The WTS Boston Chapter held its March Luncheon Seminar on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the UMass Club in Boston. 

Sarah Bergman, WTS-Boston President, welcomed 200 guests at the fully booked event. Before introducing our speakers, she acknowledged and thanked our corporate sponsors. Thanks to the efforts of our members, leadership, and sponsors, Boston continues to be one of the largest and most influential chapters in the overall WTS International Organization.

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Sarah then introduced Amtrak Executive Vice President Jennifer Mitchell and MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger to discuss Rail Renaissance: Strategies for Growth in Rail. 

They shared a vision for rail growth, including how New England’s state-supported routes complement the Northeast Corridor, and how partnerships support increasing service levels over time while balancing infrastructure, fleet, labor, and various right-of-way owner and operator considerations. 

Jennifer described Amtrak as “America’s Railroad,” which served over 4 million riders in Massachusetts last year. She outlined the largest capital program in Amtrak’s history, and shared updates on exciting service expansions nationwide. 

Meredith shared the vision for intercity rail in Massachusetts and outlined the unique and important role intercity rail plays in the Commonwealth. She emphasized that “nothing can happen without a really collaborative relationship” with key stakeholders. 

During the question-and-answer period, Jennifer and Meredith fielded questions about the future of environmental review for intercity rail projects, the importance of intercity rail for rural communities, and the connection between intercity rail and affordable housing. 

Special thanks to our Programs Committee for planning and running this event, especially event champion, Gina Solman (Advisory Board Chair and WTS-Boston Past-President), co-chairs Julie Goldberg (BSC Group) and Lisa Juan (Kimley-Horn), and their board liaison, Kari Richards (HDR).

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