UIC was invited to take part in the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual meeting at the end of January in Washington, attended by around 12000 delegates.

These conferences address all issues related to the various modes of transport and their development in the USA. It is interesting to note that several conferences this year have addressed rail-related topics and the development of high speed in the United States. It is in this context that Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, UIC Director General, has been able to share the experience UIC has gathered in this area through its various members, who either operate existing high speed lines or are developing high speed projects elsewhere in the world.

On this occasion the conclusions of the world congress on high speed rail held in Beijing were of particular interest to participants in the TRB meetings. At the same time preliminary discussions took place, kicking off the preparatory work for the next world congress on high speed rail to be held in Washington in early July 2012.

UIC has established organising committees that will be led jointly with APTA and with the participation of others involved in the development of high speed. The UIC representatives were warmly welcomed by Congress and the New York State Senator, who are extremely interested in these projects taking place in the United States.

We might also note that on this occasion AMTRAK also confirmed its desire to rejoin UIC as a member. Welcome back on board.