National Association of Railroad Passengers

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National Association of Railroad Passengers
File:National Association of Railroad Passangers logo.jpg
Formation May 18, 1967; 56 years ago (1967-05-18)
Purpose Passenger rail advocacy
Location
President
 Jim Mathews
Website www.narprail.org

The National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) "is the largest national membership advocacy organization for train and rail transit passengers" according to the association's website.[1]

Early history

The organization was originally founded by Anthony Haswell on May 18, 1967, to lobby for the continuation of passenger trains in the United States. Its lobbying efforts were hampered somewhat by Democratic Party political opposition to any sort of subsidies to the privately owned railroads, and Republican Party political opposition to nationalization of the railroad industry. The proponents were aided by the fact that few in the federal government wanted to be held responsible for the seemingly inevitable extinction of the passenger train, which most regarded as tantamount to political suicide.[citation needed]

Activities

NARP's small paid staff in Washington, D.C., spends most of its time educating members of Congress and their staffs about the value of passenger rail.

Each month, NARP publishes a monthly newsletter detailing news in the passenger rail world. It often includes stories about related legislation in Congress, Traveler's Advisories, and Travel Tips, with a particular focus on Amtrak. Paid circulation, corresponding to membership as of December 2007, was about 23,500.[2]

NARP also conducts interviews with media on passenger rail-related issues, and encourages its members to lobby their legislators for funding for Amtrak and other improvements to the rail infrastructure. The organization's website includes action alerts and news releases. Travel discounts are a member benefit.[3]

Organization

NARP is divided into twelve membership regions for the purposes of electing members to the board of directors.[4] The various regions and their elected representatives usually meet annually. The regions are grouped into four districts, each of which elects a vice-president.[5] In addition to the above, the members elect a president, a secretary, and a treasurer.

In addition to the elected leadership, the small paid staff in Washington, D.C. includes a president/CEO, a vice president, a director of outreach and engagement, a coordinator of resource development, and a special assistant to the chairman.[6]

As of May 2009, the president was Ross B. Capon and the chairman was George Chilson.[7]

In late February 2014, NARP announced that Ross Capon was no longer President and CEO. NARP Hotline #851, February 28, 2014, stated, "NARP announced this week that Ross Capon will be transitioning from his 39-year career with the organization. Dr. Larry Scott will take over as Acting President."[8] Jim Mathews, Executive Editor of the Aviation Week Intelligence Network, was selected as new NARP President & CEO in August 2014. [9]

References

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External links

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