On Thursday, June 6, an engaging discussion on building resilient railway infrastructure took place at the Austrian Embassy in Washington, D.C.

With the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the U.S. Congress has approved historic funding for the modernization of U.S. rail infrastructure. Building on this development, the Embassies of Austria, Germany and Switzerland initiated the “Track is Back” series, aiming to foster constructive transatlantic dialogue on passenger and freight rail policy in the United States. This year's event, organized in cooperation with Advantage Austria, focused on sustainable approaches to resilient rail infrastructure.

The American Rail Renaissance provides an excellent opportunity for innovative Austrian companies to enter or expand their presence in the U.S. market. Ambassador Petra Schneebauer opened the event, titled "On Track to Sustainability," which was attended by approximately 100 participants. The program began with a keynote address by Mark Patterson, Associate Administrator, Office of Research, Data, and Innovation of the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration, followed by a dynamic panel discussion with representatives from three prominent European rail companies operating in the U.S., including Plasser American, the U.S. subsidiary of Plasser and Theurer.

The event, that was organized with support from the Refocus Austria Initiative, concluded with a reception, providing ample networking opportunities for the participating companies from Austria, Germany and Switzerland, including nine Austrian companies, to make meaningful contacts for future collaboration.

Photos (c) Austrian Embassy Washington