Happening Now
22nd Annual Southwestern Rail Conference
Date
Monday, May 18, 2026 Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Location
Hurst Conference Center 1615 Campus Drive Hurst TX
The 22nd Annual Southwestern Rail Conference will be held May 18-19 at the Hurst Texas Conference Center
Rail Passengers Association members can register for the 2-day event at https://www.texasrailadvocates.org/events/2026-southwestern-rail-conference/ Until April 10th, RPA members can register for the conference at a rate of $169.00 if you use the Registration Code "Rail Advocate". Regular early registration price is $299.00.
Speakers include FRA Administrator David Fink, Surface Transportation Board member Karen Hedlund, TxDOT Rail Division Director Don Franks, TxDOT Public Transportation Division Director Eric Gleason, noted rail analyst Tony Hatch
Presentations on Amtrak's successful Mardi Gras train, DART's new Silver Line to DFW International Airport, a Texas Legislative Rail Caucus being formed, a session on effective rail advocacy in Texas and more.
Attendees will also be able to experience "Train Sim World", an online train simulation video from Dovetail Games, that allows users to operate locomotives, manage freight, and drive passenger trains in 3D environments
"I wish to extend my appreciation to members of the Rail Passengers Association for their steadfast advocacy to protect not only the Southwest Chief, but all rail transportation which plays such an important role in our economy and local communities. I look forward to continuing this close partnership, both with America’s rail passengers and our bipartisan group of senators, to ensure a bright future for the Southwest Chief route."
Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS)
April 2, 2019, on receiving the Association's Golden Spike Award for his work to protect the Southwest Chief