DB E.C.O. North America

The Transportation Research Board (TRB) released its new report, The Future of Commuter Rail in North America, authored by Paul Lewis and Leo Shirky of DB E.C.O. North America. The report examines how commuter rail systems can adapt to post-pandemic travel patterns, shifting away from a downtown-focused model toward more flexible, regionally relevant service. With practical strategies for navigating market, service, and funding challenges, it provides a roadmap for agencies facing uncertain ridership and evolving commuter demand. As the authors of the report, DB E.C.O. North America is proud to serve as an expert on commuter rail strategy, planning, and transformation. https://lnkd.in/eh2HDNx8

Last week, our colleagues Thorsten Krenz and Thomas Meinl participated in the U.S. High-Speed Rail Conference in Washington D.C., engaging with industry leaders on the future of high-speed rail and the role German expertise can play in accelerating progress. A key focus this year: stations - the critical interface between cities and rail systems. As gateways to mobility and anchors of urban revitalization, stations are more than infrastructure. Thorsten presented Deutsche Bahn’s proven methodology for station improvement - one that strategically aligns asset conditions, investment priorities, and customer satisfaction to achieve maximum impact, even with limited resources. Learn more about our work: https://lnkd.in/eR7uPkV6

What happens when rail innovators from across Europe gather to talk IoT and Big Data? A shared vision emerges - one where data powers smarter, safer, and more efficient railways. At The Rise of IoT and Big Data in Rail conference last week in Cologne (Germany), one thing stood out: operators across Europe are tackling similar challenges and converging on bold, data-driven solutions - from predictive maintenance to real-time asset monitoring and AI-powered analytics. We were pleased to join the conversations and engage in fruitful discussions about the evolving role of data in shaping the railways of tomorrow. As a railway operator at our core, we’re focused on solutions that drive real-world impact, enhancing reliability, performance, and value across both fleet and infrastructure. At DB E.C.O. North America, we help bring Europe’s leading practices in digital asset management, data-driven maintenance, and infrastructure intelligence to public and private rail clients in North America. 📡 Curious how digitalization can move your operations forward? 🔗 Explore our services: https://lnkd.in/eAwsMTDg

Last week, our management consulting team hit the ground in Washington, D.C. for a high-energy gathering packed with learning, collaboration, and transit inspiration. Highlights: 👩🏻💻 Workshops & fresh ideas around rail and transportation 💡 New takes on transit innovation 🤝 Strengthening our shared understanding of client challenges and priorities Stronger collaboration and shared lessons learned = bigger impact for our clients and continued momentum in shaping the future of mobility. 👉 Curious to learn more about our work and career opportunities? Visit us at https://db-eco.us/en/.

Train stations are more than just transit points – they are dynamic gateways that shape cities, drive economic growth, and define the passenger experience. If you are curious how Deutsche Bahn in Germany transforms stations into integrated mobility hubs and vibrant public spaces, join DB E.C.O. North America for a six-day trip from September 7-12, 2025 to Germany. Attendees will participate in guided tours across Berlin, Leipzig, Stuttgart, and Munich complemented by expert presentations offering practical insights to improve station operations, elevate the passenger experience, and support sustainable station design and management. To learn more, please complete the survey and we will follow up with details - space is limited. https://lnkd.in/e4KPUiVQ

At last week’s University of California, Davis #TransitResearchSymposium in Davis, our colleague Mohamed Hegazi, PhD, Subject Matter Expert, presented on “Propulsion Beyond Diesel for Passenger Railways.” He outlined how passenger rail is well-suited for alternative propulsion, with available diesel replacements and strategies like system sizing and regenerative braking to increase efficiency. Mohamed concluded with an outlook on how passenger rail can strategically modernize propulsion systems by aligning technology, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability goals. Thank you to UC Davis for hosting an important and forward-looking event. We look forward to joining again next year!

The Intercity Express (ICE) 3neo, Deutsche Bahn’s newest high-speed train, introduces several upgrades to enhance passenger experience. The first train from the second procurement batch is now in service, featuring: • Baby/toddler seat in the universal restroom • Wireless smartphone charging in First Class • Oak wood décor and ambient floor lighting • Touchless restroom features for added hygiene Deutsche Bahn is expanding its fleet with a new ICE 3neo every three weeks - 14 more are expected by the end of this year. At DB E.C.O. North America, we bring Deutsche Bahn’s global rail expertise to the U.S., helping agencies design seamless, multimodal, and inclusive transit experiences to enhance the customer experience. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eW5AYiKu or reach out to start the conversation.

Meaningful conversations this week in Washington, D.C. on the future of rail—and the enduring partnership between Germany and the United States. As someone who grew up in Berlin, a city shaped by the historic contrast between liberation and occupation, I carry with me a deep appreciation for the role the United States played in securing freedom and opportunity for generations of Germans. That gratitude still resonates today. It’s a quiet point of pride that Germany can return that friendship in a small but concrete way—by sharing our expertise in passenger rail and working together on the challenges that lie ahead: making rail more efficient, more digital, and better for the next generation. Many thanks to Kyle Fields of the Federal Railroad Administration for the warm welcome and thoughtful exchange. We look forward to continuing this transatlantic dialogue—between allies, friends, and fellow builders of strong infrastructure.

On this #TransitEmployeeAppreciationDay, we recognize the dedicated professionals - from operators and maintenance crews to planners and engineers - who keep our transit systems running every day. Public transportation is more than just moving from A to B - it's the lifeline of cities, economies, and communities. Millions rely on buses, trains, and rail networks for jobs, education, and essential services. At DB E.C.O. North America, we are committed to supporting safe, efficient, and sustainable transit while working toward a future where public transportation is accessible and reliable. Learn more about our work: https://db-eco.us/en/

This week, our colleague Michael Weaver represented DB E.C.O. North America at the Southeast Rail Forum in Raleigh, North Carolina. He presented alongside Jeremy Latimer from Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) on VPRA's Performance Monitoring Program, which DB E.C.O. North America supports. The program’s success is driven by stakeholder engagement, trust, and a data-driven approach to setting performance improvement priorities. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute and we look forward to next year’s conference. Visit our website to learn more or contact us to start the conversation! https://lnkd.in/e-XAzgxY