At the intersection of innovation, expertise, and passion lies Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal, a thought leader and changemaker transforming the rail industry. This year, we celebrate Gabriel being honored in the prestigious 2025 Railway Age Fast Trackers 25 Under 40. This recognition highlights professionals under 40 who are driving impactful change in their fields, and Gabriel’s achievements are a perfect testament to that.
Gabriel’s career spans 18 years in the transportation industry, blending his background in civil engineering, urban policy, and planning to address modern transportation challenges, ranging from streamlining procurement methods, focusing on performance-based investments, and educating operators about the true lifecycle costs of technology.
Gabriel is driven by a clear vision:
– Supporting rail operators in reimagining traditional technology procurement by prioritizing full lifecycle cost considerations.
– Advocating for updated industry standards that promote interoperability and sustainability.
– Highlighting the societal benefits of onboard mobile Internet connectivity, helping rail operators understand its importance to the communities served.
– Pioneering advancements like “The Digital Train” for safer, more efficient, and more connected transit systems.
Leaders like Gabriel inspire us to think bigger and tackle challenges with determination. His leadership style encourages high performance and challenges teams to push boundaries, making him an ideal figure to guide organizational transformation in an industry as dynamic as rail.
Gabriel’s tenure in the rail industry is marked by unparalleled contributions. Some of his most noteworthy accomplishments include:
– Modernization of Onboard Technologies: Gabriel led a landmark project with a U.S. intercity rail operator to modernize onboard technologies, delivering immediate value to passengers and setting new standards for user experience.
– Revolutionizing Connectivity: Under his leadership, Ontario Northland’s Polar Bear Express launched as North America’s first fully digital train, integrating SpaceX’s Starlink to provide reliable connectivity in a remote and challenging region—a groundbreaking achievement in bridging the digital divide for communities.
– Driving Seamless Rail Connectivity in Canada: Gabriel successfully completed VIA Rail’s critical Starlink data collection initiative, paving the way for the next era of reliable, seamless Internet connectivity across Canada’s rail networks.
– Leadership at Icomera: Appointed as President of Icomera’s North America region in 2022, Gabriel oversees a team of 40 professionals, spearheading efforts to enhance transit, intercity, and commuter rail services. His innovative procurement strategies, like the partnership with Insight Public Sector and SunRail, demonstrate his ability to foster collaboration, maximize efficiency, and minimize costs.
Beyond these achievements, Gabriel serves as an active Board Member of the Commuter Rail Coalition and contributes to the American Public Transportation Association’s committees around workforce development, research and technology.
