Intelligent Transport Podcast

The Spark behind innovation

Petros Zouzoulas, Head of Innovation EMEA at Parsons with a background in architecture, was working with a team on developing a metro station in the GCC/Middle East. The team had created a full-scale mock-up of a quarter of the station in a warehouse, utilising 3D renderings to visualise the design.  Early on, Parsons identified there was a discrepancy between the perception of space on the mock-up versus the perception of space on the ground.

This became a turning point for Parsons. The team realised that the visualisations, produced with a wide-angle lens and gave the impression of a more expansive space. While this effect worked well for certain purposes, it didn’t fully represent how people perceive space in the real world. This insight sparked a crucial realisation of the limitations of traditional 3D renderings in capturing the true scale and experience of large-scale projects.

Recognising this challenge as an opportunity for improvement, the Parsons team were determined to find a solution that could bridge this perceptual gap. This led to Parsons pioneering the integration of digital service modelling for infrastructure and the innovative use of drone and digital twin technology, which allowed for a more accurate and immersive visualisation process. These advancements not only addressed the challenges posed by the limitations of traditional renderings but also set a new standard for how complex infrastructure projects are visualised and experienced.

This is what sparked Parsons to incorporate digital service modelling for infrastructure and the use of drone technology into rail projects. It brings significant benefits, including cost savings, enhanced collaboration, and reduced risk. By identifying potential issues early, these tools prevent costly disruptions and keep projects within budget. They improve communication across teams, both on-site and remotely. Digital modelling also allows for proactive risk management, addressing environmental, social, and logistical challenges before construction begins, reducing delays.

Harnessing technology for smarter planning

In carpentry there is an old adage, measure twice cut once. For Parsons’ EMEA team, this concept is carried over to the rail industry in the project planning stage. Over the last decade, there has only been incremental adoption of digital service modelling for infrastructure, or simply the use of drone technology. For example, only 15% of site surveying tasks are done with drone technology.

“The potential benefits of drones and digital service modelling on these Middle East projects is significant,” Zouzoulas explained. “These tools can bring immense value, especially during the planning phase, which is often overlooked. By using them earlier, we can mitigate risks and create a more efficient process from the outset.”

This insight led Parsons to begin incorporating digital service modelling into their work. By using high-resolution imaging, they began collecting accurate, detailed data right at the start of a project, allowing for better collaboration, fewer misunderstandings, and more successful project delivery.

Revolutionising rail project planning with digital tools

In traditional rail project planning in the region, the team typically spends between 18 to 24 months gathering information for the design. During this time, various departments—civil engineers, rail systems engineers, and cost-critical decision-makers—compile their data, often in separate formats. This can make it difficult for different teams to get a holistic view of the project.

Recognising this challenge, Parsons streamlined this process by centralising the data and using digital service modelling. While working on a rail project in the Middle East, Parsons brought over a specialised camera kit from the US, consisting of six lenses mounted on a helicopter, which allowed them to capture images from 15,000 feet with a centimetre-level accuracy.

The team flew over the planned rail alignment, capturing 20,000 photographs. These images were then overlaid onto Google Satellite, enabling the team to create high-resolution models of the rail corridor, covering 30 kilometres. This approach provided more than just a detailed view of the project itself—it also gave context to the surrounding areas, which would also be impacted by the construction.

A holistic approach to infrastructure impact

A key advantage of digital service modelling is its ability to capture the wider impact of an infrastructure project, beyond just the immediate construction site. Rail lines often traverse urban areas, affecting schools, hospitals, residential buildings, and commercial properties. Understanding these relationships early on can be crucial to the project’s success.

With the new approach, Parsons was able to create comprehensive models of not just the rail corridor but the entire area surrounding it. This allowed the team to identify how different spaces would interact with the project and what factors needed consideration, such as providing easy access to nearby malls or ensuring privacy for residential communities.

For example, during the planning of the rail line of one of their projects, the team realised that the route would pass near a school district. Identifying this early on allowed Parsons to consider the potential implications of noise or traffic on the local community, addressing these issues proactively rather than after construction had already begun.

Proactively addressing environmental and social concerns

Digital service modelling also helps anticipate potential environmental or social challenges that could arise during construction. Zouzoulas shared an example from a previous project where a local species of wildlife was discovered along the proposed rail alignment. Had this been identified only after construction began, it could have caused significant delays.

With the digital models in place, Parsons was able to flag this issue in advance, ensuring that necessary precautions were taken before construction started. This proactive approach helped keep the project on track and avoid unnecessary delays.

Similarly, seemingly small details—such as the number of trees or the presence of irrigation systems—could present challenges during construction. These might appear trivial at first, but they play an important role in the environment. Through digital service modelling, Parsons was able to understand these factors in detail, ensuring that they could be addressed early in the process, preventing costly disruptions later on.

The long-term benefits for rail projects

While incorporating digital service modelling into the planning process requires additional effort at the outset of a project, Zouzoulas believes the benefits far outweigh the initial investment. He views it as an “additional lift” rather than extra work. By taking the time to create detailed digital models at the beginning, projects run more smoothly once construction starts.

“This approach provides clarity for both technical and non-technical people,” Zouzoulas explained. “By identifying risks early, we can reduce costs and improve coordination between contractors. This results in more competitive bids, which in turn helps reduce costs and avoid delays.”

The digital models also allow remote teams to access the site and understand its complexities, even if they can’t visit in person. A bird’s-eye view gives a clearer picture of the entire project, making it easier to identify issues that might not be apparent from the ground.

Setting a new standard for infrastructure projects

The integration of digital service modelling and drone technology represents a step forward in how large-scale infrastructure projects are planned and executed. By embracing these tools in the early stages, Parsons is helping to shape a more efficient, cost-effective, and risk-managed approach to construction.

As Zouzoulas concluded, “It’s not just about building a rail line—it’s about understanding the bigger picture and ensuring that all aspects of the project are connected and aligned. By using these technologies, we’re setting a new standard for how complex infrastructure projects should be managed, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standard.”

Railchap, by Railway Robotics, is a lightweight robot designed to travel on railways, reducing the need for human presence in hazardous areas and cutting the costs of inspection and light maintenance. Worker safety is always a top priority in railway maintenance, and the industry is increasingly investing in solutions that enhance safety. Currently, inspections are often carried out manually or using special-purpose rail-maintenance trains, exposing workers to risks. Railchap keeps “Boots Off Ballast,” ensuring safer operations for all involved.

Global Railway Review’s Editor, Elizabeth Jordan, had the chance to see a demonstration of the Railchap at a showcasing event hosted in Oslo, Norway, by Simmons at the end of February 2025. 

Have a look down below:

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has authorised the new Newsham railway station, set to open on 17 March, as part of the Northumberland Line project. This station is a key element of the wider Northumberland Line programme, which aims to improve regional rail services.

Details of the Northumberland Line project’s new station at Newsham 

ORR’s authorisation includes the construction of two platforms, a footbridge with stairs and lifts, waiting shelters, customer information screens, lighting, and other upgrades. This milestone confirms that the station meets health and safety, accessibility, environmental, and reliability standards.

Steve Fletcher, Deputy Director, Engineering and Asset Management at ORR, said: “This is an important step for improving rail connectivity in Northumberland, and we look forward to seeing the station open to passengers soon. Our team worked closely with Northumberland County Council and Network Rail to support them through the authorisation process.”

Donaldson Filtration Solutions will showcase its innovative hydrogen purification technology at H2Poland 2025, the premier event in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe dedicated to hydrogen and decarbonisation technologies. Taking place in Poznań from April 8–10, 2025, the trade fair will bring together industry leaders to drive Europe’s hydrogen economy.

Details on Donaldson’s showcase of hydrogen purification at H2Poland

At level 1, stand 58, Donaldson will present its advanced hydrogen dryer and purification system, designed to support high-purity hydrogen in industrial applications. The company will highlight solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in electrolysis and storage processes.

“H2Poland is a key platform for Donaldson to engage with industry leaders and discuss how our technology can support the hydrogen transition across Europe,” says Sabine Artuso, Product Manager – Special Gases, Donaldson Industrial Gases. “With 30 years of expertise, we provide reliable, proven solutions that meet evolving market demands.”

Donaldson’s hydrogen purification system includes two key components: the De-Oxo unit, which removes residual oxygen to improve safety and quality, and the heat-regenerated adsorption dryer, which eliminates residual humidity without consuming hydrogen gas. This compact, energy-efficient system is scalable, suitable for applications ranging from small-scale systems to large industrial operations, providing hydrogen with an O2 max of 2 ppm(v) and H2O max of 1 ppm(v).

Donaldson’s participation at H2Poland highlights its commitment to supporting Europe’s hydrogen infrastructure and contributing to the growth of green hydrogen in transport, heavy industry, and power generation. Attendees can visit Donaldson at level 1, stand 58, to explore its solutions and discuss potential partnerships to advance Europe’s hydrogen industry.

Railway Benefit Fund (RBF) is championing the importance of this initiative, urging individuals to take control of their legacy and prevent unnecessary stress for their loved ones. Having a legally valid will ensures that an individual’s estate is distributed according to their wishes, offering peace of mind that their family and cherished causes are supported.

“Writing a will is more than just a legal task—it’s a powerful step in protecting your family’s future” said Jo Kaye, CEO of RBF. Free Wills Month provides an invaluable and crucial opportunity to take this important step, ensuring that your final wishes are respected, and your loved ones are cared for.

Railway Benefit Fund encourages individuals to seize this limited-time opportunity and plan ahead today – https://www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk/support-services/make-a-free-will/

You are under no obligation to include RBF in your will. However, once you have provided for those closest to you, RBF hopes you will consider helping them. A gift in your will, such as a donation or a percentage of your estate, ensures they can continue to support railway people facing hardships.

Can you tell us about your role and what a typical day looks like for you?

I’m the Chief Rolling Stock Officer at Eurostar, member of Eurostar’s Executive Committee, responsible for the maintenance and management of our 51 high-speed trains, across three depots.

Our fleet is split into two categories:

• 25 trains certified to cross the Channel Tunnel, primarily maintained at our Eurostar depot in London, Temple Mills International.
• 26 continental trains, maintained across Paris and Brussels.

With our Fleet Management team based in Brussels, my role involves frequent travel between London, Paris, and Brussels. I work closely with our depot teams, oversee key projects, and ensure seamless operations. Our priority right now is also preparing for our new fleet, following last year’s announcement of our plan to order up to 50 new trains. It’s a significant and exciting project for us.

What was your route into rail?

I went straight into the railway industry after completing my engineering studies in Paris. I wanted a career that was hands-on, meaningful, and easy to explain to my children — one that involved teamwork and tangible results. The railway industry was the perfect place to achieve that.

My journey began in infrastructure management, overseeing track maintenance in the greater Paris suburbs. Those early days were spent on the ground, mostly working nights. It was a challenging but rewarding experience!

From there, I became Chief of Staff to the Chairman of SNCF, followed by various operational roles, including Director of a suburban rail line. Now, I have the privilege of leading Eurostar’s rolling stock operations, ensuring our trains are safe, reliable, and efficient for our customers across Europe.

What has been the best part of your experience within the rail industry so far?

I’ve had so many incredible experiences—always as part of a team, always connected to the reality of the field.

Working at Eurostar has been particularly special. It’s amazing to be part of a company that connects cultures across Europe. The Belgians, British, German, Dutch and French sometimes approach things differently, but these perspectives complement each other perfectly. At the same time, we share common values—a strong commitment to safety and a constant drive to improve the passenger experience.

Every day, I’m reminded of how rail travel brings people together, and that’s something I take great pride in.

What advice would you give to women looking to start a career in rail?

Go for it! There’s a place for you in our industry. Rail is a fascinating field—it’s full of expertise, daily challenges, and endless opportunities to grow. You’ll never stop learning, and you’ll never be bored!

I always take opportunities to speak to children about my job, whether in schools or my own children’s classrooms. The more we challenge gender stereotypes, the more we normalize the idea that engineering is for everyone—women and men alike.

What qualities and skills do you look for when recruiting engineering staff across your network?

We’re always on the lookout for engineering talent, and we regularly recruit in the UK, France and Belgium.

We seek engineers with experience in mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical engineering across all industries. We look for people who thrive in a team environment and can communicate effectively; Adapt to new technologies and enjoy solving challenges; Aren’t afraid to get on a train and truly understand how things work.

While technical skills and experience are important, we are committed to supporting our employees’ ongoing development, helping them grow with Eurostar’s ambitions. And of course, we strongly encourage women to apply!

How is Eurostar working to promote gender equality in the workplace?

At Eurostar, we pride ourselves on being a human-scale company, where everyone has a place. To reinforce this, we’ve recently launched our “Everyone Belongs” programme, focusing specifically on diversity and inclusion.

Personally, I’m passionate about mentoring, and I get immense satisfaction from guiding the next generation of engineers. It’s fantastic to see more women making an impact in rolling stock and engineering.

Speaking ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March, she is encouraging women to apply for a wide range of roles which offer “good salaries, a clear purpose and opportunities for progression”.

She said the industry benefits from diversity, as talented individuals from different backgrounds can use their knowledge and experience to tackle complex problems and improve services for passengers.

Tricia joined Northern as the chief operating officer in 2020 and then became managing director four years later, meaning she is now only one of three women who run a train operating company in the UK.

“I still find myself counting the number of women in the room because there are so few of us, but hopefully I can show there is a place for women to be successful in business and you can progress and make a difference,” she said. “It’s a massive motivator for me.”

Tricia is now firmly focused on delivering Northern’s ambitious plan to improve performance.

“It’s had some tough times, but I want people to be proud to work for and travel with Northern because we are delivering amazing customer service. That’s all underpinned by performance,” she said.

“Northern has been dealt a poor hand in the past in terms of investment, but we’re now investing in new trains, facilities and our people. We’re also engaging with our colleagues and customers, to build trust and a sense of pride.”

Northern employs more than 7,000 people who work across the North of England. Around 20% of that workforce and 9% of the drivers are female.

Tricia said most of the female conductors, drivers and engineers she speaks to were encouraged to apply after speaking to a friend or family member who has worked in the rail industry.

“It’s male dominated and that puts some women off applying,” she said. “People also see it as old fashioned and I’ve even heard some people say it’s ‘dirty’ as you’ll just be working with diesel trains.

“We have to promote the benefits – like the good salaries, a clear purpose and opportunities for progression – to overcome some of these perceptions.

“As women, we also have to keep getting our stories out there and showing people we’re working in a positive, dynamic and modern environment.

“One of my biggest motivators is to help open doors for women and other people who are underrepresented in the industry.”

Northern has introduced a range of measures in a bid to improve diversity, with gender-balanced panels to make candidates more comfortable during job interviews and retention interviews to find out how woman can be encouraged to continue working for the operator and progress in their careers. 

It comes as the operator has been working to ensure male employees do not feel excluded and delivering an equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategy that was designed to ensure they always feel welcome and have a sense of belonging.

‘I haven’t had a female boss since my graduate programme’

Tricia said she did not have her heart set on a particular career when she was growing up in Liverpool but knew she wanted to be a leader. 

After studying Geography at Salford University, she joined North West Water and enrolled in a management training programme. 

She worked as an operations manager for the company for 11 years and then rose through the ranks at United Utilities, before she held a number of executive roles at Manchester Airports Group.

Tricia joined Northern in 2020 and became managing director of the company last year.

“In the last 34 years, I haven’t had a female boss since my graduate programme,” she said. 

“I have worked for some amazing men, but it’s really difficult having a conversation with them about some of the issues you face as a woman.  

“There are more women joining organisations and following great career paths but there is still a lot more work to be done.

“I genuinely hope that in 30 years’ time there are woman who have had more balance in their careers, so it hasn’t been as difficult for them.”

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

Passengers across England can now see how reliable their local train services are, as performance data goes live at over 1,700 stations from today (6 March).

The data, broken down by operator, shows the percentage of trains cancelled and how punctual trains are at each station, marking the first time that station-level data has been available in the history of the railway. It is now live at major stations through digital screens, where possible, and at most smaller stations, passengers will be able to scan a QR code to see the data online.

This fulfils a commitment made by the Department to be fully transparent with passengers, demonstrating how the railways are working and allowing the public to hold train operators to account as we bring services into public ownership.

As well as delivering more reliable, better-quality services, these reforms will catalyse economic growth through improved connectivity, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change. By holding operators to account, they will be encouraged to drive up efficiency and productivity – providing better value for money for passengers and driving forward the government’s growth mission by delivering better connectivity.

The government is determined to drive up performance, and the Rail Minister is meeting with all train operators to address concerns and demand immediate action. In response, the industry has set out a framework with clear areas of focus, including timetable resilience and staffing, to recover performance to acceptable levels.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will visit Reading station today to mark the launch of the displays.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said, “Today marks the beginning of a new era of rail accountability. These displays are a step towards rebuilding trust with passengers using our railways, as we continue to tackle the root causes of frustrating delays and cancellations.

“Through fundamental rail reform, we’re sweeping away decades of dysfunctionality – putting passengers first, driving growth through connectivity as part of this government’s Plan for Change.”

Each station’s data can also be found on the ORR’s new data portal, which contains punctuality and reliability information for all stations in Great Britain. The online data is also screen reader compatible, for those with accessibility needs.

The screens also display a short commentary on work underway by the operators and Network Rail to improve performance, informing and assuring passengers of the ongoing work across their area to improve the reliability and efficiency of services. 

Jacqueline Starr, chair and chief executive of Rail Delivery Group, said: “We know how frustrating it is for customers when their train is cancelled or delayed. By being transparent with this data and the positive actions we’re taking, it shows how serious the industry is in putting this right by continuing to strive for improvements. 

“This send a clear message to customers the rail sector is committed to improving punctuality and to find solutions to make train services more reliable.”

Natasha Grice, Director at the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: “Passengers tell us they want a reliable, on-time train service and will welcome improvements to information about the punctuality of their service and cancellations being shared more transparently. It’s important that the industry uses this information to drive up performance.”

This forms part of a wider overhaul of the railways, which will establish Great British Railways (GBR) as a new body to bring track and train together, to end years of fragmentation and waste. GBR will relentlessly focus on driving up standards for passengers, and proposals for how it will run, including plans for a powerful new passenger standards watchdog, are currently under consultation. 

Separately, the landmark Public Ownership Act will improve services and save taxpayers up to £150m a year that was previously given to private shareholders, with the first services being brought in as soon as May 2025. 

The government will deliver change that can be felt, driving growth across the country by ensuring passengers can use the railways to get to work, school, appointments and see friends and family with ease.

With increasingly complex demands, the railway industry faces significant challenges, including an ageing fleet and infrastructure, while needing to maintain operational efficiency and reliability. Traditional maintenance approaches, often reactive or schedule-based, struggle to meet these demands. To address these challenges, in-service monitoring using inertial sensors is emerging as a cost-effective, transformative approach, enabling predictive maintenance through a detailed understanding of vehicle and track interaction. This approach looks at the railway as a single system, involving both track and train, providing a holistic solution to ride quality and track geometry issues for early fault identification and proactive repair.

How in-service monitoring works

In-service monitoring transforms passenger and freight trains into continuous data collectors, capturing the dynamic interaction between track and train. Sensors, such as inertial measurement units, installed on vehicles, measure parameters like track alignment, vehicle stability and suspension performance. This enables early fault detection, predictive maintenance and supports root cause analysis.

Unlike periodic inspections or manual reviews, which may overlook early signs of wear or degradation, in-service monitoring continuously gathers real-time data from sensors embedded in trains. These data offer detailed insights into infrastructure and vehicle conditions, such as track alignment, vehicle response, and suspension dynamics. By identifying early signs of wear and correlating data between wheelsets, bogies, and the vehicle body, operators can take pre-emptive action to address issues before they escalate. A key advantage of this method is that it evaluates train dynamics during daily operations. Variations in wheel-rail interaction directly influence the dynamics and stability of the vehicle, helping identify areas where small irregularities might cause noticeable excitation of the vehicle. This information supports maintenance regimes by pinpointing locations and assets that require attention

Precision data for predictive maintenance

There are several approaches to analysing the data. Model-based and mathematical techniques can provide reliable, repeatable and comparable results that align with inspection vehicle standards, offering actionable insights. Alongside or alternatively, trend and feature analysis using machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) can identify patterns that signal specific faults. In-service monitoring offers a predictive approach, using precise data to forecast faults before they cause significant disruptions. This enables operators to optimise maintenance schedules, minimise emergency repairs, and enhance the management of rolling stock and infrastructure.

Impacts on passenger comfort and operational efficiency

In-service monitoring delivers benefits for passengers primarily by reducing service disruptions. Rail operators can use this technology to address potential issues before they affect travel, ensuring smoother and more dependable services. Infrastructure managers and train operators currently conduct cab rides to analyse ride quality and identify track or vehicle issues, requiring trained personnel to be physically present. In-service monitoring automates this process, which saves operators both time and effort through accurate fault localisation. Additionally, by identifying and addressing sources of excessive excitation, in-service monitoring results in a more comfortable ride for passengers.

The data can assist in decision-making regarding rough ride reports and speed restrictions. Some reports from train drivers may be caused by poor wheel profiles, which do not require speed restrictions for the line. In such cases, the train operator needs to address the vehicle-related issue. Where track degradation is the cause, the data can pinpoint the location and type of fault. This also assists with the current regime and the unavailability of the measurement fleet, such as the NMT. It can fill the gap between NMT runs, help with better degradation modelling and distinguish the importance of measuring track conditions from the perspective of the vehicles running on it daily.

Looking to the future: setting a new norm in railway maintenance

The adoption of in-service monitoring represents a logical shift in railway maintenance, establishing a forward-thinking, data-driven approach that manages rail networks as interconnected systems. Treating the railway as a cohesive system involving both track and train ensures that maintenance activities address the root causes of ride quality and track geometry issues comprehensively, leading to a more resilient and sustainable railway system. By transforming trains into intelligent, in-service data collectors, the rail industry can take a significant step towards modern, reliable and resource-efficient maintenance practices.

The E10 Shinkansen will redefine high-speed rail travel for the 2030s, replacing existing trains E2 and E5 on Tohoku route. The project now moves into the design implementation phase, with the first trains expected to enter service in 2030. 

Tangerine was selected as the first non-Japanese design partner to be entrusted with the design of one of Japan’s iconic bullet trains. The consultancy was commissioned to craft both the train’s striking exterior livery and its sophisticated interior, which spans distinct passenger classes. 

A Design Rooted in Japanese Aesthetics 

The design of the E10 Shinkansen revolved around creating an experience that is user-centred, brand-aligned, and business-focused. Drawing inspiration from Japan’s landscapes, seascapes, and cityscapes, Tangerine has crafted a train design that offers an exceptional passenger experience across all classes. The E10 is set to become a source of national pride and a point of intrigue for overseas visitors. 

A Livery Inspired by Japan 

The E10 Shinkansen’s exterior livery pays homage to the diverse regions the train traverses, with a mid-green colour palette reflecting the lush mountain forests and coastlines along the route. The graphic shapes are inspired by the silhouette of Sakura flowers—an iconic symbol of Japan, both domestically and internationally. 

A Reimagined Interior for All Travelers 

Tangerine’s design philosophy for the E10 focuses on hospitality inspired by Japanese aesthetic traditions and craftsmanship, creating a refined and inviting environment. Interior lighting has been carefully considered, utilising indirect wash lights to create a soft, calming ambience. Seating and layout variations across all classes elevate comfort for a diverse range of passengers while ensuring operational efficiency for JR East. A consistent design was established across all classes, with graduated wall and seat upholstery creating an impactful, premium aesthetic and an enhanced onboard experience. 

A Vision for the Future of High-Speed Rail 

“The E10 Shinkansen represents a milestone in UK-Japan collaboration within the rail sector, setting new benchmarks for hospitality-focused design and sustainable travel,” says Matt Round, Chief Creative Officer at Tangerine. 

“With its blend of Japanese spirit, innovation, and user-centric design, the E10 Shinkansen is poised to redefine high-speed rail travel for decades to come.”