Implement long-term, practical strategies to make commuter rail a successful part of regional mobility. TRB hosted a webinar on Monday, September 22, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM Eastern that explored how commuter railroads are navigating the market dynamics, service, and upcoming funding challenges. Presenters discussed current trends, examples in CA and PA, and explored alternative approaches to service schedules, simplified fare structures, and infrastructure options to address changing goals and circumstances at the agency, regional, and national levels in the United States and Canada.
This webinar was based on TCRP Research Report 254: The Future of Commuter Rail in North America.
This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program.
The slides are available. 
 
Webinar agenda and presenters

• Report overview – Leo Shirky, DB E.C.O. North America
• The future of commuter rail at Caltrain – Michelle Bouchard, Caltrain
• The future of commuter rail at SEPTA – Jody Holton, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
• Question and answer session moderated by Paul Lewis, DB E.C.O. North America

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.
 
Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Differentiate between different types of commuter rail providers and understand their respective history and context
• Develop appropriate strategic planning
• Apply different regional strategies

 
American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits
This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.