James Oberstar, former US congressman from Minnesota and a legendary figure in passenger train advocacy, passed away earlier this week. He died on 3 May at the age of 79. Former chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee from 2007 – 2010, he served as a staffer on the panel in the 1960s and 1970s and then as a member from 1975 –2006, US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said:

“Jim Oberstar’s passion for sound transportation policy spanned decades, first as a staff person and eventually as chairman of the congressional committee that writes and oversees our federal transportation laws. He was a tireless advocate for safety, consumer protections and robust federal investment so that the American public could continue to enjoy the best transportation system in the world. His personal imprint on our national transportation policies across all modes cannot be overstated.”

As Emerson would say … “He has now hitched his high speed wagon to his stars”...

UIC conveys its thoughts and condolences to his family.