Oakland, CA – The Managing Director of the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), Rob Padgette, was elected Chair of the State-Amtrak Intercity Passenger Rail Committee (SAIPRC) on June 24, 2020.
“As the Managing Director of CCJPA, Rob is a dedicated leader who is passionate about serving his customers and encouraging the growth of passenger rail,” said Jeremy Steinemann, Executive Director of SAIPRC. “We know that Rob is committed to nurturing collaboration among Amtrak and its state partners, and we are grateful for the energy and vision he will bring to the Committee as the new Chair.”
Selected through a nominating and voting process by SAIPRC members, Padgette follows outgoing Chair, Jennifer Bergener, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). Padgette’s term will run through June 2021.
“Rob’s extensive experience in passenger rail on both the East and West Coast brings a unique perspective to the Committee,” said Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which oversees the Downeaster passenger rail service in Maine. “We are pleased to have his expertise to help lead SAIPRC and develop high-quality rail services across the country.”
As Chair, Padgette will be responsible for overseeing the Committee’s annual work plan and supporting the collaboration of the Committee’s member organizations. Altogether, SAIPRC represents 28 Amtrak routes across the country that carry one-half of all Amtrak riders nationwide. Padgette will help the Committee advance its work to provide reliable passenger rail service for Americans and encourage economic growth in communities across the country.
“Rob is committed to improving passenger rail service in Northern California,” said Arun Rao, Manager of Passenger Rail Implementation at Wisconsin DOT. “We know Rob will bring that same dedication to advancing the work of SAIPRC and supporting the growth of passenger rail across the United States.”
SAIPRC is a multi-organizational body directed by Congress to facilitate collaboration among 20 member agencies in 17 states, Amtrak, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). SAIPRC’s members work together to support the growth of the nation’s intercity passenger rail network by encouraging capital investment, modernizing equipment and infrastructure, and ensuring rail service remains safe, reliable, and customer-focused. For more information on SAIPRC visit www.saiprc.com.
About CCJPA and the Capitol Corridor®
Managed by the CCJPA, the Capitol Corridor is an intercity rail service connecting the most economically vibrant urban centers in Northern California – from Sacramento to Silicon Valley, and including San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. With a Café Car
and free wifi on board, Capitol Corridor trains provide a convenient, reliable, and comfortable alternative to the congested I-80, I-680, and I-880 freeways for over 1.5 million work and leisure travelers every year.
Contacts:
Karen Bakar (510) 874-7494, [email protected]
Priscilla Kalugdan (510) 464-6992, [email protected]