A working session to discuss and debate strategies and actions to achieve integration of the rail system through convergence of standards.

Railway standardisation is a prime opportunity to improve quality and safety, introduce new services, and reduce cost in the rail sector.

Railway standardisation is a prime opportunity to improve quality and safety, introduce new services, and reduce cost in the rail sector.

This event brings together the different families of stakeholders within the sector – railway operating companies, manufacturers, global standardisation organisations, research centres, institutions and associations.

Following a high-level keynote opening speeches, four sessions with a number of presentations will develop a logical path through the tactical and strategic approach to standardisation in the years to come.

In particular, among others, the following items will be discussed:

• the strengths of standardisation organisations as offering major potential for the new challenges faced by the rail system,
• common standardisation methods for passenger and freight services,
• cooperation and interfacing between manufacturers and railway operating companies,
• technical developments as inputs for railway standardisation.

The concept of progressive integration is the leitmotif around which collaborative working will take place, and the conference will offer wide-ranging opportunities for lively discussion of participants’ contributions.