In September, Public Rail Now launched a groundbreaking economic study on the immense benefits of a public rail system in the United States. The peer-reviewed study revealed that U.S. consumers could save up to $140 billion annually while avoiding $190 billion in health, environmental, and fiscal costs.
This special webinar will provide an opportunity for supporters to learn more about these findings and engage in a dialogue featuring the study’s author, rail workers, passenger rail and truck drivers, and other experts. The discussion will explore the potential benefits of public rail ownership and its impact on the working class.
The conversation will be moderated by Kari Lydersen, journalist and author of In These Times article, “The Case for Nationalizing the Railroads.“
Our Panelists Include:
- Kira McDonald: Author of the study, independent researcher in urban economics, social geography, and public policy. Member of the Climate and Community Institute, researcher with Princeton University’s Office of Population Research, and faculty member at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Former economist for the New York City Council.
- Maddock Thomas: Author of “Putting America Back on Track: The Case for a 21st Century Public Rail System.” Researcher and organizer with Public Rail Now and Railroad Workers United, and a student at Brown University.
- Sean Jeans-Gail: Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs at the Rail Passengers Association. With over a decade of experience, he directs national grassroots advocacy campaigns and oversees federal and state-level policy initiatives.
- Thomas Hanna: Research Director at The Democracy Collaborative and author of Our Common Wealth: The Return of Public Ownership in the United States. He is a leading expert on public ownership and economic democracy, with extensive experience researching and advocating for democratic alternatives in sectors like transportation, energy, and telecommunications.
- Billy Randel: Co-founder of Truckers Movement for Justice, a grassroots cross-border labor organization empowering truckers across North America.
- Nick Wurst: General Secretary of Railroad Workers United, a cross-craft caucus of railroaders organizing for solidarity across rail unions. Member of SMART-TD Local #1473.
We’d like to give a special shout out to our co-sponsors Labor Network for Sustainability, Climate and Community Institute and Railroad Workers United.