Nearly 300 professionals from freight and passenger railroads, industry suppliers and consultants, universities, and research organizations gathered in Pueblo, Colo., earlier this month for the Third Annual TTC Conference & Tour, reported host ENSCO, Inc., which has operated the Federal Railroad Administration’s Transportation Technology Center (TTC) since October 2022.
The two-day event allowed industry stakeholders to access the TTC research and testing campus, offering 50 miles of test tracks (inclusive of catenary and third-rail electrified track, with vehicle test speeds of up to 165 mph) and the Center for Critical Infrastructure Protection. They took part in behind-the-scenes tours, technical demonstrations, and peer collaboration, according to ENSCO. Railway Age was a media partner.
The event opened Oct. 7 at the Pueblo Convention Center, where attendees heard from key transportation executives; Eric Gebhardt, Chief Technology Officer of Wabtec, served as the keynote speaker. Technical presentations were delivered by experts from across the rail industry and academia, covering topics such as hybrid propulsion, energy management, derailment detection, and digital twins, according to ENSCO. (Due to the federal government shutdown, it noted, federal agency personnel were unable to attend.)
Day two, held on the TTC site, featured a tour of the facility’s rail research and testing assets. “Interactive tour stops showcased systems for track inspection, grade crossing safety, fiber optic sensing, and more, culminating in a live derailment demonstration that highlighted rapid response and data collection capabilities in a controlled environment,” ENSCO said.
“The TTC plays a critical and enduring role in shaping the future of rail transportation by conducting research and testing that prevents safety or security incidents, informs regulatory progress, proves the latest industry technology advancements, and develops the railway workforce,” ENSCO President Jeff Stevens said. “ENSCO was proud to host the TTC Conference & Tour, an outstanding forum for technical collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive the continued advancement of America’s rail systems.”
“We are extremely pleased with the growth of this event year over year, both in size and in the diversity of participants,” added Acacia Reber, Head of Brand Strategy and Engagement at ENSCO. “The TTC has always been the world’s largest, most secure rail testing site and a hub for innovation, and this conference builds on that legacy by bringing suppliers, railroads, transit, government partners, and researchers together in one place. Our intention is to continually expand the program and demonstrations, so the industry sees real value in what happens here.”
The 2026 event is scheduled for Oct. 20-21. For more information, contact Acacia Reber at reber.acacia@ensco.com.
