National Association of Railroad Passengers Unveils New Brand

For Immediate Release (#17-17)

November 29, 2017

Contact: Xenophon Strategies - (202) 289-4001

NARP Now Known As the Rail Passengers Association

Washington D.C. - The Rail Passengers Association, formerly known as the National Association of Railroad Passengers--or NARP--unveiled an innovative “logo system” and a revamped brand image at its annual conference, “RailNation Chicago,” earlier this month. The brand switch comes on the 50th anniversary of the organization’s founding, and heralds a new age of advocacy for rail passengers in North America.

“Our commitment to fighting for passenger rail is stronger now that it has ever been before,” said Jim Mathews, President and CEO of the newly named Rail Passengers Association. “As we look to the future, we intend to fight for modern, interconnected transportation systems that meet the needs of train riders today and in the future. Our new brand symbolizes our commitment to ensuring that advanced, modern, and safe passenger rail reaches every corner of North America.”

The new brand image was developed over the last year after extensive research and review of the organization’s membership of more than 28,000 rail passengers. It coincides with the planned launch of a new web address at www.railpassengers.org, and the previously announced relocation of the organization’s headquarters in Washington, DC, to a larger, modern and connected office space. The new brand is designed to appeal to a broad swath of riders--in every age group--who can benefit from rail as a major mode of transportation, including to work, school and for recreation.

“The brand image is modern, simple and human, focusing on passengers, as opposed to trains,” said Mathews. “After all, Rail Passengers represents people and serves to amplify their voices in the halls of power around this country.”

The dynamic, new “logo system” Rail Passengers introduced evokes the image of a train window through which passengers view the world. The landscape-oriented rectangle, with two slanted lines in its lower left corner, allows the organization to highlight scenes riders would see from their train seat by adding different pictures and photos inside the window. By highlighting the passenger’s view, the brand makes the passenger experience its central focus. It is also designed to be flexible for an increasingly digital and ever-changing world.

“There are infinite possibilities to show a mix of cityscapes and landscapes inside the rectangle of the logo to create a view out of the imagined window,” said Mathews. “We can even use animation and movement to take advantage of the social media and web-based platforms where we advocate for rail riders. And, we can highlight regional differences and issues that we care about.”

The National Association of Railroad Passengers will continue to be the legal name of the not-for-profit entity. The association was formed in 1967, as a strong supporter for the creation of a national train network. As the fight to preserve and enhance the country’s passenger rail system continues, Rail Passengers will continue to be the nation’s oldest and largest national membership organization fighting for more and better trains in America. The mission will continue to focus on a enhanced and interconnected service with advanced technology that will allow for high speed travel with proper safety measures and top-of-the-line amenities.

To learn more about Rail Passengers and its mission and advocacy work, visit the new website at www.railpassengers.org, or on Facebook and Twitter @railpassengers. If you’re just learning about Rail Passengers and would like to become a member visit the member benefits page at www.railpassengers.org/membership.

About the Rail Passengers Association

The Rail Passengers Association is the oldest and largest national organization speaking for the nearly 40 million users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by more than 28,000 individual members nationwide.