Serving the Owners & Operators of Passenger Railroad Equipment
The Railroad Passenger Car Alliance (RPCA) is a 501(c)(6) business alliance dedicated to fostering and assisting in the preservation, display, and operation of rail passenger equipment and museums preserving the history of rail transportation in North America. The RPCA and its members provide valuable resources for research and data pertaining to railroad equipment.
RPCA members have exclusive access to RPCA’s insurance program, reporting marks, and mechanical resources. Members receive monthly email newsletters and quarterly printed copies of Passenger Car Magazine. Members can attend RPCA events, including mechanical training sessions and our annual conference.
RPCA membership is essential for individual passenger rail equipment owners, industry vendors, passenger rail operators, tourist railroads, and railroad museums. However, anyone with professional ties to the passenger rail industry or an interest in railroad transportation can benefit from joining. RPCA welcomes you aboard!
2027 RPCA Conference - Portland, OR
RPCA’s 2027 Annual Conference will be held over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend in Portland, Oregon hosted by the Oregon Rail Heritage Center. Our Conference Hotel will be the DoubleTree Portland.
Dates: Jan 15-17, 2027, with pre-conference and post-conference activities planned for Thursday the 14th and Monday the 18th.
Conference Registration will open Oct 1, 2026.
RPCX - Railroad Passenger Car Numbering Bureau
RPCNB plays a vital role in connecting private car ownership with the registration process that involves reporting marks. RPCNB administers the RPCX and PPCX reporting marks. The use of RPCX is available to RPCA members in good standing who pay the applicable fees.
RPCNB simplifies the often complex registration process. Acting as a liaison, we help owners navigate the necessary paperwork and compliance requirements. Our services ensure that equipment owners maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Members of RPCA, especially air brake technicians, benefit significantly from our services. RPCNB offers the CAT (Certified Air Brake Technician) service, allowing technicians to submit air brake inspection reports to RPCNB, which we then upload to UMLER.
RPCA Equipment Insurance Program
One of the largest problems independent railroad equipment owners experience is finding insurance. RPCA initiated its own insurance program for active members to address this. RPCA provides its members with an economical source of liability and physical damage coverage. Enrollment is easy and the program is administered by United Shortline Insurance, CBIZ McRail, and HMBD Insurance Services/HUB International.
A copy of your current RPCA membership certificate is required to enroll.
Many RPCA members own and operate luxury private railcars available for charter on Amtrak trains throughout the United States and Canada.
Known as Private Varnish or PVs these unique railcars offer a truly unique and exclusive way to travel. Pricing and availability decisions are made by individual car owners in coordination with Amtrak. RPCA works with our partners at AAPRCO to preserve access to the Amtrak system.
The public can view equipment available for charter owned by RPCA members by clicking the image on the right:
The RPCA maintains an online library of historic documents, current Amtrak certification paperwork, and other resources for railcar owners and operators.
RPCA offers several membership levels for you and/or your organization to participate in railcar operations and learn from other experienced railcar owners.
