People wait undeground for a train to arrive.

PAST PROJECTS

We are proud to take on a diverse range of projects both locally, nationally, and internationally. No two mass transit systems are the same, so we are continuously challenged to think both creatively and critically.

We never lose sight of the people who will be impacted by the mass transit systems we work on— whether it’s our clients, members of the public, or transit employees. It is our job as rail transit engineering consultants to create and optimize systems that enhance mobility, perform optimally, and maximize feasibility.

The projects listed below demonstrate our commitment to providing forward-thinking transit engineering services that satisfy end-user requirements and uphold our strict standards of excellence.

OUR WORK

Surrey Langley Skytrain Extension

OPERATIONS AND SYSTEMS CONSULTING

The Surrey Langley Skytrain extension aimed to add 16 kilometres on an elevated guideway from King George SkyTrain Station to Langley City Centre along Fraser Highway. The extension included eight stations, three bus exchanges, park and ride spaces, 55 SkyTrain vehicles, an Operations and Maintenance Centre, and supporting system upgrades.

As part of this Owner’s Engineer team, TSR Engineering provided the following services:

Reference design development for rail systems including Seltrac CBTC, traction power modelling, operations concept plan, and propulsion power substation utility feed coordination with BC Hydro, and various communications systems
Spearheading the technical requirements development for the RFP

Edmonton Valley Line West LRT

SYSTEMS, ROLLINGSTOCK, INTEGRATION AND O&M

The Edmonton Valley Line West LRT is a proposed urban-style 27 km line that will operate between Mill Woods in southeast Edmonton and Lewis Farms in west Edmonton.

Services provided by TSR Engineering as part of the Owner’s Engineer team included:

Reference design development for systems, rollingstock, and maintenance facilities, along with operations and maintenance plans.
Integration strategy review with infrastructure and hazard assessment on the reference design
Consulting on project risk matrix
Development of migration strategy for integration into Valley Line Stage 1 currently under construction
Providing CAPEX and OPEX costing for business case
Developing procurement documents for RFQ and RFP
Representing the City as part of the owner’s engineering team
Developing the RFQ and RFP technical and procurement documents for the purchase of 40 new light rail vehicles
Participating member of the procurement and evaluation team

Melbourne Metro Rail

CONCEPT DESIGN

The Melbourne Metro Rail is a proposed 9km-long tunnel within Melbourne, Australia, connecting the Sunbury and Dandenong railway route.

TSR Engineering offered the following transit engineering services in relation to this project:

CBTC technical input for the concept design
Producing concept design including routing and run time optimization, speed zone analysis, signal design including safe braking distance analysis and headway optimization, rolling stock analysis incorporating vehicle dynamics optimization, TPC and vehicle requirements development, statistical analysis including dwell time variability, system recoverability/conflict resolution and driver performance sensitivity
Utilizing OpenTrack and other key software in the analysis
Developing CAPEX costing for business cases
Developing procurement documentation and participating in tender evaluations

Japan Rail East

CBTC RETROFIT

Provided operational, technical, and migration planning assistance for the bid phase, to a multinational signalling supplier, of the potential CBTC retrofit of the Joban line. This is a 30km existing above grade passenger metro system.

Ride Quality Device

ADVANCING PASSENGER COMFORT

TSR Engineering developed a Ride Quality Device to measure and analyze passenger comfort using EN 12299, the global standard for ride evaluation. This initiative began when we discovered no algorithm was readily available to validate EN 12299 requirements, as required on the Valley Line Southeast LRT in Edmonton, Alberta.

The system uses compact accelerometers to capture vibrations in three directions—longitudinal, lateral, and vertical—and processes data through a custom algorithm applying FFT/IFFT signal processing, frequency weighting, and statistical measures like RMS and 95th percentile metrics. Development in MATLAB confirmed readiness for full-scale deployment given the capability to efficiently process accelerometer data.

Paired with a user-friendly app, agencies can visualize comfort along routes and adapt for different railway applications. Initial trials revealed insights to help identify opportunities for items like track geometry and LRV suspension systems.

Compact and easy to use, this device positions TSR at the forefront of ride comfort technology, delivering actionable data to improve rider experience, safety, and accessibility.

Eglinton Crosstown West Extension – Independent Systems Integration Expert Services

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION AND INTERFACE MANAGEMENT

The Eglinton Crosstown West Extension adds 9.2 kilometers of track from Mount Dennis Station to Renforth Drive, with seven stations, tunnels, elevated guideways, and a traction power substation. The scope includes integration and commissioning of rail systems such as communications, traction power, and tunnel ventilation.

Services provided by TSR Engineering as part of the Independent Systems Integration Expert (ISIE) team included:

Acting as an independent expert for systems integration and interface management between ECWE, ECLRT, and the Signaling & Train Control System.
Developing and implementing the ISIE Management Plan, including processes, governance, and technical protocols.
Reviewing and advising on System Integration Management Plans (SIMP), Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and Testing & Commissioning programs.
Assessing System Engineering Management Plans, migration strategies, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC/EMI) management plans.
Monitoring and witnessing Systems Integration Testing (SIT) and Integrated Systems Testing (IST) for compliance with performance and functional requirements.
Evaluating integration risk registers, hazard analyses, and configuration management plans.
Confirming successful completion of systems integration prior to Revenue Service Demonstration (RSD) and issuing formal assessment reports.
Participating in Systems Integration Steering Groups and technical working committees to provide impartial engineering opinions.

SkyTrain Advanced Radio System (STARS) Project

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION AND EMC COORDINATION

The STARS project modernizes SkyTrain’s communication system by replacing the aging Vehicle Radio System (VRS) with a highly reliable solution that supports critical functions such as public address, passenger intercom, assistance alarms, and smoke alarms. The new system provides wireless coverage across the Expo and Millennium lines, integrates with the SkyTrain Customer and Operations Telecommunications (SCOT) system, and interfaces with onboard communication systems, ensuring seamless connectivity and operational efficiency.

Key contributions by TSR Engineering as part of System Integration:

Defining requirements for onboard communication equipment suppliers.
Reviewing design submittals from communications equipment vendors.
Ensuring proper integration of new communication systems onto existing SkyTrain fleets.
Overseeing testing of equipment for compliance and operational reliability.
Providing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) coordination and expertise to mitigate interference risks.

Rocky Mountaineer – Generator Railcar Conversion Project

STRUCTURAL INSPECTION AND GENERATOR REPLACEMENT

The Rocky Mountaineer refurbishment initiative focused on verifying the structural integrity and operational safety of 2 generator rail cars. The project’s objectives included delivering strategic guidance for long-term management within a strict timeline for returning cars to service.

Under the umbrella of CRWS structural engineering services, TSR specifically supported:

Acting as technical advisor and liaison with vendors to ensure structural refurbishments accommodate new generators and allow maintenance access.
Assessing air intake requirements and cooling loads to maintain optimal generator performance.
Supporting overall system integration and equipment selection in coordination with CRWS.
Designing under-frame fuel system with dual 4,044-L Transport Canada–compliant tanks, balance line, suction/return routing, and corrosion-prevention measures.
Performing airflow and thermal modeling to meet 66,902 CFM radiator-fan requirements, designing intake paths, and integrating filtration for dust and debris control.
Coordinating under-frame packaging using 3D modeling to optimize placement of tanks, piping, and brake equipment within tight clearance envelopes.
Rerouting air-brake components for compliance and integrating optional fire-suppression system for safety.
Collaborating with CRWS, AGB Manufacturing, Toromont CAT, and Ventex to align technical decisions and fabrication details.
Upgrading two legacy railcars with dual Caterpillar C18 Tier-4 generator sets for enhanced power reliability and emissions compliance.

Edmonton High Floor Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) Procurement Project

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR ROLLINGSTOCK PROCUREMENT

The Edmonton High Floor LRV Procurement initiative focuses on replacing aging Siemens-Duewag U2 LRVs and expanding fleet capacity for the Capital and Metro Lines. The anticipated scope includes procurement of approximately 53+ new LRVs compatible with Edmonton’s existing infrastructure, maintenance facilities, and operational systems. This project requires integration with traction power, signaling, communication systems, and compliance with environmental and safety standards.

Services provided by TSR in support of Hyundai Rotem Company's (HRC) campaign to become the LRV supplier include:

Providing technical and commercial support to HRC during RFQ/RFP phases, including bid writing and editing, attending meetings with the City, and generating questions to clarify the bid documents and process.
Supporting HRC in defining LRV specifications to meet the challenging requirements of the City, to ensure seamlessness and integration with existing systems (operations, traction power, signaling, communications).
Preparing a Winterization Plan for the vehicles, to meet the demanding weather extremes of Edmonton climate.
Preparing preliminary Interface Control Documents (ICDs) and Interface Matrix/Register to establish critical interfaces with existing systems.

MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE

Don’t compromise the progress of your project. We can help put your plan into motion. Our seasoned Transit Engineers have the experience required to ensure your project gains momentum and achieves your desired outcome.