DRIVING THE NEWS: U.S. Department of Transportation Hosts First-Ever Rail Tech Summit, Highlights Innovation in America’s Rail Industry
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today hosted the Department’s inaugural Rail Tech Summit to highlight innovative technologies and tools that will help rail workers move families and freight across America more safely and efficiently.
The Summit featured keynote remarks from Deputy Secretary Steven Bradbury and FRA Administrator David Fink, as well as panel discussions with industry leaders and stakeholders. Guests also had the opportunity to interact with over a dozen cutting-edge rail technologies on display.
Major innovations highlighted include:
- Portable Inspection Portal: This AI-driven portable inspection system proactively monitors the wear and tear of train cars, allowing inspectors to identify and repair critical issues and prevent accidents.
- Automated Track Inspection Program: FRA is seeing major success in its work with major railroads to increase the use of automated track inspection technology so inspectors can identify defects sooner and address them before accidents occur.
- Integrating Real-Time Information on Blocked Train Crossings with Navigation Apps: This technology gives drivers using map apps better data to avoid blocked rail crossings.
Leaders in Innovation:
American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association President Chuck Baker:
“On behalf of the nation’s 600+ small business short line freight railroads, I was thrilled to participate in the FRA’s inaugural Rail Tech Summit. We were honored to highlight what the FRA and short lines are doing together to make a safe rail system even safer. We explored the crucial link between technology, innovation and safety. When short lines are able to deploy new technology, we are able to increase efficiency, grow volumes, and enhance safety at even the smallest of railroads.”
Amtrak Vice President Loyalty & Customer Engagement Lisa Copeland:
“As demand for passenger rail continues to grow, Amtrak is focused on delivering projects efficiently and working with our partners to turn innovation into real improvements for customers. We appreciate FRA’s leadership in convening the Rail Tech Summit which highlights how technology and collaboration can strengthen the rail network and enhance the customer experience.”
Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies:
“Safety is freight railroads’ number one priority, and 2025 was a record-breaking year for safety across the industry. From the railroaders who power the nationwide network to the communities railroads serve, the freight rail industry is committed to continually advancing safety performance across the system through sustained private investment, advanced technology deployment, and a highly skilled workforce. The Association of American Railroads is proud to join with our federal partners and members at today’s FRA Rail Tech Symposium in Washington, D.C. to shine a light on the technology driving record safety gains across the network and the evidence-based reforms needed to ensure that regulations keep pace with innovation.”
BNSF Railway Vice President of Safety Chad Sundem:
“BNSF appreciates the FRA hosting this important event, bringing together so many voices committed to the future of rail. We value the opportunity to work closely together as we continue advancing our shared commitment to safety through innovation and cutting-edge technology.”
Canadian National Railway Head of U.S. Public and Government Affairs Andrea Waldock Niethold:
“At CN, safety is at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be an industry leader when it comes to using technology to make railroading safer and more reliable. We are pleased to take part in the FRA’s Rail Tech Summit and showcase our new Life Critical Rules app, which supports our commitment to ensuring every employee goes home safely every day.”
CPKC Assistant Vice President for Government Affairs Larry Lloyd:
“CPKC’s industry-leading train accident safety statistics come from integrating our data analytics and detection technologies into our everyday operations. We never stop looking for new and improved ways to collect more information about our trains, tracks and operations. We will continue to use our technology to gather and analyze data to anticipate and address potential issues before they happen. Our in-house CPKC teams are developing new and innovative ways to use real-time AI to identify and address defects in order to reach new levels of safety.
We applaud Administrator Fink and FRA’s leadership in demonstrating through the Rail Tech Summit how innovation, technology, and collaboration in developing a safety culture that has brought the industry into the safest era in the history of railroading.”
CSX Assistant Vice President Stephen Flippin:
“CSX appreciates the Administration’s leadership in spotlighting the innovations and technologies that are delivering record rail safety performance. From advanced inspection tools to smarter operating systems, many of the solutions showcased today are already helping railroads prevent incidents, move goods more efficiently, and provide the reliable service customers and communities count on. By continuing to support policies that accelerate safe innovation, we can strengthen America’s supply chain and keep U.S. businesses competitive at home and around the world.”
Railway Supply Institute Acting President Ashley Shelton:
“The FRA Rail Tech Summit brought decision‑makers and innovators together to drive the next era of rail. RSI members are delivering the technologies that strengthen safety and boost efficiency across America’s rail network. We value the chance to help shape this work—and we commend the FRA for partnering with industry to accelerate innovation across the rail sector.”
Union Pacific Railroad Vice President, External Relations Andrew Brady:
“Union Pacific and U.S. DOT have the same goal- enhance safety in the rail industry. We thank Secretary Duffy and Administrator Fink for bringing the industry together to showcase how innovation and technology enhance safety.”
