The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has strengthened its international affiliate network with the addition of four organisations from the Middle East, North America, Africa and Europe, reinforcing its growing role in promoting collaboration across the global rail industry.
Etihad Rail, Metrolinx, South Africa’s Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) and Ireland’s Railway Accident Investigation Unit (RAIU) have all joined RSSB’s affiliate community, which now includes more than 25 international organisations.
RSSB said the latest additions reflect the increasing importance of international collaboration in tackling shared challenges around railway safety, performance and sustainability.
Four new international affiliates
The new members bring expertise from a range of rail systems and regulatory environments.
Etihad Rail, which is responsible for developing and operating the United Arab Emirates’ national railway network, joins as the country’s network continues to expand as part of the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rail programme.
Canadian transport agency Metrolinx also joins the network. The organisation is overseeing the largest transport investment programme in Ontario’s history while operating GO Transit, UP Express and the PRESTO integrated ticketing system.
South Africa’s Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) brings regulatory expertise, overseeing railway safety standards and compliance across the country’s rail sector.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s Railway Accident Investigation Unit (RAIU) contributes specialist knowledge in independent accident investigation, with responsibility for identifying the causes of rail incidents and making recommendations to improve safety.
Sharing expertise across borders
RSSB said international affiliation provides access to its research, standards, training, consultancy services and technical expertise, enabling organisations to collaborate on common operational and strategic challenges.
The organisation works with affiliates on areas including operational efficiency, risk management, accident investigation, non-technical skills and human factors, helping members strengthen their health, safety and sustainability strategies.
Supporting a more connected railway industry
As railways become increasingly interconnected through advances in technology, digital systems and international best practice, RSSB says collaboration across borders is becoming more important than ever.
By bringing together infrastructure managers, operators, regulators and investigation bodies from around the world, the affiliate network aims to encourage the exchange of knowledge and innovation, supporting safer, more efficient and more resilient transport systems globally.
Find out more about RSSB affiliation. To discuss becoming an affiliate, contact Membership Development Managers, Sunny Rana at Sunny.Rana@RSSB.CO.UK or Ian Swain at Ian.Swain@RSSB.CO.UK.
