National Association of Railroad Passengers
 | |
| Formation | May 18, 1967 |
|---|---|
| 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.
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
- ↑ "NARP Contact Information". National Association of Railroad Passengers. Retrieved 2008-01-01.
- ↑ "Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation". NARP News 41 (11) (Washington, DC, USA: Ross Capon, published 2007-12). 2007. p. 4. Check date values in:
|publication-date=(help) - ↑ "NARP Membership Discount". National Railroad Passenger Corporation. Retrieved 2007-12-19.
- ↑ "Resources and Links". National Association of Railroad Passengers. Retrieved 2007-12-27.
- ↑ "Maps of Membership Regions & Vice Presidents’ Districts". National Association of Railroad Passengers. Retrieved 2007-12-27.
- ↑ "NARP Staff". National Association of Railroad Passengers. Retrieved 2013-03-20.
- ↑ "NARP Officers and Board of Directors". http://www.narprail.org/cms/index.php/resources/more/officers/. Retrieved 2009-05-16. External link in
|publisher=(help) - ↑ "Hotline #851 -- February 28, 2014". Retrieved 2014-02-28.
- ↑ "Jim Mathews to Lead NARP as New CEO and President".