APTA/JITTI Rail Symposium Brings Global Perspectives to Major Projects and Mega Events Planning

In collaboration with the Japanese International Tourism and Transport Institute (JITTI USA), APTA hosted a rail symposium on March 26 on “Enhancing Economic Impact, Innovation and the Customer Experience through Major Projects and Mega Events.” At the event, panelists discussed the positive impact of rail investments on local, regional, and national economies and the critical role of public transportation in the success of mega events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics, and the 2034 Winter Olympics in the United States.

The symposium opened with remarks from JITTI Chairman Masafumi Shukuri and APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas, who remarked that there is a growing recognition that “effective, safe, and easily accessible passenger rail and public transportation is essential to America’s overall transportation network—and the U.S. economy.”

Ambassador of Japan to the United States, Shigeo Yamada offered a greeting, followed by addresses from FRA Administrator David Armstrong Fink and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Vice-Minister for Transport Yoshimichi Terada.

Moderated by Regional Plan Association President and CEO Tom Wright, a first discussion explored the broader economic impacts that rail investment can unlock. Panelists included Amtrak President Roger Harris, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chair and CEO Janno Lieber, Hitachi Rail Senior Director of North America Commercial Development and Japanese Synergies Hidetoshi Miura, and JR West Managing Executive Officer, Deputy Head of Regional Urban Development HQ Nobuhiko Takeichi. Panelists provided insights on the economic necessity and ripple effects of investing in train and track capacity.

A second panel discussion shifted the focus to the lasting legacy of public transportation improvements made in view of mega events. The panel was moderated by Utah Department of Transportation Executive Director Carlos M. Braceras and included APTA Secretary-Treasurer and WSP Business Line Executive, Advisory and Planning, Jannet Walker-Ford, LA Metro Chief Operating Officer Conan Cheung, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Chief Operating Officer Ryan D. Coholan, Osaka Metro Company Executive Railways Officer Kiyoshi Eguchi, and Tokyo Metro Managing Executive Officer Noriyoshi Yamagami. Panelists discussed planning public transportation for mega events to ensure a lasting legacy of world-class customer experience for daily and visiting riders alike.