Happening Now
NARP Expresses Condolences in the Wake of Derailment Tragedy
May 13, 2015
Release #15-09
For Immediate Release (#15-09) Contact: Ms. Benet J. Wilson
May 13, 2015 202-408-8362
NARP Expresses Condolences In The Wake Of Derailment Tragedy
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Association of Railroad Passengers today issued the following statement:
The thoughts and prayers of NARP and its 28,000 members nationwide are with the passengers and crew of Amtrak Regional Train 188, which derailed last night in Philadelphia. The association offers its heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and its sympathies and support to everyone who was injured.
NARP President & CEO Jim Mathews, a former volunteer firefighter and medic, also expressed his gratitude for the efforts of first responders on the scene who worked throughout the night to free the injured and to save lives.
"While NARP will continue to push ahead for a bipartisan, constructive and meaningful debate on the appalling infrastructure investment crisis facing America, today is not the time to push or to speculate on what might have gone wrong," Mathews said. "Today at the top of all of our minds should be the injured passengers; the families of those killed; the dedicated front-line Amtrak employees who strive every day to operate a safe trip for their customers; and the brave men and women who saved so many lives last night."
Safety is always the first concern for any transportation system. Investigators are at the scene in Philadelphia now, and NARP is looking forward to learning more details as they become available from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak.
NARP will make available a resource page for its members and the general public looking for information on service disruptions and alternative arrangements.
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"It is an honor to be recognized by the Rail Passengers Association for my efforts to strengthen and expand America’s passenger rail. Golden spikes were once used by railroads to mark the completion of important rail projects, so I am truly grateful to receive the Golden Spike Award as a way to mark the end of a career that I’ve spent fighting to invest in our country’s rail system. As Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it has been my priority to bolster funding for Amtrak, increase and expand routes, look to the future by supporting high-speed projects, and improve safety, culminating in $66 billion in new funding in the Bipartisan infrastructure Law."
Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
March 30, 2022, on receiving the Association's Golden Spike Award for his years of dedication and commitment to passenger rail.
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