Rail systems and technologies

As technical advisors, our rail systems engineers support our clients to undertake a forensic assessment of the entire rail system – from track, power, communications, signalling and control to rolling stock and the full spectrum of technologies available for any rail system. We then work through the entire rail lifecycle to identify and set the systemwide requirements, develop a feasible concept of operations, design tender and procurement requirements, develop systems assurance and integration processes and lead the testing and commissioning phase to bring new services into entry.

Our rail systems experts also work with clients to improve and transform existing services such as optimising track alignment to enhance train speed and reduce journey times on existing routes, digitising maintenance programmes to create efficiencies and enabling electrification to transition to net zero.

Wherever possible, we use digital technologies to support efficient programme delivery and enable better long-term decision-making. For example, to better assess how train drivers see and respond to in-cab signalling information we created the innovative Rail Signalling Visualisation Tool. The software can be tailored to represent any rail route and helps to refine costly signalling decisions much earlier in the design phase. 

Find out more about our work on the Transpennine Route Upgrade

By combining our deep domain expertise in rail systems with sustainability insights, we help translate high level carbon targets into practical, deliverable plans to meet compliance and safety needs.

With detailed awareness and knowledge of the regulatory requirements in our key markets, we help clients to develop rail standards and frameworks for the safe introduction of new low carbon technologies into passenger and freight networks.  In practical terms, this means we enable clients to make the shift to renewable energy across their network, supporting them throughout the strategy, design and implementation of complex electrification programmes.

Our rail, rolling stock and energy experts are also working on the phasing out of diesel trains, helping operators to switch to low-carbon alternatives that use renewable or zero emission energy sources, such as hydrogen, electricity, battery and hybrid or bi-mode fleet. 

Find out more about Hydrogen Train Scotland

Railways too still have enormous untapped opportunity to reap the benefits of digitisation, but knowing which technologies to invest in and how is still a major challenge. 

From renewable-power technologies to smart infrastructure powered by sensor-technologies and big data, we bring market insight, rail and technological expertise to help make sense of the options available. From here, we can help identify the right investment decision, strategy and implementation plan to generate the greatest whole-life return that’s right for your unique circumstances. 

Our teams support clients identify the best approach to improving whole life asset performance and cost at any stage of the railway lifecycle. Through asset condition monitoring and analysis we develop intelligent asset solutions aimed at extending asset life.

Learn more about our work with Network Rail

With the ever-growing need for smarter, energy-efficient, high-capacity trains that provide the comfort and access customers expect, it’s essential to understand the trade-offs and apply creative approaches to design to achieve success. Given the stringent compliance environment with evolving requirements and regulations, we help clients to navigate the many relevant issues and invest with confidence.

From initial specification and procurement through to design, operations and maintenance, our rolling stock experts support buyers and manufacturers at any stage of a train’s life. Our services include interface management, vehicle engineering, project management, due diligence, systems and engineering assurance, operations and maintenance requirements and design. 

We also help our clients get their business future-ready. This includes analysis of future market trends, including emerging technologies and innovations that will impact train development in the longer-term horizon or transitioning to greener power sources.