Rail Innovation Day 2025: Exploring Regional Rail Transformation, Modern Infrastructure, and Decarbonization
October 10, 2025
DB E.C.O. North America hosted “Rail Innovation Day” 2025 in Sacramento to bring rail leaders together for discussions on regional rail transformation, zero emission strategies, and high-performance operations.
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32451 Golden Lantern, Suite 306
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Mailing Address:
901 H St., Suite 120, PMB 328
Sacramento, CA 95814
Ulrich Leister, CEO of DB E.C.O. North America welcoming guests to the “Rail Innovation Day” 2025
DB E.C.O. North America hosted “Rail Innovation Day 2025” in Sacramento on October 2, 2025. The event gathered rail executives, policymakers, and technical specialists to discuss ongoing transformations in commuter rail, advancements in zero‑emission technologies, and the modernization of rail operations across the West Coast and Europe. The program served as a platform to exchange insights, experiences, and best practices that support the evolution of regional mobility systems.
Welcome remarks by James Hacker, Undersecretary, California State Transportation Agency
Opening with Chad Edison, Chief Deputy Secretary for Rail and Transit, California State Transportation Agency
Ulrich Leister, CEO of DB E.C.O. North America welcomed guests from across the United States and Germany and expressed his appreciation to James Hacker, Undersecretary at the California State Transportation Agency, for his welcome remarks. Special remarks were also delivered by Chad Edison, Chief Deputy Secretary for Rail and Transit at the California State Transportation Agency, who underscored the importance of California–Germany collaboration in advancing sustainable and innovative rail solutions.
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:
Panel Discussion on “Transforming Commuter Rail – Celebrating First Milestones” with representatives from Metrolink, Caltrain, Capital Corridor and DB E.C.O. North America.
Transforming Commuter to Regional Rail: Celebrating First Milestones: This panel brought together leaders from major California commuter rail agencies to reflect on the rollout of their enhanced 2024 service schedules. Darren Kettle, CEO, Metrolink, Michelle Bouchard, Executive Director, Caltrain, Robert Padgette, Managing Director, Capital Corridor, and Michael Cornfield, Principal, DB E.C.O. North America shared early lessons learned, discussed organizational and operational changes required to support the shift toward regional rail, and highlighted the benefits this evolution brings for passengers, ridership growth, and long‑term system resilience.
Innovative Approaches to Maintaining and Expanding Rail Infrastructure: Tobias Fischer, Senior Vice President Engineering, Technology, Infrastructure & Maintenance Management, DB InfraGO from Deutsche Bahn’s Infrastructure Division and Stefan Leistner, Principal, DB E.C.O. North America; former Head of Analytics & Asset Management, Deutsche Bahn outlined Germany’s comprehensive rail modernization strategy, including the overhaul program, advanced maintenance practices, and methods for building resilient, high‑performance rail networks.
Designing the Future of Onboard Hospitality: Alexander Thies, Head of Onboard Services, DB Long‑Distance showcased together with Philip Schaaf, Head of Products and Logistics, DB Long‑Distance how strategic planning, customer insights, and operational innovation are shaping the future of onboard hospitality.
Presentation by Deutsche Bahn Experts on “Designing the Future of Onboard Hospitality”
Are We Still on Track to Zero? Pathways to Zero‑Emission Rail: In this session, Joy M. Buenaflor, Deputy Director of Transit and Rail Programs – Capital Delivery, San Bernadino County Transportation Authority, Volker Heepen as Managing Director of SFBW – State Institute for Rail Vehicles Baden-Württemberg, Michael Faust, CEO Railpower Inc. together with Christoph Grimm, CEO, Eisenbahnen und Verkehrsbetriebe Elbe-Weser (evb) GmbH and our Head of the Center for Net Zero Transformation in Rail & Transit from DB E.C.O. North America Andreas Hoffrichter examined the maturity of zero‑emission initiatives underway in Europe and North America. Panelists discussed strategies from their respective networks, shared lessons learned from implemented projects, and explored the technologies, policy frameworks, and partnerships needed to accelerate the transition to cleaner rail operations.
Rail Innovation Day 2025 brought together leaders and practitioners from both sides of the Atlantic for a day of dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. DB E.C.O. North America thanks all speakers, guests, and partners for contributing to a successful event and looks forward to building this momentum in the months ahead.
