Discussion will continue to focus on our efforts to advance ARC Penn Station First -- a plan for connecting the new Hudson River passenger rail tunnels directly into existing tracks and platforms at Moynihan/Penn Station. This is a central feature of a plan for a truly regional rail system with frequent service, integrated fares and thru-running. A subsequent phase would be to connect Penn Station with Grand Central Terminal, adding many new opportunities for regional transit travel.

Time permitting, there will be progress reports on RRWG initiatives:

• Regional rail equipment compatibility issues
• Upper Level Loop Alternative for LIRR East Side Access
• Rockaway Cut-off -- one-seat ride Midtown Manhattan-Aqueduct
  Racetrack-JFK Airport and Rockaway Peninsula
• Lower Manhattan Access
• Light Rail in the Lincoln Tunnel
• Regional Rail Freight and Intercity rail passenger issues

Plan to attend the meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2009, 6-8 PM.

Also note that at the same location, on Tuesday, June 23, 2009, at 5.45pm-8pm, Auto-Free New York will feature a presentation on "Advancing Rail Freight for a Uniquely Truck-Dependent City." Speakers will be:

• Benjamin Miller, Senior Fellow, CUNY Institute for Urban Systems
• John McHugh, Counsel, East of Hudson Freight Task Force
  [See www.auto-free.org for details.]