Rail Passengers Association

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The Rail Passengers Association (RPA) is the United States’ largest nonprofit group that advocates for rail passengers. It started as the National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) and was founded by Anthony Haswell on May 18, 1967, to defend passenger trains. Based in Washington, DC, a small paid staff works to educate members of Congress and their staff about the value of passenger rail. RPA also publishes a newsletter 11 times a year with rail news, legislation updates, traveler advisories, and tips, with a focus on Amtrak.

Members receive discounts on several rail services, including Amtrak, Via Rail, Alaska Railroad, Grand Canyon Railway, Nevada Northern Railway, and Brightline.

Governance and structure: RPA is led by the Council of Representatives, which has 112 members from all 50 states plus Washington, DC, plus up to 10 at-large seats. The association is divided into 10 regional divisions, each headed by a Division Leader who also serves as a Council Representative for a state in the division. Council Representatives and Division Leaders report to a liaison on the Board of Directors. The Board has 15 members: one Chair, four Vice Chairs, one Secretary, one Treasurer, and eight Directors. The past Chair and Treasurer serve in non-voting advisory roles. The Board sets the organization’s agenda and hires staff. The Washington, DC staff also includes a President, a Vice President for Policy, a Chief of Staff, and Directors for Resource Development and Community Engagement & Organizing.

Jim Mathews has been President and CEO of RPA since August 2014; he previously worked as Executive Editor of the Aviation Week Intelligence Network.