MxV Rail and the UK’s Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to advance rail technology and innovation worldwide.

The agreement will enable the two organisations to collaborate and share technical expertise relating to design and engineering, commercial planning, procurement processes, safety requirements and operational best practice.

MxV Rail (formerly TTCI) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads established to support the development and deployment of innovative technologies in the rail industry. The Pueblo, Colorado-based company has a team of more than 300 rail specialists dedicated to improving the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the railroad industry.

Late last year, MxV Rail announced its transition to a new, independent, multi-campus operation in Pueblo, on schedule to be fully functional in October 2022. The new on-track test facility will serve as the epicenter for MxV Rail’s globally renowned research, testing, and training services and will feature the only high-tonnage infrastructure test bed in the world. The high tonnage loop will support a vast array of freight and passenger rail programs including Association of American Railroads (AAR) M-976 truck testing, performance testing for new rail technologies, and qualification testing for rolling stock. The new location will also house a reimagined Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC), the organisation’s fully immersive hazmat response training facility.

 “This is an exciting opportunity for both organizations to grow railway research globally,”

said MxV Rail President & CEO, Kari Gonzales.

 “After visiting the expansive facility in South Wales, we look forward to supporting GCRE in their efforts to advance rail research in the UK.”

 Simon Jones, Chief Executive of GCRE said:

 “We share a common ambition to support clients in the global rail industry through the development and operation of purpose-built railway testing centres. Our collaboration will enable these clients to accelerate innovation and improve their own customer’s experience, reduce costs and accelerate decarbonisation.

“This isn’t an exclusive agreement, but it signals our intention to work together in to exchange information, compare knowledge and support our clients with access to our facilities and expertise. It’s a really important step forward for the development of GCRE, and our own high tonnage infrastructure test loop — we’re delighted to have the support of the MxV Rail team.”

GCRE was established by the Welsh Government as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in 2021 with an initial commitment of £50 million. The UK Government is expected to confirm a further £10 million for research and development along with capital funding of £20 million. An investment prospectus to attract private funding for the project is also in development ready for launch in the autumn of 2022.