RailTech.com, the business-to-business publication for stakeholders in the rail industry, is launching a membership model on 2 April 2024, after being an open website since 1997. With a RailTech Premium subscription, visitors can read all articles online and receive discounts on all RailTech events, including one of the most important rail exhibitions: RailTech Europe.

By going Premium, the publisher aims to ensure the quality and independence of the reporting and be an even better source of information for professionals in the rail infrastructure industry. “Independent news gathering is a fundamental pillar of our strategy,” says divisional director Rob Vos of ProMedia Group, the publisher of RailTech.com. “This requires continuous investment in editorial and products. Thanks to a subscription model, we have the opportunity to invest in the title, but also to give our members discounts at our events. This gives us the opportunity to create an even larger RailTech community.”

‘Good journalism is practiced by professionals’

Editor-in-Chief Jeroen Baldwin thinks the introduction of the paid subscription is a logical next step for RailTech. “Setting up a so-called ‘paywall’ on journalistic websites is becoming increasingly common”, he says. “And if you think about it, it makes perfect sense: good journalism is practiced by professionals. Thanks to their network and knowledge, they are able to provide the industry with the latest news and key background information every day. The best way to do that is from an independent position. And we achieve that by asking our readers to pay for this product.”

The introduction of the Premium membership follows an extensive free trial period, which was used to get visitors comfortable with reading all the important news in the rail infrastructure industry. “All those who have subscribed to the RailTech Newsletter will receive an email today with an offer to become a RailTech Premium Member,” says Baldwin. “And of course we invite everyone else to join our Premium community as well.”

Benefit from a membership discount

With a paid membership, visitors can read premium articles and receive discounts on industry events. “As a trade publication, you want to be the connection between all stakeholders in the industry”, Baldwin explains. “Organizing substantive events is part of that. Like Railtech Europe ‘24, which we organized on March 6th and 7th at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht. The next edition of Railtech Europe will take place in 2026, and already quite a few companies have let us know that they are keen to participate, since its resounding success in March. And… there are more events coming up, where members can benefit from a membership discount, such as our RailTech Belgium event next June.”

Would you like to join RailTech.com and get access to the latest industry insights? You can become a member via this link. If you have any questions on RailTech.com going Premium, check out our FAQ or send us an email.