The 2019 event saw record breaking attendance across two days and was packed with the latest rail innovations, rolling stock, product launches, demos and exclusive seminars.
Here are just some of the many highlights:
It was fantastic to see so many rail representatives come together to celebrate the newest and most exciting innovations the industry has to offer, all in one place.
Alternative power sources were represented by both Britain’s first hydrogen-powered train, the HydroFLEX - which made national news - and Vivarail’s fast charging system battery Class 230. Britain’s newest inter-city train, LNER’s Azuma was also on display.
High-profile keynotes Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, Network Rail’s Andrew Haines and Department for Transport’s Bernadette Kelly were joined by over 30 influential rail professionals.
We heard from the Department for International Trade on how to internationalise business and the latest from Department for Transport on the Williams Review. Innovate UK explained how it is supporting the rail supply chain through funding, while the BCRRE and the Rail Alliance discussed the acceleration of innovation.
In a UK first, Porterbrook launched its pioneering Innovation Hub, a static train testbed to fast-track development, where 25+ companies showcased innovative and exciting passenger-focused solutions.
Live and static machine demonstrations included the largest vehicles from Network Rail’s extensive fleet - its High Output ballast cleaning systems and its Kirow Crane.
The Young Rail Professionals were there to inspire and develop the next generation of railway talent, with speakers from National Skills Academy Rail (NSAR), British Transport Police, Rail Forum Midlands (RFM) and more.
A variety of other plant equipment included Balfour Beatty’s Wiring Train and the likes of Vp plc and SRS were all in attendance. Plus, the British Transport Police led superb demonstrations by armed officers, dog handlers, and policing at heights teams.