"Track is Back" 2025 – Rail Innovation in Focus in Washington, DC
On May 19, the Austrian Embassy in Washington, DC, joined its German and Swiss counterparts in hosting the fourth edition of Track is Back, a trilateral initiative launched in 2022 to foster transatlantic dialogue on sustainable rail infrastructure and mobility. This year’s conference, held under the theme “More Rail for the Money,” brought together over 80 participants, including senior officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, and the U.S. Congress, as well as European experts and representatives from leading industry stakeholders.
Supported by the ReFocus Austria initiative and Advantage Austria USA, the event highlighted the role of smart public policy, regulatory frameworks, and cross-border collaboration in advancing resilient and future-oriented rail systems.
Austria was prominently represented by pioneering companies such as Frequentis AG, RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems, Linsinger Maschinenbau, Hottinger Brüel & Kjaer, and Mission Embedded. These firms presented cutting-edge technologies in areas such as rail safety, digitalization, maintenance, and specialized engineering—demonstrating the strength and relevance of Austrian innovation within the evolving U.S. infrastructure landscape.
Discussions pointed to significant potential for deepened transatlantic cooperation, including joint research initiatives, technology transfer, and public-private partnerships. The event reaffirmed Austria’s commitment to contributing expertise and innovation to shared efforts aimed at developing sustainable and efficient rail networks.
Copyright: ÖB Washington