Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting the upcoming Smart Rail 2025 which will take place on 11-12 September 2025 at the Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Malaysia is accelerating its rail revolution. The Kuala Lumpur MRT3 Circle Line—51.8 km, 32 stations with seamless links to MRT, LRT, KTMB, and the Monorail—alongside Penang’s Mutiara LRT (29.5 km, 21 elevated stations) are transforming regional mobility.
This is the backdrop for Smart Rail 2025, taking place on 11–12 September 2025 at Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur. Join regional leaders and experts to explore how smart rail infrastructure, sustainability, and cross-border connectivity are reshaping planning, procurement, and operations. From AI-driven signalling and IoT in rail to urban mobility planning and future-ready infrastructure, the conference will deliver practical insights and tangible strategies for projects across Southeast Asia, including Thailand and neighbouring markets.
As a member, you’re entitled to a special discounted registration of RM 1,690 per person for full two-day access. Limited speaker slots remain—this is your chance to showcase your innovations, share lessons learned, and raise your profile with regional buyers, regulators, and suppliers.
To register or express interest in speaking, please visit https://proventusglobal.com/smart-rail-2025.php
To make use of this discounted offer, please contact Renee Wade at renee@railpersonnel.com
We have 2x exciting Jobs of the Week this week. In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates we are looking for a Depot Workshop Manager and in Melbourne, Australia we are looking for a Track Design Engineer.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
19 August 2025. Australia. Sydney Metro City Marks First Year of Passenger Services
Sydney Metro has marked the first anniversary of its city section services, reporting strong passenger uptake and measurable changes in travel patterns across the metropolitan network. Between August 2024 and July 2025, more than 66.8 million passenger journeys were made on the M1 Northwest & Bankstown Line, which now runs from Tallawong through the city centre to Sydenham. Around 210,000 trips are recorded on a typical weekday, including 120,000 beneath Sydney Harbour. Metro trains.
Source: Railway News
19 August 2025. Australia. Australia to adopt ETCS for an interoperable rail network
Commonwealth, state, and territory transport ministers have backed the adoption of ETCS for national interoperability, as well as plans to streamline rolling stock approvals and enable the Rail Industry Safety & Standards Board to lead the setting of technical standards. The use of ETCS as the technology pathway for the freight and passenger lines designated as the National Network for Interoperability was agreed on August 11 at the Infrastructure & Transport Ministers’ Meeting, a forum for tiers of government.
Source: Railway Gazette International
19 August 2025. Canada. Construction Begins on Second Tunnel Shaft for Ontario Line
Construction has begun on a second tunnel launch shaft for the Ontario Line, with the new structure now being prepared near Gerrard Street and Carlaw Avenue. The new shaft will form the starting point for the second underground section of the Line, running below Pape Avenue, as well as become a future tunnel portal allowing Ontario Line trains to move from above-ground tracks to underground tunnels. Crews have begun building deep foundations that will support future excavation for the launch shaft.
Source: Railway News
This decision comes as a strategic response to US tariffs and economic uncertainties, aiming to bolster Canadian employment. The Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, and the City of Toronto have authorized the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) move to seek a single-source contract with Alstom Transport Canada for new Line 2 subway trains. This decision comes as a strategic response to US tariffs and economic uncertainties, aiming to bolster Canadian employment and ensure the delivery of reliable trains.
Source: Railway Technology
19 August 2025.United States. Hawaiian blessing launches construction of Honolulu metro third phase
A traditional Hawaiian blessing officially marked the start of construction of the next section of the Honolulu Skyline automated light metro on August 11. In August 2024, civil engineering company Tutor Perini was awarded a $1·66bn design and build contract for the City Center Guideway & Stations section, the third phase of the metro project managed by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. This will extend the line 5·3 km southeast from Kahauiki (Middle Street Transit Center).
Source: Metro Report International
19 August 2025. Czech Republic. Škoda Group to Carry Out Service Contracts Worth €47.4 Million
The Škoda Group has announced that its site in Martinov, Ostrava, is set to carry out a set of contracts worth more than 47.4 million EUR following the successful acquisition of a number of tenders for service and repair work. The work will see the Group work with both domestic and foreign transport companies, with all contracts carried to completion at its Martinov site. Contracted works include the repair of several T3 trams for the Transport company of Liberec and Jablonec nad Nisou.
Source: Railway News
Over 5700 people have visited the special Railway 200 exhibition train during its eight days in Norwich and Lowestoft. The “Inspiration” train is touring the UK as part of a whole program of events across the nation to mark Railway 200 – a national celebration of the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. Popular everywhere it’s visited, the train’s residency at Norwich and Lowestoft was one of the most successful of the tour so far, with great feedback from young and old about their experiences on board.
Source: Rail UK
Job of the Week
Track Design Engineer, Melbourne, Australia
Job ID#: 15193
Discipline: Permanent Way
Job Description:
Our client is currently working on a CSR design project for V/Line and is seeking support to meet compliance and quality assurance requirements. Specifically, they are looking to engage a Checker and an Independent Reviewer with the V/Line Statement of Competency (SOC). This role requires immediate onboarding to support key milestones and ensure timely compliance with project deliverables.
They are looking to engage them on an hourly rate basis.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)
- Member Engineers Australia
- Rail Industry Worker (RIW)
- Experience in Track Configuration and Geometric Design for both main line and sidings and yards, both as a Designer and Checker
- Experience is both a Designer and Checker for Drainage and Permanent Way
- V/Line Statement of Competency (SOC)
Contact: David Hyland (davidh@railpersonnel.com)
Depot Workshop Manager, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 15177
Discipline: Depot and Maintenance Facilities
Position Type: Permanent
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is seeking a strong Depot Expert who will oversee the full lifecycle of depot development, including design, construction, commissioning, and operation for high-speed passenger rolling stock and infrastructure maintenance vehicles.
This role is based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The role requires deep technical expertise in depot design and depot equipment, strong leadership in managing complex rail projects, and strict adherence to international safety, quality, and budget standards. Responsibilities include managing depot design reviews, interfaces across rolling stock, signaling, telecoms, catenary, track, and maintenance systems, while ensuring compliance with standards. Effective stakeholder coordination and team leadership are essential.
Experience in the GCC, particularly in the UAE, is preferred.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct and oversee tender evaluations
- Manage all phases of depot design and construction under the Design & Build (D&B) contract.
- Act as the Client's primary point of contact for PEMC on depot-related D&B activities.
- Ensure timely delivery of depot facilities in line with project milestones.
- Manage the design reviews and monitor the depot design, ensuring alignment with operational requirements.
- Ensure integration of depot systems with rolling stock, signaling, telecoms, OCS (Overhead Contact System), and track infrastructure.
- Ensure coordination across multiple contractors and interface points (e.g., civil works, MEP, systems, rolling stock).
- Oversee PEMC and contractor performance, proactively address risks related to schedule delays, cost overruns, and design discrepancies.
- Ensure all depot work complies with relevant international and local standards.
- Oversee quality assurance processes, including inspections, testing, and commissioning of the depot and associated equipment.
- Ensure depot design and construction adhere to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations.
- Participate in risk assessments, safety audits, and incident reviews.
- Engage with regulatory bodies, contractors, consultants, and internal teams as required to ensure alignment.
- Oversee project timelines, proactively identify schedule variances, and ensure corrective action and recovery strategies are effectively implemented.
- Prepare regular progress reports for senior management and stakeholders as required.
Job Requirements:
- A total of 10 to 12 years of comprehensive experience in managing and supervising the design, construction, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of rail depot infrastructure and equipment projects for 25kV electric passenger rolling stock.
- Preferrable 3 to 5 years of experience in high-speed rail projects, with in-depth knowledge of depot layout design, operational workflows, and capacity planning.
- Strong knowledge of safety certification requirements (such as EN 50126/50128/50129).
- Familiarity with high-speed train components (bogies, traction, braking, HVAC) and their maintenance needs.
- Knowledge of depot asset management/RAMS principles is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of track infrastructure maintenance equipment/plant design or operation, or maintenance is required.
For the depot expert, candidates who can manage or have done depot layouts, have in-depth knowledge of depot equipment, and have worked on 25kV electric railway.
Contact: Jackie Hendry (jackie@railpersonnel.com)
