Rail transit project management and systems integration expert Manan Garg, Executive Director, Capitol Projects Planning & Delivery, Sound Transit, has joined the agenda at Next-Gen Rail Systems, the communications, signaling and advanced technology conference presented by Railway Age, and formerly known as Next-Gen Train Control.
Manan’s presentation focuses on Sound Transit’s CBTC program. He will also participate in the Agency Roundtable Discussion. “I’m looking forward to connecting with everyone, sharing insights from Sound Transit’s expanding rail program, and learning from peers tackling similar opportunities and challenges across the country,” he says.
Meet Manan Garg
Manan Garg joined Sound Transit from Austin, Texas, where he served as Senior Director Design & Construction for Austin Transit Partnership’s Orange Line, and more recently as Senior Vice President, Delivery and Construction for Austin Light Rail. Manan’s responsibilities have included leading the development of the project delivery plan for ATP’s $5-$7 billion light rail program. His work in Austin demonstrates a deep commitment to innovation: in technology, procurement and contracting methods, and business process. Manan previously managed BART’s Office of Transit System Development in the Bay Area, focusing on Silicon Valley extension projects, contract administration, project finance, and vehicle procurement. Before that, he played a key leadership role at MTA Capital Construction, contributing to the delivery of New York’s Second Ave Subway, overseeing real estate acquisition, design, construction, systems integration and stakeholder management. Manan’s experience in managing mega projects across the complete life cycle—from initial option studies at the feasibility level through preliminary and detailed design, to construction, testing and commissioning through safety certification, make him an invaluable partner and leader as he collaboratively leads projects and programs to the next level of excellence. Manan leads the Tacoma Dome Link Extension, Everett Link Extension, Stride BRT, and future Link Extension teams at Sound Transit.
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 new 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.”
In addition to Manan Garg, 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; Brad Cummins, Austin Transit Partnership; 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 includes 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.
