ABA anticipates successful, informative convention as part of Railway Interchange 2015

As we prepare for the 107th gathering of the Air Brake Association (ABA), I am excited by the promise of a successful and informative convention in conjunction with the Railway Interchange 2015. Along with our Board of Directors and fellow members of the Combined Mechanical Associations (CMA), I look forward to welcoming you during our Technical Program Sessions.

From its inception in 1893, the mission of the ABA has been to enlighten, educate, and establish a dialog to advance the safety and, ultimately, the success of the rail industry. The forum provided by the ABA has allowed for the dissemination of knowledge that has proven to play an integral part in the development of technology throughout the history of the rail industry.

The technical presentations provide the industry with a platform to not only discuss pertinent issues but to offer innovative solutions, and this year is no exception. Our program in Minneapolis includes papers discussing important industry initiatives such as Asset Health Strategic Initiative, Automated Single Car Testing Rule Waiver, New Rules for Tank Car Equipment Applications, Mechanical Training Compliance and Enhanced Braking Technologies. An update on the 90 CFM waiver for operating trains with multiple air sources will also be presented.

The combined conference and exhibits of RSI, REMSA, RSSI, AREMA, and the CMA organizations offers our membership the opportunity to connect with colleagues from multiple industry segments. As our industry engages in new, multi-faceted technologies, such as Positive Train Control, the timing couldn’t be better to come together to network and interact with technical experts across a broad range of disciplines.

We welcome the opportunity to share our program with our membership and prospective members. For more information on the Air Brake Association and for our complete Technical Program Schedule please visit our website at www.airbrakeassociation.org.

I hope to see you in Minneapolis.

Karen Carriere
President, Air Brake Association
Regional Vice President – Sales, Wabtec Corporation