By Ron Thaniel
February 12, 2007

Under the leadership of Conference of Mayors Transportation and Communications Chair Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and Conference of Mayors Intercity Rail Investment Task Force Chair and Past Chair of the Amtrak Board Meridian (MS) Mayor John Robert Smith, the Conference of Mayors hosted an introductory meeting with Amtrak’s new President and CEO Alexander K. Kummant.

In response to a question from Smith, Kummant committed to operating a national intercity rail system. “I believe long-distance trains are an important part of the nation’s transportation network, and I believe it is our challenge to run them in the most efficient and effective way,” he said.

“I understand how important these trains are as a form of basic transportation to many small communities across the nation,” he added.

Referencing the heavily traveled corridors, Kummant said, “I also know that the fastest growing service we have is in rail corridors. Those states that have a vision to develop their state rail systems are beginning to see the benefits of that service.”

“Developing these corridors, and by that I mean providing regular and reliable service between city pairs of 300-500 miles, is going to be a major part and the driving force of our future,” Kummant stated.

Emphasizing the special partnership with Amtrak, Hickenlooper said “We are here today because working together, mayors will be best positioned to advocate to Congress and the Administration on the urgency of providing Amtrak with long-term and stable funding.”

In closing, Hickenlooper said, “As we have been in the past, America’s mayors in cities large and small are your partners. We understand how critical Amtrak is to our nation’s transportation system.”