Wabtec Corporation, a member of the Railway Supply Institute, testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials at a hearing about the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.
The hearing, “America Builds: The Role of Innovation and Technology in a Safe and Efficient Rail System,” was called to allow stakeholders the opportunity to offer policy recommendations on surface transportation. Wabtec Executive Vice President and CTO Eric Gebhardt said in his testimony that advanced technologies developed by his company and other RSI members are transforming rail safety, efficiency and sustainability.
“Wabtec’s and other RSI members’ commitment to research and development ensures that the rail industry continues to evolve to meet the needs of modern transportation,” Gebhardt said. “Continued progress requires continued partnership. Wabtec and RSI look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure America’s rail network remains the safest and most efficient in the world.”
The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee has held hearings since January to examine federal programs that support the freight and passenger rail industry ahead of the expiration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s expiration in September.
“Today’s hearing highlights RSI’s ability to bring forward real-world expertise from across our industry. RSI members’ collective expertise, and close working relationships with both public and private stakeholders allow us to play a central role in shaping policies that will define the future of rail,” said Robert Oesch, vice president of North American Commercial at Amsted Rail and chair of the RSI Board of Directors.