UKTram mutual member RailEI unveils new brand identity

The Railway Engineering Institution (RailEI) has unveiled its new brand identity, marking the latest stage in the Institution’s evolution and building on more than 140 years of heritage as the Permanent Way Institution (PWI).

The launch follows several years of engagement with Members, employers and the wider industry about the future of the Institution. This included consultation around the move to the Railway Engineering Institution name, as well as Member input into the development of the new visual identity.

UKTram and RailEI established a mutual membership agreement last year, strengthening links between the two organisations and creating further opportunities to share knowledge, expertise and professional development opportunities across the light rail and railway engineering communities.

The new RailEI identity has been developed with input from its members and aims to provide a modern and accessible brand that reflects the breadth of the railway engineering community it represents today.

While looking to the future, the Institution will retain a clear connection with its history. A dedicated PWI heritage mark has been developed as part of the new identity and will be used where appropriate.

Stephen Barber, CEO of the Railway Engineering Institution, said:

“The launch of the RailEI brand opens a new and exciting phase in the Institution’s evolution – one which clearly signals our relevance to the wide realm of rail-borne transport in all its forms. “Our new branding clearly acknowledges over 140 years of invaluable PWI heritage which we are building on, continuing to bring more railway people together to share knowledge, develop competency and support railway engineering careers.”

RailEI provides its members with opportunities to share knowledge and develop professional competency through membership, professional registration, technical education and training, events and its network of Sections.

The mutual membership relationship with UKTram reflects shared interests in professional development, technical knowledge and strengthening connections between railway and light rail engineering, with the organisations continuing to identify opportunities to support their respective members.

RailEI’s new identity will be introduced across its website, communications, publications, events and education and training materials from September 2026.