New York Rail Capacity Conference Marks First Global Rail Group Event
The CILT Global Rail Group marked an important milestone on Wednesday 10 June 2026, hosting its first ever event in partnership with CILT North America in Manhattan, New York.
The New York Rail Capacity Conference brought together senior leaders, operators, planners and technology specialists for a successful day of discussion, insight and professional exchange focused on one of the rail sector’s most pressing challenges: capacity.
For a newly established forum, the event was a strong demonstration of the growing momentum behind the CILT Global Rail Group. Since its launch, the group has continued to expand rapidly, now connecting more than 400 rail professionals across 85 countries. The New York event provided an early opportunity to bring that international purpose to life, creating space for expert perspectives, practical discussion and new connections across the rail community.
Perspectives from Across the Sector
Held in Manhattan, just steps away from Grand Central Station, the conference explored rail capacity through the lens of one of the world’s most complex and vital rail regions.
The programme featured contributions from Paul Grether, Chief of the MTA Grand Central Madison Operating Company; Chris Jackson, President of Tracsis Rail Technology Solutions; Scott Spencer, Chief Operating Officer of AmeriStarRail; Uday Schultz and Ian Martin from New York City Transit; and James Bonner, President of the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway Corporation.
Drawing on perspectives from terminals, commuter and subway services, freight operations, technology and future service development, speakers shared experience and insight from across the New York region and wider North American rail landscape.
Exploring Capacity Beyond Infrastructure
Throughout the day, discussion highlighted the many different factors that shape rail capacity. Speakers explored the role of planning, operational decision making, data, technology, maintenance, customer demand, network design and service delivery in helping railways move people and goods more effectively.
The breadth of discussion reflected the complexity of capacity as a theme. It also reinforced the value of bringing different parts of the rail ecosystem together, from passenger operations and urban transit to freight, technology and infrastructure.
Building a Global Forum for Rail Expertise
A particular strength of the event was the range of professional perspectives represented in the room. Delegates had the opportunity to hear from industry leaders, connect with fellow professionals and take part in discussions that will help shape future Global Rail Group activity.
As the first in person event delivered under the CILT Global Rail Group banner, the conference helped establish an important foundation for future engagement. It also showed the potential of the group to support knowledge exchange across regions, sectors and specialisms.
Thank You to Our Speakers and Sponsors
CILT Global Rail Group and CILT North America would like to thank all speakers, delegates and sponsors for supporting the event and helping to make the day a success.
Special thanks go to Network Rail Consulting, whose support was instrumental to the success of the event, as well as Tracsis, Railroad Weekly, AmeriStarRail, Hatch and the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railway Corporation for their valued support.
Looking Ahead
The New York Rail Capacity Conference is an important first step in a wider programme of Global Rail Group activity.
Further events, discussions and opportunities to contribute will follow, both online and in person, as the group continues to grow its international community and create space for rail professionals to share expertise, explore common challenges and strengthen global collaboration.
Members are encouraged to stay tuned for future Global Rail Group updates and upcoming events.
Explore the Global Rail Group
The CILT Global Rail Group is open to rail professionals with an interest in sharing expertise, building international connections and contributing to discussions shaping the future of rail.
To find out more about the group, explore its latest activity and apply to join, visit the Global Rail Group page.
