WTS-Los Angeles' “Integrating Cybersecurity & Physical Security” discussion moderator Brett Brandle, transit architecture principal, HDR, and panelists Gregory Rabinovitz, chief of staff, Hollywood Burbank Airport, Hilary Konczal, chief safety, security and compliance officer, Metrolink, and Doreen Yonemura, Cyber Resilience Center manager, Port of Los Angeles, seated left to right, pose with attending WTS-Los Angeles Board members, including Metrolink Chief Customer Experience Officer Lisa Bahr (back left).
Hilary Konczal Shares How Metrolink Is Protecting People and Infrastructure at WTS-Los Angeles Event
Late last month, Metrolink Chief Safety, Security and Compliance Officer Hilary Konczal participated as a featured panelist during WTS-Los Angeles’ “Integrating Cybersecurity & Physical Security” event, sponsored by HDR. These sessions brought together industry leaders to discuss the growing need for comprehensive security solutions in transportation, including safeguarding infrastructure. Hilary shared insights on emerging threats and the importance of aligning physical and digital security efforts to protect both freight and passenger rail systems.
In addition to Metrolink, the panel also featured experts from the Port of Los Angeles and Hollywood Burbank Airport, with each representative offering perspectives on the unique vulnerabilities within their respective sectors. The discussion highlighted best practices to defend against cyberattacks, physical breaches and operational disruptions that threaten critical transportation services in Southern California.
Paul Hubler Explores Passenger Rail Trends at 2025 APTA Rail Conference
Like Metrolink, many commuter railroads across North America are transitioning to regional rail models by reimagining service to meet the demands of modern riders. Tomorrow, at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Rail Conference in San Francisco, Metrolink Chief Strategy Officer Paul Hubler will join a panel of transportation leaders to examine this shift through the lens of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) ongoing transformation.
Panelists will discuss the growth opportunities afforded by integrating frequent all-day service with intercity operations and will weigh the corresponding challenges. MBTA has followed a roadmap similar to Metrolink’s, and both agencies have faced hurdles such as freight rail coordination, rolling stock performance, and navigating first- and last-mile connections. Paul, alongside representatives from MBTA, Chicago’s Metra and the Connecticut Department of Transportation, will provide insights into how their agencies are working to regrow ridership and strengthen regional mobility in their service areas.