Paul kicks off 2023 talking with Jim Derwinski CEO of Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago. The changing face and role of commuter rail in connecting suburbs to cities was a big topic in 2022 and will certainly continue throughout 2023. As we see Tuesday-Thursday cities and flattening the peak across North America and the world, we're seeing commuter rail becoming less about "get me to work on time" and more "get me into the city for fun without my car."

But what does this mean for the future of rail properties? How will they adapt to the changing passenger needs? Jim Derwinski talks about what Metra Commuter Rail is doing as part of Chicago's larger transportation system. Jim's vision is for people to be able to jump on any mode of transport and get to where they are going quickly, seamlessly, and cheaply. As Mohamed Mezgahni said in the 2022 year-end wrap-up (listen now if you haven't had a chance), public transport in all its forms will be essential to fighting climate change and making our cities more liveable places in the future.

Next week on the show, we have Matthew Daus, Partner and Chair of the Transportation Practice Group at Windels Marx talking about moving people in the Big Apple.

If you have a question, comment, or want to be a guest on the show, email us at [email protected] and don't forget to sign up for the newsletter so you're always in the look with what's going on with the show.