The 2024 edition of the Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures Light Rail Conference will take place this November 13-14 in beautiful San Diego, where modern LRT in the United States emerged more than 40 years ago. As always, three main themes anchor this premier rail industry event: Planning, Engineering and Operations.
Leading off the Railway Age and Railway Track & Structures Light Rail Conference are the two top executives from our host agency, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System: Chief Executive Officer Sharon Cooney and Chief Operating Officer, Rail Brian Riley.
Sharon Cooney, the first woman CEO in MTS history, has served the agency for 19 years. Prior to her 2020 appointment as CEO, she held many top-level positions, including director of government affairs, director of planning, chief of staff and deputy CEO. Under her leadership, MTS posted the second-highest light rail ridership in the United States. Cooney was also integral to the success of two of San Diego’s largest infrastructure projects ever accomplished: the $660 million Trolley Renewal Project and the $2.1 billion Mid-Coast Trolley Extension Project.
Brian Riley offers in-depth knowledge of all LRT operations. He began his MTS career 25 years ago as a train operator, and now oversees more than 500 operations and maintenance employees. He’s responsible for MTS rail operations; LRV, facilities and right-of-way maintenance; safety; and state and federal regulatory compliance. Riley will take attendees behind the scenes of the ambitious Mid-Coast Blue Line Extension project.
LRT is North America’s fastest-growing passenger rail mode. It employs a wide range of constantly evolving technologies and operating practices. Light Rail 2024 offers a comprehensive review of the specialized technical, operational, environmental and socio-economic issues associated with LRT in urban and suburban environment, presented by some of best people in the LRT space, from across North America.
The conference also includes many opportunities to network with LRT professionals from around North America and will conclude with a special, behind-the-scenes tour of the San Diego Trolley, led by San Diego MTS and sponsored by Benesch.
Light Rail 2024 is specifically geared for all levels of transportation professionals in planning, operations, civil engineering, signaling and vehicle engineering and government. Professional Engineers can also obtain Professional Development Hour credits. Learn more and register here.
