2026 Passenger Rail Symposium - Rochester
2026 ‘Improving Passenger Rail In The Empire Corridor' Symposium - Downtown Rochester - October 7, 2026
Wednesday, October 7, 2026 - 8:00am to 4:30pm
'The Duke' at the Mercantile on Main - 240 East Main Street - Downtown Rochester, NY
Join us in Rochester this October for ‘Improving Passenger Rail In The Empire Corridor', a one-day symposium designed to bring together business and community leaders, government representatives, tourism and hospitality industry members, rail industry suppliers and rail advocates to learn about New York State’s passenger rail improvement initiatives and what accelerated implementation could do for Upstate New York.
The Symposium will feature insightful speakers, presentations and panel discussions focused on building a broad-based consensus that investing in higher-speed passenger rail can be an economic driver upstate and a viable solution for the future transportation needs of the state. The symposium will provide a crucial opportunity for participants to learn, network and share.
Confirmed Speakers:
- State Senator Jeremy Cooney - Chair NYS State Senate Transportation Committee
- Monroe County Executive Adam Bello
- Rochester Mayor Malik Evans
Many More Speakers & Presenters Will Be Announced Soon!
Everyone interested in what better passenger rail could do for upstate New York should attend to join the conversation and explore solutions for faster, more reliable and more frequent passenger train service in the Empire Corridor.
Tentative Agenda:
8:00am - 9:00am - Registration & Continental Breakfast / Networking Opportunity
9:00am - 11:45am - Morning Speakers & Presentations
12:00n - 1:00pm - Lunch With Key Note Address
1:15pm - 4:30pm - Afternoon Speakers & Presentations
5:00pm - Tour of Rochester Amtrak Station (Optional)
5:30pm - 7:30pm - After Hours Networking & Social Event (Optional - Details To Be Announced)
Parking is available in the adjacent Mortimer or St. Joe’s Parking Garages. On street paid parking may also be available in close proximity to the entrance.
The symposium is being organized & hosted by the Empire State Passengers Foundation (in conjunction with the Empire State Passengers Association). The Foundation is a recognized IRS 501(c)3 Educational Organization.
Questions or need additional information? E-mail us at [email protected]
Registration Now Open
Early Rates Available Through September 11, 2026
- Regular Attendee - $45.00
- Student Attendee - $35.00 ( For Those Enrolled As Full-Time Students)
Higher Rates Will Apply Starting September 12th and At The Door
Registration Includes Continental Breakfast, Lunch And Beverage Breaks
Discounted Overnight Rooms Are Available At The Nearby Hyatt Regency Hotel - 125 East Main - Rochester (1 Block From The Event Venue)
Visit The Hotels Website And Click On BOOK - Under 'Special Rates' Enter 'VISIT' In The 'Special Offer Code' Box To View & Select An Available Discounted Room
