For centuries, railway systems have been imperative to the transcontinental transportation of goods and products. Even as other forms of transportation have continued to evolve and advance, railways remain a major form of transport in the United States and other countries. As the importance of railways continues, it’s essential to ensure railway maintenance, communication, and signals continue to advance and grow. This year, the Railway Systems Suppliers Inc. (RSSI) and the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) will join for a two-day exhibition. Professionals and leaders from across the industry will join the network and discuss the latest technology developments.
Railway Systems and RSSI’s Continued Importance in the Modern World
Since the early 19th century, railroads have been an integral part of transportation in the United States. Regional railroads began popping up in the Easter side of the nation before the first transcontinental railroad was built during the American Civil War. “The United States has the largest rail transport network of any country in the world, about 160,000 miles.” Currently, freight railroads continue to play a major role in the U.S. economy, transporting over 25% of the nations freight. Additionally, passenger railroads play a key role in intercity travel and within major cities.
Even as technology and other forms of transportation have advanced over the years, railroads are still an essential mode of transport for goods and services. With such an expansive network of railways crisscrossing the United States, communication and signal networks and technology became imperative to the safety and efficiency of the railroad industry. To further serve the railroad industry, trade organizations were created to serve the communication and signal segment of the rail transportation industry in the early 20th century.
By 1966, the Railway Signal and Communication Suppliers Association Inc as two separate entities for signal and communication. In 1972, these organizations were combined to form the Railway Systems Suppliers, Inc. (RSSI). “The governing body of the RSSI is made up of fifteen directors from fifteen member companies and meets two times a year.” Continuously growing over the last few decades, the RSSI currently has 280 member companies representing various segments of communications and signals in the rail transportation industry.
Attend The 2024 RSSI and REMSA Exhibition
This year, for the first time, RSSI will be partnering with the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) for the show. Created in 1965 by the merger of the Association of Track and Structure Suppliers and the National Railway Appliances Association, “REMSA represents companies and individuals who manufacture or sell maintenance-of-way equipment, products, and services, or are engineers, contractors and consultants working in construction and/or maintenance of railroad transportation facilities.”
“For sixty-two years, REMSA and RSSI has established itself as the premier show in the rail and rail transit, communication, and signal industry.” Each year the organizations exhibitors, railroad attendees, and board members gather to show case the latest in railway signal, communication technology, and maintenance of way equipment. This year’s event will be taking place on July 9-10, 2024, at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Over 2,500 professionals representing various facets of the rail industry will be gathering for the event.
On Tuesday, July 9 the convention kicks off with coffee and a continental breakfast before opening with a keynote speaker, Paul Duncan the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Norfolk Southern. Exhibits will then be open from 10:00am – 4:30pm. “This will be an exclusive evening of networking, along with dinner, drinks, mock horse racing and more!” Then, you don’t want to miss the joint REMSA and RSSI Social Event at Churchill Downs from 6:00pm-9:00pm. On Wednesday, July 10, exhibits will be open all day from 8:00am-4:00pm when the convention concludes. Throughout the event, exhibiting companies will hold product presentations in the innovation theater in addition to meeting with customers and industry representatives at designated booths.
Dragonfly Energy Presents Ground Mount Industrial Solar for Railway Crossings
Exhibitors at the convention will be split up between REMSA and RSSI. REMSA exhibitors will cover all things related to Maintenance of Way Equipment. This includes any track and rail maintenance equipment, machinery, tools, and monitoring software. RSSI exhibitors will cover all aspects of railway communication systems. These will range from communication and signaling (C&S) design and installation, signal systems, information technology, crossing components, and power systems.
At this year’s convention, Dragonfly Energy’s technical specialists will be exhibiting our innovative industrial solar technology. Using off grid solar and batteries to power remote industrial applications has become essential in recent years as companies look for more innovative methods of delivering power to their equipment and delivering power for remote locations. As a key part of RSSI and C&S design and installation, this technology can play an integral role in enhancing the safety and reliability of railway crossings and signals. In booth #1254, we’ll be displaying our industrial solar boxes and discussing how they employ lithium-ion battery technology and solar panels to power railway crossings.
Dragonfly Energy Ground Mount Solar Systems are a series of remote power packages designed to provide a reliable source of 24/7 power for any application. Offering industrial and battery back-up power to applications, our proprietary sizing and design software and team of experts is here to ensure continuous power to railway crossings. The ability for railway crossing systems to remain up and running cannot be understated. They are imperative to the safety of railway engineers, employees, the public, and any goods or individuals being transported.
Don’t Miss The 2024 RSSI and REMSA Exhibition
If you or your company is a member of any segment of the railway transportation industry, the 2024 REMSA and RSSI Exhibition offers essential networking and education opportunities. Bringing together professionals and industry leaders from across the industry, this event will be an incredible opportunity to learn about the latest railway innovation and technology.
Check out the REMSA and RSSI websites to learn more about these organizations and their distinct but integrated roles in the railway industry. Then head to the 2024 REMSA and RSSI Exhibition website to register to attend, find housing, check out the list of exhibitors and explore the floor plan for the show. Once you’ve registered, be sure to stop by boot #1254 to chat with our technical specialists and learn more about the applications for ground mount solar for railway crossings.
As the world continues to grow and evolve, the importance of railways to the national and global economy remains the same. New technology that creates more efficiency, greater safety, and enhanced sustainability will ensure the railway industry will continue to flourish for decades to come.
