Greetings From Berlin: An Optimistic Outlook on Rail at InnoTrans 2024

By RSI President Patty Long

I recently had the privilege of attending InnoTrans in Berlin, the world’s largest trade fair for transport technology, for a second time. As a leading voice of the North American rail supply industry with a growing presence in the passenger space, RSI’s participation at this global event was more important than ever.

From the moment you step into the massive exhibition halls, it’s clear that InnoTrans is not your average trade show. There are 27 mega interconnected halls, organized by type of product or technology. Using the phrase “booth” doesn’t do this show justice, either. Exhibitors have massive, two-story spaces that are thoughtfully designed and planned out for meetings, hands-on technology demonstrations and entertainment. Plus, there’s outdoor space for hundreds of power units, trams and railcars. Over 170,000 attendees from 133 countries were present this year — the scale, scope, and sheer energy of InnoTrans is truly remarkable.

Beyond the stage, I was able to have productive meetings with several of our member companies, including Siemens, Alstom, and our newest member, Hitachi. These conversations helped deepen our understanding of the international rail market and identify ways we can better support our members’ global growth ambitions.

One of the most striking things about InnoTrans is the sheer volume of new technologies and innovations on display. From green energy solutions to cutting-edge signaling systems, the pace of change in the rail industry is astounding. One example that stood out to me was green technology on display from Wabtec. They’re developing what’s essentially “bridge technology” — helping connect our current infrastructure and practices to where we want to take the future of rail when it comes to environmentally conscious practices. These solutions will allow our industry to gradually transition to more sustainable, efficient systems without having to scrap existing investments. This type of forward-thinking, collaborative approach is exactly what the industry needs to drive meaningful progress.

The fact that everyone is at InnoTrans, whether exhibiting or attending, creates an incredibly energizing atmosphere. As you walk the halls, it’s not uncommon to run into people you’ve been hoping to connect with — whether it’s from partner organizations, industry coalitions, or CEOs of our member companies. It’s a whirlwind of activity, with meetings and receptions happening from early morning to late at night. The opportunity for interaction is unparalleled, allowing you to make new connections and reconnect with those you’ve worked with in the past.

As we look ahead, RSI is committed to building on this momentum here in the states. We recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Railway Engineering Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) and Railway Systems Suppliers, Inc. (RSSI) to host Railway Interchange every year, rather than a combined show followed by a standalone show. This will allow us to bring the same spirit of global collaboration and innovation to our home market, providing even more value to this community and our industry at large.

There’s no doubt that events like InnoTrans are invaluable for keeping a pulse on the industry and making connections that drive our business forward. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to represent RSI on the global stage, and I look forward to sharing more insights and opportunities with our members in the months ahead. The rail supply industry is truly a global enterprise, and RSI is committed to ensuring our members are positioned for success, no matter where their business takes them.