Over 1,000 members of the rail industry will tune in to the AusRAIL Live & On Demand platform as the annual industry conference begins today.
Presented in a new, digital format due to COVID-19, the event has expanded with three days of insights and networking opportunities in 2020.
Hosted by the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), the event will include a review of the year that was as well as the technological innovations that are coming to ensure the rail industry keeps Australia and New Zealand moving.
“This has been a year we just didn’t see coming, and the rail industry has been a critical part of keeping the nation moving through it all,” Wilkie said.
“We are looking forward to bringing the industry together to discuss the innovation, new ways of working and huge amount of development that has unfolded over the year.”
The online format has also allowed for a greater international presence with key-note speakers including:
- LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank,
- Crossrail Chief Executive Mark Wild,
- Transport for London Commissioner Andy Byford,
- MTR Corporation Chief Executive, Australian Business Terry Wong, and
- SYSTRA Project Director, Grand Paris Express Nicolas Massart.
As Australia’s own critical infrastructure projects continue, updates on the progress of Inland Rail, Sydney Metro, Metronet, and Cross River Rail will form part of the program.
“There is a great opportunity before us now to make the most of the current focus on infrastructure to create jobs and develop sustainable infrastructure that will connect our communities long into the future,” said Wilkie.
“AusRAIL brings together the rail industry to discuss how to make the best use of this moment to support the economy and the communities we serve.”
With a number of streams focused on all aspects of the rail industry, AusRAIL will be key to understanding where rail is headed after the disruptions of 2020.
AusRAIL Live & On Demand takes place online from 1-3 December. View the program here.