In April 2024, JITTI USA and APTA co-hosted the “Rail Symposium 2024” in Washington, D.C., where participants discussed the social and economic value of forming intercity and intracity railway networks, as well as their contributions to urban attractiveness and resilience. As a result, the U.S. and Japan shared a common understanding that railways are an indispensable part of the economic infrastructure.

 

Since then, the economic importance of railways has been further underscored in both countries. Major projects are underway in the U.S., including those along the Northeast Corridor such as tunnel improvements, the introduction of new Acela trains, and the redevelopment of New York’s Penn Station. In addition, public transportation improvements are accelerating ahead of upcoming international events, such as the FIFA World Cup in the Summer of 2026 and the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics. Meanwhile, Congress has advanced discussions on a new federal surface transportation bill for the period beginning in October 2026, drawing attention to the importance of continued, stable and significant investment on public transportation and passenger rail.

 

In Japan, Takanawa Gateway City in the Tokyo area will have its grand opening on March 28, 2026, while in the Osaka area initiatives such as development of the Naniwasuji Line and redevelopment of Umekita (the Osaka Station North District) are also progressing. In addition, advancements have been made as a result of international events, such as multilingual support and accessibility measures introduced for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), and railway development for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Japanese rolling stock manufacturers are also entering the U.S. market, contributing to the U.S. rail infrastructure and the local economy through rolling stock supply and job creation, including the establishment of manufacturing facilities.

 

Railway investments are generating significant economic benefits and innovation in both countries, increasing efficient mobility options for all, improving the customer experience, and creating new business and job opportunities. Mega events are providing opportunities to accelerate these investments in and contribute to enhanced service quality as a lasting legacy.

 

The railway sector is therefore an important field for sharing expertise and deepening U.S.–Japan cooperation. Such cooperation will not only contribute to the continued development of the railway sector in both countries but also strengthen overall bilateral relations through deeper economic ties.

 

Based on the above, the 2026 symposium will invite government officials and railway operators from both the United States and Japan to discuss important future issues for both countries, such as expanding the economic ripple effects of railway investment and leveraging mega events to improve the rail customer experience.