Specialist Services for Rail and Transit

WSP’s rail and transit experts bring deep knowledge in sustainability, cost control, rail and transit systems optimization, safety, and deliverability, across the full lifecycle of assets, to achieve values important to our clients and our communities.

Expertise Projects Insights Sectors Services

WSP is ideally qualified to provide technical expertise and engineering services to transit agencies and other entities that are planning, designing, refreshing, or maintaining their buildings, rail and transit fleets, and other assets, and exploring new and innovative technologies, as part of delivering a vital service to our communities.

From operational modelling and simulation to passenger rail planning, physical safety and security, cyber security, sustainability, systems assurance and systems integration, WSP’s environmental specialists, consultants and scientists work together, day-in-day-out, with our engineering colleagues to deliver low impact, future-ready assets in rail and transit.

Operational modelling & simulation

WSP has some of the most pre-eminent experts in the field of rail operational modelling and simulation, with a combined experience of over 100 years in the field. WSP’s operational modelling and simulation experts have developed a number of innovative solutions to address challenges such as properly modelling ‘ventilation zone’ signalling systems for tunnels to evaluate the impact of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations on the system’s capacity and operations, accurately modelling the effects on streetcars and light rail vehicles running in mixed traffic on public streets and governed by traffic signals, plus rail and bus network coordination, and also modelling European Train Control System (ETCS) for high speed operation on HS2.

Passenger rail planning

Public transport clients call on our planning expertise to help identify the rail project that best achieves multiple project goals, resulting in a highly effective mobility solution. We do this by designing a planning process that strategically integrates technical studies with engagement. This approach yields a better project design that is supported by complimentary community benefits and partner collaboration while reducing project risks, all of which increases predictability in delivering the project.

Transit and rail physical safety and security

With our knowledge and experience, we provide an approach where safety, security and emergency management meet to mitigate all potential hazards and vulnerabilities. Our objective is to cover all facets of safety and security, which means we offer strategies for identification, prevention, protection and in the occurrence of any event, response, and recovery.

Cyber security

WSP’s cyber security services help clients boost the resilience of their Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) infrastructure whilst improving digitalisation, connectivity, and technology management. We work with clients around the world operating Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). Our team includes certified OT and IT specialists, with expertise across the full Cybersecurity Lifecyle – for all non-classical-IT, IoT and mixed environments.

Sustainability for rail & transit

WSP brings deep experience and knowledge with all scales and modes of rail and transit, including both the built infrastructure and vehicles, enabling us to deliver proven innovative solutions such as the design, financing and construction of alternative-fuel vehicle depots and facilities, or world-class rail stations that are net zero in operation and have achieved biodiversity net gain.

Systems assurance

WSP has proven experience in establishing and implementing reliability, availability, maintainability and safety (RAMS) programs, conducting RAMS analysis, setting RAMS targets, reviewing proposals and RAMS submittals throughout a project. We have worked with international and domestic standards.

Systems integration

Whether embarking on a new transport scheme or keeping a program on track, Systems Integration (SI) is needed to manage the vast amount of information, the coordination of systems and the stakeholders involved in every effort. WSP’s SI:D3 is a field-proven approach that creates clarity amid the complexity particular to megaprojects. An established framework connects technical management to the program delivery process. This alignment results in the delivery of required system performance and operational capability and expected end-user revenue services.

Helsinki, Finland

From Kalasatama to Pasila - sustainable cross-link in Helsinki

The Kalasatama-to-Pasila project’s hallmark is excellence in community planning. Our experts are involved in designing the tramline extending from Nihti through Kalasatama Centre to Pasila, as well as numerous streets and green areas associated with the project.

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Hong Kong

MTR Hung Hom Station

We helped transformed the key interchange station in Hong Kong’s MTR network to accommodate its expansion plan and enhance the city’s connectivity.

Hong Kong

MTR South Island Line

MTR South Island Line provides a much-needed alternative mode of transport to the 350,000 residents living in the Southern District, who had faced daily traffic congestion to and from the downtown area of Hong Kong.

Read our insights

Beyond Speed: Five Key Lessons Learned From High-Speed Rail Projects

Experience matters, and David Cochrane honed his in the realm of high-speed rail megaprojects (>$1bn), sharing valuable insights that can set these complex megaprojects on the right track.

Enterprise Asset Management and Digitalization of Rail Systems

Bringing benefits to rail operations and maintenance: combining the capabilities of a virtual twin with smart management and ISO 55001 for operational assets and services—all within a digital standard framework embedded into the railway production system.

Driving freight towards a Net Zero future

Freight is essential to industry and almost every aspect of modern life. It contributes significantly to our economy but is also responsible for more than 40 per cent of all transport greenhouse gas emission around the world.

Systems Integration Done Right

Concentrating ingenuity on hard problems to attain end goals

Delivering Digital Solutions With Systems Integration

Optimising software-based systems within infrastructure programmes to yield operational capability and performance for end-users

thn-Improving governance to accelerate decision-making

Improving Governance In Infrastructure Projects to Accelerate Decision-Making

How the SI:D³ systems approach fosters delivery of intended benefits

thn-A Systems-based Approach to Automation

Applying a Systems Approach to Automation in Rail and Road Transport

Managing the risks emerging from complex, software-based autonomous systems in the transition to a world with self-driving vehicles

Bringing Systems Integration to Rolling Stock

This article addresses the critical considerations and steps involved in the integration of rolling stock subsystems and their interfaces with the existing railway system.

Transitioning to Zero Emission technology

A guide to ensuring a smooth transition towards future-ready vehicles

The Framework for Successful Transit-Oriented Development

When well-planned and effectively implemented, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) can advance efforts to create livable, thriving and sustainable cities.

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