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Routes Spokesperson

Category: Gov’t Affairs and Policy
Routes Spokesperson (Policy)

Overview
Become the go‑to subject‑matter voice for a specific route or corridor, engaging officials,
media, and the public with rider‑centric insights.

Key Responsibilities
- Develop route expertise: service facts, rider stories, economic impacts, and priorities.
- Engage local officials, MPOs, and community partners; support hearings and briefings.
- Provide timely quotes/briefings to media in coordination with staff.
- Collaborate with policy/data teams on corridor wish lists and fact sheets.
- Complete staff-led training specific to this role.

Qualifications
- Confident communicator with research chops and local credibility.
- Comfort working with press and public officials.
- Collaborative and responsive under deadlines.

Time Commitment
Variable by campaign; average ~3–5 hours/week with occasional surges.

Benefits
- Media exposure and real policy wins attached to your work.
- Professional references; local and regional network growth.
Should be a Rail Passengers member or prepared to join Rail Passengers to participate. To
apply, send a resume, clips/links and a cover letter by email to [email protected].

"It is an honor to be recognized by the Rail Passengers Association for my efforts to strengthen and expand America’s passenger rail. Golden spikes were once used by railroads to mark the completion of important rail projects, so I am truly grateful to receive the Golden Spike Award as a way to mark the end of a career that I’ve spent fighting to invest in our country’s rail system. As Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it has been my priority to bolster funding for Amtrak, increase and expand routes, look to the future by supporting high-speed projects, and improve safety, culminating in $66 billion in new funding in the Bipartisan infrastructure Law."

Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
March 30, 2022, on receiving the Association's Golden Spike Award for his years of dedication and commitment to passenger rail.