Paul Lewis, Principal, DB E.C.O. North America, presenting on “Navigating High Capital Costs in Rail Projects”.Paul Lewis, Principal, DB E.C.O. North America, presenting on “Navigating High Capital Costs in Rail Projects”. 
Moderated by Christopher Beringer, DB E.C.O. North America, (left) panelists Christoph Grimm, Eisenbahnen und Verkehrsbetriebe Elbe-Weser (middle) and Michael Cleveland, Director of Advanced Energy, Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company (right) discussed the opportunities and challenges of new zero emissions vehicles.Moderated by Christopher Beringer, DB E.C.O. North America, (left) panelists Christoph Grimm, Eisenbahnen und Verkehrsbetriebe Elbe-Weser (middle) and Michael Cleveland, Director of Advanced Energy, Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company (right) discussed the opportunities and challenges of new zero emissions vehicles.
DB E.C.O. North America hosted a “Rail Innovation Day” 2023 at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles on March 2, 2023. This event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to explore the transformative impact of new ideas and advancements on the future of the rail industry.
View to the Rail Innovation Day event location in downtown Los Angeles.View to the Rail Innovation Day event location in downtown Los Angeles.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage in discussions, delve into the latest innovations in rail transportation, and gain insights into sustainable and efficient solutions that help drive the industry forward.
Key highlights from the event included:
The Regional Rail Revolution: Modernizing Commuter Rail: As the CARES Act funding expires and ridership recovery plateaus, commuter rail agencies face existential challenges. The “Regional Rail” model was explored as a potential solution as it has greater operational efficiency. Michael Cornfield, Principal at DB E.C.O. North America, discussed the transition to regional rail, implications on planning, and stakeholder communication strategies.
Operational Experience with Zero Emissions Rail Vehicles: In a panel discussion with Christoph Grimm, CEO, Eisenbahnen und Verkehrsbetriebe Elbe-Weser, and Michael Cleveland, Director of Advanced Energy, Progress Rail, A Caterpillar Company, moderated by Chris Beringer, Manager, DB E.C.O. North America, discussed the opportunities and challenges of new zero emissions vehicles.
The (Near) Future of Rolling Stock Maintenance: Stefan Geisperger, Managing Director for International Markets and Consulting at DB Engineering & Consulting, discussed critical considerations for upgrading maintenance facilities, international trends in rolling stock maintenance, and advances in competence management.
Navigating High Capital Costs in Rail Projects: Paul Lewis, Principal at DB E.C.O. North America, addressed the disparities in rail project costs between the United States and Europe. Solutions for improved project governance, processes, and standards were proposed.
Stefan Geisperger, Managing Director for International Markets, DB Engineering & Consulting (left) and Ulrich Leister, CEO, DB E.C.O. North America (right), at the Rail Innovation Day.Stefan Geisperger, Managing Director for International Markets, DB Engineering & Consulting (left) and Ulrich Leister, CEO, DB E.C.O. North America (right), at the Rail Innovation Day.
