APTA, European rail association sign MOU

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the European Rail Industry Association (UNIFE) have signed a memorandum of understanding to reinforce ties between the European and American rail sectors.

The MOU was signed last night by APTA President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Melaniphy and UNIFE General Director Philippe Citroen at a reception hosted by the European Delegation to the United States in Washington, D.C., officials for both organizations said in a joint press release.

The agreement outlines a framework for cooperation and information exchange between the associations, and will be followed with meetings between association members throughout the week, they said.

"APTA is delighted to work closely with UNIFE, and we look forward to close cooperation and collaboration as both organizations work to advance rail transportation," Melaniphy said. "The European and United States rail sectors have much to learn from each other. This [MOU] facilitates the sharing of best practices and the robust exchange of information in technical and policy areas."

UNIFE and APTA share many of the same members, and both associations share common goals of promoting rail and public transportation as a solution to future mobility challenges, said Citroen.

"This MOU follows in the footsteps of an existing MOU between the Federal Railroad Administration and the European Rail Agency signed in 2012, and will add to the transatlantic dialogue and best practice sharing in the domain of rail transport," he said.