NEWS ADVISORY
September 14, 2008

Contact: John DeLora, Chair
Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers
(313) 575-6608 jdelora@wowway. www.marp.org

Historic Durand Union Station will be the setting when Ross B. Capon addresses Michigan rail advocates on Saturday.

Mr. Capon is the executive director of the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) based in Washington. D.C. Mr. Capon will speak on the considerable success his organization has had in re-focusing the attention of congressional leaders on the vital role of the nation’s railway system in addressing the challenges of a transportation system under stress.

“Passenger trains are part of the energy deal America needs,” Mr. Capon said in a recent editorial. Passenger numbers have reached their highest level ever as gasoline prices have climbed and people have sought alternatives to both driving and flying. Advocates see this as a golden opportunity for mobilizing the political will to invest in modern, fast, and dependable passenger trains.

Mr. Capon’s appearance is sponsored by the Michigan Association of Railroad Passengers (MARP) which is observing its thirty-fifth year working to improve and expand the state’s passenger train services.

The public is welcome to attend. A registration fee of $20 covers materials and a luncheon following the presentation. Registration begins at 9:45 a.m., Saturday, September 20 at Durand Union Station, 200 Railroad St., Durand MI 48429. Contact Kay Chase (269) 388-3777, email chase@wmich.edu