Rail & Transit
Global connectivity that drives innovative, sustainable solutions for rail and transit system owners and their customers
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Public transportation systems, valued as some of the most equitable and sustainable modes of transportation, connect communities and help stimulate economic development. Expanding these complex systems and adding more advanced solutions, such as high-speed rail, to meet public demand can be an intricate, high-intensity ride.
Whether your journey includes keeping pace with capacity demand, accelerating technology innovations, ensuring safety and security, or maintaining existing transport networks, we’re on board to serve all aspects of high‐speed and conventional passenger rail, freight and logistics, mass/public transit, and innovative bus solutions.
Our global network of expertise and knowledge is yours, so you can create, deliver and succeed with certainty – not just today but into tomorrow. We draw on our expertise across a wide range of disciplines to deliver innovative solutions for a more connected, sustainable world.
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1.5 K
rail and transit professionals worldwide
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# 1
Top 500 Design Firms (Engineering News-Record, 2018-2023)
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# 1
Program Management firm (Engineering News-Record, 2021-2023)
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# 2
Mass Transit & Rail (Engineering News-Record, 2023)
What we do
From bus transit and commuter rail to people movers and mass transit, we keep people and goods boldly moving forward.
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Consulting and Advisory Services
We’re a diverse, global team of technical experts, advisors and practitioners who work collaboratively across all market sectors. We work throughout the infrastructure lifecycle from strategy, financing and economic advice, business case and planning advice, through to capital and operational delivery improvements across our client’s organizations. Our ability to provide real and robust, deliverable solutions and trusted advice leads to better, more certain outcomes and greater sustained value.
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Planning and Environmental
Keeping pace with our rapidly changing world is a monumental challenge. We help clients stay ahead of the game with our broad range of policy, planning, technology, funding, procurement, asset management, safety, security and resiliency consulting services. Supported by global thought leadership, we provide transport planning and traffic consulting services that cover the entire spectrum from transport policy and strategy development to detailed implementation of transport network improvement schemes and traffic engineering. We’ve led alternatives analyses, environmental assessments, public outreach and preliminary engineering for bus, light rail, and passenger rail and freight programs around the world.
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Program and Construction Management
As the top ranked Program Management firm according to Engineering News-Record, we provide program and construction management services for complex transportation and transit programs worldwide. We draw on our integrated processes and databases, refined through delivering award winning projects. Our multidiscipline approach takes advantage of best practices developed across large, complex transportation programs. Our support is tailored each client’s requirements – supporting delivery of some of the largest and most complex infrastructure programs. Our work spans the full range of services from staff augmentation to full delivery partner approaches.
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Systems and Rolling Stock
We support bus and rail system projects with a focus on requirements definition, procurement, technical advisory services, modification designs, performance simulations, testing and commissioning efforts, condition assessments, manufacturer audits, maintenance optimization, and major overhaul and modification programs.
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Design Services
Whether it’s bus, high speed rail, light rail, metro, streetcar, or commuter and freight rail, we deliver designs to keep people and goods moving freely. Among our specialized services, we offer design for signals, communication systems, mechanical and electrification systems; and ballasted, direct fixation, and embedded trackwork including special trackwork, down to the supporting structures including bridges and tunnels.
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Sustainabilty and Resilience
Reducing global transportation sector emissions is a top priority, and the greening of infrastructure and public / private vehicle fleets are ways to take steps toward reducing their carbon footprint and environmental impacts. We deliver resilience through comprehensive infrastructure, technology, intelligence, and operational solutions that help governments, cities and private sector rail & transit clients survive, recover, and adapt to the acute shocks to their transport systems experience.
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Our services
- Planning
- Environmental
- Design services
- Program management
- Construction management
- Systems assurance and security
- Operations & maintenance consulting
- Asset management
- Digital solutions
- Management consulting
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Our modes
- Bus transit/ BRT
- Commuter rail
- Freight rail
- High speed rail
- Intercity rail
- Light rail and streetcar/tram
- People movers
- Rapid transit/Metro
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Our technology areas
- Bridges and tunnels
- Track and civil
- Maintenance facilities
- Passenger interchanges
- Payment systems
- Systems engineering and integration
- Signal and train control systems
- Traction power systems
- Vehicle engineering
- Green fleets
- Intermodal facilities
Explore our projects
Jacobs delivers tailored solutions worldwide. Our global portfolio of projects has supported clients with addressing dynamic issues like aging infrastructure, security and safety risks, an evolving technological landscape, connectivity and accessibility. The solutions we develop in collaboration with our clients provide communities with the connections they need to keep people and goods moving.
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Lilydale & Mooroolbark Elevated Stations
We're helping the Victorian Government realize its vision for one of the largest rail infrastructure projects in the history of the state.
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Etihad Rail, United Arab Emirates
One of the largest infrastructure projects in the UAE, Etihad Rail is a comprehensive railway network connecting the country and the region – and we’re leading the design and implementation stages of the project, providing engineering consultancy and construction supervision services for Etihad Rail, including technical support for building the freight railway.
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Hyderabad Metro Rail
Jacobs served as part of the team delivering the world’s largest elevated metro rail network – transforming travel experience for residents in one of India’s largest cities.
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Grand Central Madison
Jacobs supported streamlined delivery of the first expansion of New York City’s busiest commuter railroad in over 100 years – modernizing and strengthening the regional Long Island Rail Road network, delivering greater connectivity to support Long Island’s rapidly growing population and giving LIRR riders faster access to the East Side of Manhattan.
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High Speed Two - Phase One
Jacobs has supported Phase One of HS2 – a state-of-the-art, high speed railway line that is critical for the U.K.’s low-carbon transport future – since 2012, initially as HS2 Ltd’s Development Partner and more recently as lead member of the Engineering Delivery Partner joint venture.
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Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit
Supporting Malaysia’s bold vision for an integrated urban mass rapid transit system, we’re fulfilling a dual role on the system’s second line as a railway systems consultant and a trackwork detailed design consultant – and helping leave a legacy for generations to come.
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The Elizabeth Line
Supporting delivery of the Elizabeth Line, the most significant addition to London’s transport network in a generation, we’ve partnered with Crossrail to pave the way for social, environmental and economic opportunities of national significance that will last generations.
Meet some of our team
Read more about the talent who make it happen every day.
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Willie Fraser, Global Rail & Transit Market Director
Willie Fraser has more than 25 years of experience and a proven track record in leading, coordinating, and delivering multi-disciplinary rail projects and programs, from all phases from feasibility to construction. Responsible for driving transformational growth within the global transportation market focused on addressing the distinct market dynamics affecting rail and transit, Willie collaborates and partners across all our end markets and solution areas to bring the best of Jacobs to our clients.
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Gavin Fraser, Global Solutions Director for Rail & Transit and Vehicles Global Principal
Gavin Fraser has more than 35 years of professional experience in rail vehicle engineering, design, testing, procurement, refurbishment, integration, and operation, focusing on overseeing vehicle procurement, rehabilitation and performance improvement projects. In addition to serving as Jacobs Global Solutions Director for Rail & Transit, Gavin leads our vehicle engineering team, with responsibility for overseeing and coordinating vehicle projects and resources, supporting project delivery and business development teams and ensuring excellence. Gavin provides strategic advice to clients for their rail vehicle fleet replacement and upgrade projects.
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Sam El-Jouzi, High Speed Rail Global Principal
Sam El-Jouzi has more than 25 years of rail experience, including as a client delivery partner for Transport for London’s High Speed 2 project, as a supplier for Crossrail and international rail expertise working for contractors. With a strong rail civil engineering background, and full understanding of the multi-disciplinary systems and stakeholder dependencies, Sam’s passion lies in delivering projects that are truly focused on the end user to deliver the wider community benefits.
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Mike Loehr, Track & Civils Global Principal
Mike Loehr is a recognized expert in the railroad industry and enjoys solving problems and using lessons learned to support improvements to industry standards. Mike’s experience spans many multi-discipline projects that include land development, site design, track design, station design and planning studies for a wide range of public and private clients.
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Dava Kaitala, Heavy Rail Market Director - Americas
Dava Kaitala was recently named Jacobs Heavy Rail Market Director for the Americas.With over 20 years of experience, Dava is a licensed attorney in the State of Texas and holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree from the Texas Tech University School of Law.
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Tim McKay, Transit Market Director - Americas
Recently named as Jacobs’ Transit Market Director in the Americas, Tim McKay brings extensive experience demonstrated over a 40-year career leading strategic planning, design, construction, communications, railroad management, real estate and development, quality, safety, interface management/system integration, alternative/collaborative project delivery, dispute resolution, negotiation strategies, project and program management teams on large scale transportation (rail, transit, aviation, roads and bridges, and water) projects.
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Duncan Kopp, Bi-Modal Hubs Global Principal
Recently named as Jacobs Market Director for Ports & Maritime in the Americas, Duncan Kopp has 17 years of experience in infrastructure development, focusing mainly on ports, terminals, and waterfront infrastructure around the world.
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Kenneth Shields, Rail Systems Global Principal
Kenneth Shields has over 30 years of experience in design and management of projects for the transportation industry. He has been involved from circuit board design to the systems design level, and managed complex rail systems and security projects. Kenneth has managed multi-million dollar system design and construction projects for heavy rail and light rail systems involving control centers, security systems, communications, train control, overhead contact and traction power systems and trackwork.
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David Solow, Rail Transit Global Principal
With more than four decades of experience, David Solow is a commuter rail expert who understands the complexity and risks of work in heavily trafficked rail areas. He has assisted the U.S. Federal Rail Administration (FRA) in evaluating project applications, service development plans, operations simulations and stakeholder agreements to determine funding under High Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail Programs. He helped the FRA develop high-speed rail and intercity passenger rail programs and has provided program guidance and network integration planning oversight for the California High-Speed Rail Program.
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Keith Borrows, Passenger Interchange Global Principal
Keith Borrows provides technical advice to a range of clients both globally and excels at identifying solutions to complex railway system challenges. His multidisciplinary experience gives Keith a system-wide understanding of the technical interfaces within the railway environment essential when undertaking leading roles on major multidisciplinary projects worldwide. He has a breadth of design and delivery experience across all railway disciplines and is an industry leader in railway systems integration.
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Mark Coyle, Rail Operations Global Principal
A highly experienced director and leader, with extensive experience in the leadership of large multi-disciplinary teams, Mark Coyle is Jacobs’ Global Principal for Rail Operations. Prior to joining Jacobs Mark worked for 28 years delivering rail services across the U.K., culminating in ten years working at executive level in operational and commercial roles for English Welsh & Scottish Railway (now DB Cargo), the U.K.’s largest rail-freight company.
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Marc DeSchamp, Road Transit Global Principal
A program manager and mechanical engineer with 13 years of experience in the transportation industry, Marc DeSchamp’s background in the vehicle and transit spaces led him to opportunities around strategic fleet planning. This ultimately led to a program management role with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority to modernize and electrify its network of bus maintenance facilities. From this experience, Marc saw an opportunity for Jacobs to move forward in the green fleet space more broadly. Now he helps clients do just that.
Read our latest news
From new project wins and milestones to reports, podcasts and industry insights, discover what we’re up to.
From our newsroom
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NewsA View of the Future of Heavy Rail: A Q&A Dava Kaitala
Rail is a vital component of our transportation infrastructure, yet the challenges we face in enhancing and maintaining it are more complex than ever. Leaders like Jacobs’ Americas Market Director for Heavy Rail, Dava Kaitala, are at the forefront, leveraging their extensive experience to drive transformational sustainability initiatives. In this Q&A, Dava explores the latest trends and opportunities in heavy rail and discusses how we can enhance rail infrastructure to support economic growth and environmental stewardship.
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NewsA View of the Future of Transit: A Q&A Tim McKay
Public transportation systems, valued as some of the most equitable and sustainable modes of transportation, connect communities and help stimulate economic development. In this Q&A, Jacobs Americas Market Director for Transit Tim McKay talks about trends keeping rail & transit on track for the future, what clients are focusing on, and how we’re co-creating the world to come.
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NewsJacobs Appointed Program Management Consultant for Long Island Rail Road Stations Improvement Project
Jacobs was selected by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) as the program management consultant for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station improvements project. Focused on keeping passengers safe and supporting MTA’s on-time service commitments, Jacobs will provide program management services, overseeing construction and commercial management, design compliance and risk identification.
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NewsA View on the Future of Rail & Transit: A Q&A with Gavin Fraser
Public transportation systems, valued as some of the most equitable and sustainable modes of transportation, connect communities and help stimulate economic development. In this Q&A, Jacobs Global Solutions Director for Rail & Transit Gavin Fraser talks about trends keeping rail & transit on track for the future, what clients are focusing on, and how we’re co-creating the world to come.
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NewsJacobs Designs Light Rail Extensions to Better Connect Puget Sound Communities
Jacobs delivered final design, as a member of two joint venture partnerships, for two of Sound Transit’s new light rail line extensions, the 8.5-mile Lynnwood Link Extension and the Link 2 Line, a 6.5-mile segment of the East Link Extension that was recently named Engineering News-Record Northwest’s Award of Merit winner in the Airport/Transit category. Read more about the projects and how they’re connecting thousands of people to the promise of more.
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NewsA View on the Future of Rail & Transit: A Q&A with Alan Sharpe
Global demand for transport is rapidly increasing, with passenger rail and freight activity projected to more than double by 2050. While this growth signifies social and economic progress, it also leads to greater energy demand, increased carbon emissions and atmospheric pollutants. Read about Alan’s solutions to meet mobility needs for an increasingly urbanized world in the following Q&A.
Our insights
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Transit-Oriented Development: Responding to Today’s Urban Challenges
Transit-oriented development (TOD) is an approach that looks at how public transport stops and/or stations can contribute to urban expansion. Traditionally TOD has delivered an array of benefits for local economies and communities. In this paper we explore how TOD addresses some of today’s most urgent urban challenges.
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Fast Rail: A Catalyst for Growing Regions
This paper explores how fast rail connections can benefit regional economies and populations, beyond providing improved connections to jobs, opportunities, activities and services in nearby capital cities.
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Net Zero Rail: The U.K.'s Network of the Future
The U.K.’s rail industry faces an intensive period of infrastructure upgrade and new delivery. This paper provides insight and solutions on seizing the opportunity to help the industry deliver passenger first and net zero outcomes.
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