The first session of the 50. Schienenfahrzeugtagung is dedicated to regional transport: new vehicles and initial experiences with alternative propulsion systems. The second session focuses on developments in the freight wagon sector, which is finally showing signs of movement after many years of stagnation. The third session deals with monitoring and maintenance, and the opportunities that the digitalisation add to this aspect of the rail vehicle industry. The fourth key focus for 2026 is on braking systems, ranging from air-free brakes to electromagnetic brakes, and including friction-induced vibrations in disc brakes. In the traditional wheel-rail block, the optimisation of the overall system is examined from a wide variety of aspects and perspectives. The second freight transport block discusses multiple traction, self-propelled freight wagons and derailment monitoring. The concluding block is dedicated to a wide range of digitalisation topics, from cybersecurity to the virtual testing of rail vehicles as part of the approval process.