The Permanent Way Institution (PWI) becomes the Railway Engineering Institution(RailEI)

Image credit: Website - The PWI

The Permanent Way Institution, a UKTram member organisation with an established corporate membership relationship with UKTram, has announced a formal change to its name. The update reflects the Institution’s evolving role within the rail engineering profession and its continued engagement across the wider transport sector.

The Permanent Way Institution (Incorporated) has formally changed its name to the Railway Engineering Institution (Incorporated), PWI becoming RailEI. This milestone marks an important evolution for the Institution, reflecting both the breadth of railway engineering disciplines it supports and its role as a modern, inclusive Professional Engineering Institution licensed by the UK Engineering Council.

The new name builds on the Institution’s 140-year-plus heritage while more clearly expressing its purpose today: to serve and support everyone involved in railway engineering across many disciplines and all career stages.

The term “Permanent Way”, while deeply rooted in the Institution’s history, is now widely understood as referring solely to track. RailEI better reflects the Institution’s remit across the whole railway system.

The change follows a multi-year programme of engagement with Members, Corporate Members and wider industry stakeholders, alongside the development of a renewed Vision, Mission, and Values. A formal Member poll was held in line with legal and internal governance requirements, with the required majority supporting the change.

Stephen Barber, Chief Executive of RailEI, added:

“All existing memberships, corporate membership arrangements, professional registration pathways and services remain unchanged. Under its new name, the Institution will continue to deliver professional development, technical education, seminars, other events, and publications - and to collaborate with other industry bodies. A phased update to branding and communications is underway, with further engagement planned through 2026.

The Railway Engineering Institution will continue the work and values established by the Permanent Way Institution, remaining rooted in its heritage while focused on supporting the future of railway engineering.”

As a UKTram member and corporate partner, RailEI continues to work alongside the light rail and wider transport community to support skills development, professional standards and cross-sector collaboration.