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
"The Rail Passenger Association's recognition of the essential work done by SMART-TD members aboard Amtrak during this difficult period is appreciated. The Golden Spike Award serves as a testament to the compassion and dedication our conductors, assistant conductors and other workers exhibit constantly through times both ordinary and extraordinary."
Jeremy Ferguson, SMART-TD President
December 21, 2021, on the Association awarding its 2021 Golden Spike Award to the Frontline Amtrak Employees.