Who is AIPRO?

The Association for Innovative Passenger Rail Operations (AIPRO Rail) is a national nonprofit alliance dedicated to expanding and enhancing intercity passenger rail through commercially negotiated access, competition, and innovation.

Our coalition comprises private-sector operators, consultants, equipment providers, and infrastructure partners with extensive experience in planning, delivering, and operating passenger rail services.

AIPRO advocates for policies and programs that improve service quality, increase efficiency, and create new opportunities for collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Our members are committed to advancing reliable, safe, and customer-focused rail transportation that delivers results for riders and communities alike.

AIPRO’s Role in a Growing Rail Network


AIPRO is not anti-Amtrak. We support a passenger rail system that includes both strong public operators and well-qualified private-sector partners. Our members often work alongside Amtrak services, not in opposition, to help states and agencies implement new corridors and meet the growing demand for ridership.

Given the volume of new Corridor ID projects, AIPRO Rail Operators provide additional expertise and capacity to help expand the national passenger rail network.

Powered by Our Members

AIPRO’s work is fueled by a growing coalition of private-sector operators, consultants, and technical innovators committed to advancing U.S. passenger rail.

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Our Mission & Leadership

AIPRO exists to expand options for America’s traveling public. We support more competitive, more innovative, and more responsive passenger rail service—whether delivered by Amtrak or other qualified operators.

We advocate for federal investment, accountability, and system growth that benefits all Americans while partnering with states, local governments, host railroads, and the private sector.

Our Board of Directors represents decades of experience in transportation, operations, and public policy. Together, we are helping reshape the future of American rail.

Meet the Team

  • Ray Chambers

    President, AIPRO

  • Mason Baxter

    Executive Director, AIPRO


  • Fred Craig, P.E.

    Chairman of the Board (Transdev)
    Fred Craig is a nationally recognized rail executive with over 35 years of experience in public and private sector leadership. As COO of Transdev Rail and former CEO of Purple Line Transit Partners, he has led more than $8.5 billion in capital rail projects, including the nation’s largest transportation public-private partnership. Craig brings deep expertise in project finance, accelerated delivery models, and strategic partnerships, with a career spanning senior roles at Transdev, WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff, and HNTB. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in five states.


  • Ibrahima Toure

    Vice Chair (RATPDev)

  • Gregg Baxter

    Board Member (Herzog)

  • Gerald Francis

    Board Member (Keolis)

  • Jeff Joines

    Board Member (BMWED–Teamsters)

  • Gordon Glass

    Board Member (Direx Solutions)

  • Brandon Smith

    General Counsel

  • Mike Efaw

    VP, Labor Relations (BRS–Teamsters)

  • Tim Ryan

    Rail Construction Liaison (RAILCET – LIUNA)
    Tim Ryan is the Director of the Railroad Cooperation Education and Trust Fund.  The fund is a labor-management fund comprised of equal representation of union trustees and management trustees.  The unions represented are the Laborers' International Union of North America and the International Union of Operating Engineers.

  • Thomas Cornille

    VP, Research (TRAD Research)

FAQ’s

  • AIPRO can advocate on behalf of the passenger rail industry, including new rail operations, working to ensure that the industry's needs and concerns are heard by policymakers and regulators. By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, AIPRO can help to build a supportive environment for passenger rail operations, including new and innovative operations.

  • The Association for Innovate Passenger Rail Operations was founded in 2010 with a number of private passenger rail operators. Since then it has expanded to include rail labor, contractors, and other rail businesses.

    1. Promoting innovative solutions in passenger rail operations: AIPRO likely aims to advance the passenger rail industry through innovative practices and technologies.

    2. Fostering collaboration and networking opportunities: AIPRO may aim to bring together rail operators, industry experts, and stakeholders to collaborate and share ideas and best practices.

    3. Advocating for the passenger rail industry: AIPRO may work to ensure that the needs and concerns of the passenger rail industry are heard by policymakers and regulators.

    4. Supporting the development of new rail operations: AIPRO may provide resources and support to help new rail operations get off the ground and succeed.

  • The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided billions of dollars for states to develop passenger rail and empowered the FRA to distribute this funding. Amtrak also received funds directly for advancing its projects on the Northeast Corridor and elsewhere