Alstom to sponsor Pullman Railroad Days 2026 in Chicago

Pullman Railroad Days 2026 takes place July 25-26, an opportunity for the public to explore Pullman National Historical Park

The event celebrates 100 years of Illinois Central Railroad Suburban Service electrification (Metra Electric today) and Pullman’s role in building the “modern” 1926 electrified commuter cars. Partnership highlights link between historic rail innovation and the future of mobility in the United States.

Alstom, a leader in smart and sustainable mobility, will serve as the presenting sponsor of Pullman Railroad Days, taking place July 25–26, 2026 at Pullman National Historical Park in Chicago. The annual event is expected to draw rail enthusiasts, families and visitors from across the region, celebrating the rich heritage of rail innovation while connecting it to the future of sustainable transportation.

As a successor to Pullman’s pioneering rail manufacturing legacy, Alstom continues to advance the industry through modern, energy-efficient rail solutions, including building the next generation of Metra commuter cars for the Chicago region, made with union labor. This sponsorship reflects the company’s commitment to American manufacturing and continuing to invest in a new generation of rail innovation and talent.

“Pullman helped shape the history of rail transportation in America, and Alstom is proud to carry that legacy forward,” said Dani Simons, Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs, Alstom Americas. “We are proud to support Pullman’s Railroad Days, celebrating the American ingenuity and grit that built the rail industry in the United States, all while showcasing to this generation the exciting future that this industry is building today.”

“Alstom is a natural partner in the stewardship of Pullman National Historical Park,” said Peggy Parfenoff, Executive Director of the Friends of Pullman National Historical Park. “This partnership connects Pullman’s historic legacy with the future of rail innovation and helps us continue building a world-class destination that celebrates transportation history and community.”

Celebrating heritage and innovation

The 2026 Pullman Railroad Days celebration coincides with the 100th anniversary of the electrification of the Illinois Central Railroad Suburban Service in Chicago – Metra Electric today— an important milestone in the city’s transportation history. The event will feature the original 1926 Pullman-built electrified commuter cars that inaugurated this new, “modern” service and became the standard for lightweight commuter cars for the nation. Visitors will also enjoy guided experiences through Pullman National Historical Park and the surrounding neighborhood, and family-friendly programming focused on rail innovation past and present.

Through its partnership with the Friends of Pullman National Historical Park, Alstom supports ongoing efforts to make Pullman a world-class destination that highlights the social, industrial and technological history of rail in the United States. As part of its sponsorship, employees from Alstom’s Naperville, Illinois site will also volunteer at the Railroad Days event.

Connecting generations through rail

By sponsoring Pullman Railroad Days, Alstom aims to foster greater awareness of how the rail industry creates economic opportunities through both direct and indirect jobs, and how rail projects unlock long-term opportunities by creating accessible, affordable connections between communities. The event provides an opportunity for visitors to engage with both the legacy and the future of rail—highlighting how innovation continues to improve reliability, reduce emissions and enhance passenger experience.

As a leading rolling stock and rail services provider in the U.S., Alstom has delivered more than 12,000 new or renovated vehicles for domestic rail agencies including those in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and New Jersey. Alstom is the number one private rail operator in the country, serving more than 10 rail and airport customers and moving millions of passengers daily.