About
Anthony Lanzilotti
Anthony Lanzilotti
As a totally blind traveler, Anthony brings a unique perspective to the board.
“It’s my continuing mission to ensure equal access for all when selecting Amtrak as a mode of travel. I've been working alongside Rail Passengers Association staff for 2 years to bring Amtrak officials to the table to implement a plan for me to test the entire network at my own expense to ensure equal access for all while in stations, on board Amtrak equipment, as well as seamless connectivity between Amtrak and all modes of public transit.
Anthony is involved with many other organizations, one being the National Federation of the Blind, which is a national organization.
One of his goals is to bring National Federation of the Blind's president, Mark Riccobono, together with RPA’s Executive Director, Jim Mathews, to enable the two organizations to work together.
“Think about this. There is an entire constituency of individuals, like myself who are 100% transit dependent, whether it’s for local or intercity travel. We need to have both organizations speaking up to make sure everyone is accommodated when we travel for work or pleasure.”
"It is an honor to be recognized by the Rail Passengers Association for my efforts to strengthen and expand America’s passenger rail. Golden spikes were once used by railroads to mark the completion of important rail projects, so I am truly grateful to receive the Golden Spike Award as a way to mark the end of a career that I’ve spent fighting to invest in our country’s rail system. As Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, it has been my priority to bolster funding for Amtrak, increase and expand routes, look to the future by supporting high-speed projects, and improve safety, culminating in $66 billion in new funding in the Bipartisan infrastructure Law."
Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
March 30, 2022, on receiving the Association's Golden Spike Award for his years of dedication and commitment to passenger rail.