Montreal, 13 September 2025 – Rail leaders from across North America convened in Montreal this week for the 11th North America Regional Assembly (NARA) of the UIC, hosted at Montréal Central Station. The two-day hybrid event brought together senior executives and technical experts to discuss the future of rail in the region, with a strong focus on innovation, standardisation and workforce development.
The Assembly was opened by newly elected NARA Chair, Mario Péloquin, who emphasised the importance of international collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the rail sector. “No matter the topic, it all comes back to one thing: people and talent,” he said.
A key highlight of the meeting was the unanimous election of Ian Choudri, CEO of the California High-Speed Rail Authority, as the new Vice-Chair of NARA. Choudri pledged to strengthen ties between UIC and North American high-speed rail projects, particularly with regard to aligning standards and accelerating innovation.
UIC Director General François Davenne presented the organisation’s 2026–2028 Draft Work Programme, which prioritises global standardisation, carbon finance advocacy and the development of new technologies, such as 5G-based rail communications and integrated ticketing systems. “We want to facilitate, foster and inspire innovation across all regions,” Davenne said.
The Assembly also welcomed ALTO, Canada’s new high-speed rail development agency, as a member. CEO Martin Imbleau outlined ALTO’s ambitious plan to build a 1,000-kilometre high-speed corridor between Toronto and Quebec City, calling it “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Canadian mobility.”
A dedicated knowledge-sharing roundtable held on 12 September was focused on attracting and developing rail talent and led by UIC HR Deputy Director, Meryem Belhaj-Clot and Talent Platform Chair, Miguel Viana (IP, Portugal). They presented the UIC Talent Platform’s initiatives, including the international mentoring programme and talent website, and highlighted the importance of cross-company mentoring and diversity in STEM.
Presentations from Amtrak, VIA Rail, FRA, California High-Speed Rail and others showcased innovative approaches to recruitment, training and leadership development. Michele Malski, founder of SPRING, highlighted the need to modernise recruitment language and promote rail careers to younger generations.
The Assembly also advanced discussions on safety, launching a regional task force to explore data sharing and safety culture. UIC encouraged North American members to engage in its global standardisation and research platforms, particularly as new high-speed and electrified rail systems emerge across the continent.
Participants also had the opportunity to experience innovation in action through a series of technical visits. A live drone demonstration organised by Transport Canada’s Innovation Centre showcased the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for bridge inspections – demonstrating the potential of new technologies to improve safety and efficiency in rail infrastructure maintenance. The Group visited the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS Montréal), where students and researchers presented cutting-edge rail research and technology, highlighting the next generation of rail talent and innovation. It was agreed that there is a lot of potential for closer links between the rail sector and the world of academia.
The day concluded with an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to Montreal’s Réseau express métropolitain (REM), one of the largest automated light rail systems in the world. Hosted by CDPQ Infra, the tour included a presentation on the REM’s development, construction challenges and operational model, followed by a ride on the newly opened South Shore segment. Participants explored the system’s control centre and learned about its fully automated, driverless technology and its integration within Montreal’s broader transit network.
With a renewed focus on collaboration, innovation and talent, the 11th NARA meeting marked a significant step forward in shaping the future of rail in North America.
Authority CEO presents California’s high-speed rail project to international audience
Authority CEO Ian Choudri thanked the UIC North American Regional Assembly (NARA) for electing him to serve as the new Vice Chair of NARA and as a representative on the UIC Executive Board for a period of two years. His tenure starts now. Ian will serve alongside Mario Peloquin, CEO of the Canadian passenger rail operator, VIA Rail, representing the North American Region on the UIC Executive Board and at the General Assembly.
“I thank UIC and NARA for this opportunity to represent California’s high-speed rail project on the international stage and help usher in a new era of transportation here in North America,” said CEO Choudri. He added: “California is leading the way by delivering the first true high-speed rail project in North American, and I look forward to working with UIC and NARA to continue this progress.”
High-speed rail progress
Work is continuing daily on the high-speed rail project, with 171 miles currently under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield. Nearly 70 miles of guideway are complete, along with 58 fully completed structures, and an additional 29 more structures are underway across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.
The project continues to advance statewide, with 463 miles of the 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system fully environmentally cleared and construction ready.
Since construction began, the project has created more than 15,800 well-paid jobs, most filled by Central Valley residents. Up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day.
