Track circuits are legacy (“old” or “traditional”) technology—or are they? That’s a topic to be explored at Next-Gen Rail Systems, the communications, signaling and advanced technology conference presented by Railway Age, and formerly known as Next-Gen Train Control. Craig Daniels, Vice President, Business Development at conference sponsor KB Signaling, will explore why “even though track circuits have a long history, they provide much more than just train detection.”
“KB Signaling’s audio frequency track circuits provide modern, digital technology while maintaining compatibility with existing systems,” Daniels explains. “This is a next-generation technology that expands what track circuits can do. Multiple railways in the U.S. are live with this new technology; they appreciate gaining new capabilities without a complete overhaul to their train control. In most markets, a fixed-block signaling system offers similar design headways compared to moving-block; the constraints that drive operational headways up are most often external to the train control system. Our electronic coded DC track circuits are the standard for the freight market and continue to gain more intelligence. For example, our ElectroCode 6 track circuit allows true date transmission over the rails. Our Wayside Intelligence platform can monitor rail temperature and provide advanced diagnostics to crossings. We’re developing software to detect rail buckles and ballast washouts, among other developments.”
KB (Knorr-Bremse) Signaling, which acquired the legacy products of Alstom Signaling in 2024, traces its roots to General Railway Signal (GRS), established in 1904 with the merger of three companies: Pneumatic Signal Company of Rochester, N.Y.; Taylor Signal Co. of Buffalo, N.Y., and Standard Railroad Signal Company of Arlington, N.J. In 1923, GRS acquired Federal Signal Company of Albany, N.Y. GRS was one of the 30 stocks when the Dow Jones Industrial Average was expanded from a 20-stock average on October 1, 1928. In 1965, General Signal Corporation (GSX) was created with the intent to diversify into areas other than railway signaling. GRS was a wholly owned subsidiary of GSX. In 1989, GRS was acquired by the Italian company Sasib and joined the Sasib Railways group. In 1998, it became part of Alstom, when Alstom acquired Sasib Railways. In 2024, KB Signaling was acquired from Alstom, including the unit’s complete North American conventional signaling portfolio, sales, service and manufacturing operations. It joined the freight and transit groups to round out Knorr-Bremse’s rail business units in North America.
PATH Technology Tour
This year’s conference offers a bonus for attendees: A special tour hosted by PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) spotlighting advanced technology the agency is developing and deploying on its 72 new Kawasaki railcars, fare collection systems and other customer interfaces. The tour, available on a first-come, first-served basis, occurs Oct. 29. Stay tuned for details.
“Next-Gen Rail Systems expands the focus of Next-Gen Train Control, the communications, signaling, and advanced technology conference presented by Railway Age since 1995,” saysEditor-in-Chief William C. Vantuono. “The new name reflects the evolving state of rail technology. Over the years, rapid technological developments such as AI (artificial intelligence), deep data analysis, machine learning, cybersecurity and telematics have transformed train control to become just one element of a complex, integrated platform. That’s why we’ve expanded the program to encompass the entire system. Sessions will examine how signaling and train control is constantly undergoing improvements and enhancements that deliver better safety, functionality, interoperability, versatility, and reliability, at lower life-cycle costs.
“Next-Gen Rail Systems is an essential gathering for all those involved in the growing rail systems market—whether your focus is transit, main line passenger, or freight. We are proud to present a rebranded, expanded event that features the same in-depth technical sessions and comprehensive project updates that attendees have come to expect. This conference, since its inception, has always been a ‘must attend’ event.”
Among the leading experts in the NGRS lineup are keynote speaker Tom Prendergast, CEO of Gateway Development Commission; Kris Kolluri, President and CEO of New Jersey Transit; Mario Peloquin, President and CEO of VIA Rail Canada, Andy Byford, Senior Vice President and Senior Board of Directors Advisor, Penn Station New York; Dustin K. Lange, P.E., Senior Director of Engineering, Norfolk Southern, Mark Salsberg, Co-Principal of WDG Consulting; Michael Godfrey, Co-Principal and Chief Technology Officer, WGD Consulting; Matthew Kim, Assistant Vice President Enterprise Strategy, Canadian Pacific Kansas City; Wilson Milian, P.E., President and CEO of Milian Consultants, LLC; Pete Tomlin, Independent Consultant, Jonathan Kirby, Senior Director, NJT PTC, New Jersey Transit; Clarelle DeGraffe, General Manager, PATH; Steven Vant, Chief Signal Engineer, Conrail, Mike Palmer, Senior Project Manager, Parsons; Brian Yeager, Director Advanced Technology & Train Reliability, Norfolk Southern; Yousef Kimiagar, Vice President, Institution of Railway Signal Engineers; and Catherine Campbell-Wilson, Principal, StrategyFive.
Register now for Next-Gen Rail Systems, to be held Oct. 30-31, 2025, in Jersey City, N.J.
Railway Age conferences are known for providing valuable opportunities: networking with professionals from around the world; learning about innovative approaches to implementing advanced technologies; discovering new methods for procurement and contracting; providing input on standards development; becoming better-informed about ongoing and planned projects; and discovering what regulations are coming and how they could impact business.
Supporting Organizations
Industry support for Next-Gen Rail Systems is strong, including sponsorships from: 4AI Systems, Alstom, CSA – Critical Systems Analysis, Druid Software, Hitachi Rail, HNTB, KB Signaling, Milian Consultants, LLC., Parsons, Piper, SATS, and Siemens Mobility. To inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jonathan Chalon at jchalon@sbpub.com or (212) 620-7224.
