Dear Readers
We are pleased to be supporting Rail Research Week (IHHA + WCRR Joint Conference) which will take place from 17th to 21st November at the Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, United States.
The 13th International Heavy Haul Association Conference (IHHA 2025) is teaming up with the 14th World Congress on Railway Research (WCRR 2025) for an unforgettable week, November 17-21, 2025, at the iconic Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Hosted by MxV Rail, this historic collaboration brings together leading minds in freight and passenger rail from around the world, tackling the pressing challenges facing the rail industry today and in the future.
Under the event banner of Rail Research Week, expect unparalleled networking opportunities, cutting-edge insights, and innovations around the theme ‘Inspiring innovative and resilient railways.’ For the first time, these two preeminent events are co-locating to create a global hotspot for learning, collaboration, and shaping the future of rail. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this pioneering week that promises to redefine the rail industry.
For more information and to register to attend, visit: https://railresearchweek.com/?utm_source=Media%20Partner&utm_medium=Online%20Ad&utm_content=Rail%20Personnel&utm_campaign=P25M06.
We have 2x exciting Jobs of the Week this week. In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, we are looking for a Chief Engineer, Passenger Experience (AFC Systems) and in Sydney, Australia, we are looking for a Project Accountant.
Best Regards
Rail Personnel
Rail News
The opening of a 14·7 km extension from APU/Citrus College to Pomona has taken the Los Angeles Metro’s A Line to 93 km with 48 stops, which the operator said makes it the longest light rail line in the world; the tramway running the length of the Belgian coast covers 67 km. The ‘Rock the Rails’ opening celebrations on September 19 featured DJs, food trucks, and live bands, as well as free travel until September 22.
Source: Railway Gazette International
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has invited expressions of interest in bidding for a public-private partnership contract to build the Qiddiya High Speed Rail Project. The proposed 250 km/h line would link Riyadh’s King Salman International Airport and King Abdullah Financial District with Qiddiya City, which Qiddiya Investment Co. is developing as a ‘futuristic city comprising a mix of high-energy entertainment attractions, sports complexes, cultural landmarks, and residential neighborhoods with an envisaged population of 500,000 people.
Source: Railway Gazette International
23 September 2025. Germany. Futurail secures €7.5m funding to advance autonomous train technology
The funding will enable Futurail to expand its workforce, collaborate with train manufacturers, and pursue regulatory approval for depot autonomy. European technology company Futurail has secured €7.5m ($8.8m) in a seed funding round to enhance its autonomous train systems. The funding includes €5.5m in seed investment, €1m in public grants, and €1m from pre-seed conversion. The investment was co-led by Asterion Ventures in Paris and Munich-based Leap435, alongside contributions from EIT Urban Mobility and the US.
Source: Railway Technology
22 September 2025. United Kingdom. Wabtec to expand Barton manufacturing facility in the UK
The expansion is set to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026. Wabtec has unveiled plans to expand its manufacturing facility in Barton, as part of its strategy to increase production capacity and consolidate core activities in the UK rail sector. The 7,300m² expansion is scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026 and will create 150 skilled jobs in the region. The Barton site will accommodate up to 500 employees upon completion and support.
Source: Railway Technology
CAF has signed three contracts with Egypt’s National Authority for Tunnels (NAT), the state-owned body responsible for the Cairo Metro network. The agreements, with a combined value of more than 450 million EUR, cover the modernisation of rolling stock and the maintenance of units operating on Lines 1 and 2. The projects will be financed through the Business Internationalization Fund (FIEM), managed by Spain’s Secretary of State for Trade. FIEM supports Spanish companies undertaking projects abroad by providing public funding for key international initiatives.
Source: Railway News
22 September 2025. Germany. World Premiere: Alstom Hydrogen Shunting Locomotive Debuts in Salzgitter
Alstom has completed the first-ever conversion of a diesel shunting locomotive to hydrogen propulsion. The company presented the retrofitted locomotive at its Salzgitter site, where it also carried out the first test run. The locomotive’s diesel engine has been replaced with a system that burns hydrogen directly, without releasing CO2. Industrial test operations are scheduled to continue until October 2025 at Salzgitter Group’s steel plants. After the trial, the vehicle will be restored to its original configuration.
Source: Railway News
22 September 2025. China. Ningbo metro Line 7 opens with GoA4 automation
Ningbo metro Line 7 opened on August 29, running from Yufan in the north for 39·4 km to Yunlong in the southeast. Six of 25 stations are interchanges, providing connections to all current lines except Line 8; five more stations are due to become interchanges as further lines are built. Plans for the 100 km/h line were put forward in 2014, with construction starting in January 2022. A fleet of 40 six-car Type-B2 trainsets powered by 1·5 kV DC overhead has been assembled locally by CRRC’s Ningbo industrial base.
Source: Railway Gazette International
Leaves are browning, autumn is around the corner, and Network Rail is gearing up for its annual multi-million-pound battle against Mother Nature and ‘leaves on the line’, aiming to keep millions of passengers and trains safe and moving over the next three months. Network Rail has invested over £100 million to tackle ‘leaves on the line’ – the annual scourge for Britain’s railways, and railways across the world – as damp, compressed leaves become the railway equivalent of black-ice on the road, leading to slow running, delays, and disruption.
Source: Rail UK
19 September 2025. Hungary. Stadler Completes Final Design of GYSEV FLIRT IC
Stadler has revealed the final design of 11 new FLIRT InterCity electric multiple units (EMUs) for GYSEV Zrt, with car body production now scheduled to begin this autumn in Szolnok, Hungary. Delivery of the first unit is expected in late 2027, with the remainder entering service by early 2028. The new trains were ordered in March 2024, marking the first procurement of intercity EMUs in Hungary in three decades. The vehicles are intended for use on GYSEV’s Sopron–Budapest and Szombathely–Budapest routes.
Source: Railway News
Job of the Week
Chief Engineer, Passenger Experience (AFC Systems), Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Job ID#: 15009
Discipline: Automatic Fare Collection
Position Type: Permanent
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client is a global leader in transport innovation and they are seeking a Chief Engineer, Passenger Experience (AFC Systems) to work in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This role involves leading the development, integration, and enhancement of the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system across Dubai's world-class Railway network. You'll oversee major AFC projects, collaborate with key stakeholders, and drive innovation to elevate passenger experience.
This role is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and the salary is AED 27,000 per month all inclusive.
Job Description
1. Manages and monitors contractors in establishing the AFC system as per contractual agreement. And all AFC system projects (new and existing) and enhancements, reviews new fare system requirements, tender documents, and system specification related documents for Rail Agency.
2. Conduct research and develop new strategies for the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system, test and implement these strategies for operational use.
3. Lead the tender process for any AFC projects including developing, evaluating, recommending vendors and negotiating the contracts with these vendors.
4. Plans and monitors all AFC system related projects in relation to advancement of equipment operations and
enhancement including revenue protection in the Dubai Metro and Tram system.
5. Lead the analysis and categorisation of all software issues in conjunction with other Departments and
recommending rectification strategy and software deployments for all these issues.
6. Manages AFC Contractors on all matters regarding the development and implementation of the AFC system including integration with the Unified Fare System.
7. Prepare report on all AFC system Factory Acceptance and System Acceptance Tests with the AFC vendor and project consortium.
8. Ensure that all new AFC projects adhere to the standards and practices of the project management guidelines and systems.
9. Coordinates with the AFC Contractors and O&M Contractor on all operational matters regarding the integration of systems, such as the linking of the Dubai Metro AFC system, car park fare system and Tram fare system.
10. Monitors the performance of the O&M contractor regarding the implementation of new systems in compliance with the client's policies and procedures, safety, and security requirements.
11. Proposes standard of measurements for assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of AFC system operations.
12. Monitors all system integration tests, operational readiness and implementation of new fare system.
13. Carries out assessment of the AFC system performance in revenue protection, data accuracy and equipment operations.
14. Provides training for the O&M contractor staff, when required, for the enhancement of operation skills in operating new equipment. Also, for operations department staff, when required, for acknowledgement of the changes and new development of AFC system operations.
15. Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all handover requirements are fulfilled. And coordinates with other Agencies on all operational matters regarding the integration of fare media in multi transport systems.
16. Coordinates with the AFC contractor and sub-contractors, ACS Department and Finance on system security, business rules, revenue protection and cash handling for new AFC projects.
17. Sets procedures for controlling the distribution of AFC system related documents.
18. Arranges periodical inspections to ensure the performance of the AFC contractor is up to standard and without malpractices.
19. Ensures the renewal of the revenue protection plan and operation procedures in accordance with the development of the AFC system.
20. Ensures that all health, safety, quality and environmental requirements pertaining to the project are in place and monitored as per the project management plan.
21. Monitor and report on the operation of the entire AFC system and recommend improvements to management.
22. Ensures full compliance with the quality and specification of the materials, products and work done and manages inspection and testing activities regularly during the implementation stages of the project.
23. Manages the list of snags and outstanding works during the Defect Notification Period (DNP).
24. Ensures the compliance of project handover in accordance with the client's project management policies and processes.
25. Ensures all system specification measures are accomplished by contractors.
26. Reviews and evaluates existing Processes and key performance indicators for AFC operations and provides
recommendations for future improvement.
27. Compiles work progress reports to the Passenger Experience Manager and Rail Operations Director.
28. Any additional responsibilities as advised by the direct Line Manager or Head of Department.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering-related field
- Minimum 8 years of experience
- Expertise in Railway AFC system projects developments, installations, testing & commissioning, AFC system enhancements, revenue operations advancement and integration of fare systems
- Actual operational experience for day to day operation run and passenger interaction improving the solution from operational issues
- Strong skills in AFC ABT projects more recent developments
Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)
Project Accountant, Sydney, Australia
Job ID#: 15223
Discipline: Finance
Language: English
Job Description:
Our client specializes in rail transport vehicle components and subsystems and they are seeking a Project Accountant to join their team in Sydney. The role will be on a contract basis for 6-12 months with the possibility of transitioning to a permanent role in the future.
Role Description: This is a full-time, on-site role for a Project Accountant based in Sydney, NSW. The Project Accountant will be responsible for managing project finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Tasks include tracking project expenditures, coordinating with project managers, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and project specifications. Additionally, the Project Accountant will prepare financial statements, monitor cash flow, and support the financial decision-making process within the company.
Job Requirements:
- Financial Accounting, Budgeting, and Forecasting skills
- Experience in Financial Reporting and Compliance
- Project Management and Coordination skills
- Analytical and Problem-Solving skills
- Proficiency in Accounting Software and Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Attention to detail and ability to work independently
- Experience in the rail or transport industry is a plus
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- Professional accounting certification (e.g., CPA, CA) is preferred
Contact: Renee Wade (renee@railpersonnel.com)
