Rail supplier news from Alstom, Siemens, Sam Schwartz, SYSTRA, HNTB and G.W. Peoples (June 4)

Alstom yesterday unveiled its new Citadis Spirit light-rail vehicle for the North American market during the 2013 American Public Transportation Association Rail Conference in Philadelphia. The Citadis builds upon the experience of more than 1,700 Citadis light-rail vehicles in service worldwide, company officials said in a press release. Its features include a 100 percent low-floor design and the ability to operate at speeds of up to 65 mph.

Siemens is installing the first Sitras SES Energy Storage Unit with supercapacitor technology in the United States on the new Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon's (TriMet) Portland-Milwaukie light-rail line. The southeast Portland Tacoma substation will house the unit, which enables energy created during braking to be stored and then reused in one of two forms: energy savings or voltage stabilization during peak demand times. TriMet will use the system in voltage stabilization mode, according to a Siemens press release.

Sam Schwartz Engineering recently incorporated as a Design Professional Corporation (DPC). A DPC is a new form of corporation in New York State that allows for ownership of up to 24.99 percent of the company by non-engineers, while the remaining 75.01 percent of ownership must be by New York State-licensed engineers.

SYSTRA has appointed Michael Jones vice president human resources. He will be responsible for SYSTRA's U.S.-based HR program. In addition, he will manage the firm's compliance with federal, state and local laws, including federal contract compliance requirements. A seasoned HR leader in the U.S. transit industry, Jones most recently served as senior manager of labor relations for Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

HNTB Corp. named John Seabolt vice president and New York City office project delivery manager. He will lead the project management teams and oversee project delivery for clients as well as help position HNTB for future projects. Seabolt also will work with HNTB's Northeast division operations, sales and business management teams to ensure project earnings, revenue and sales goals are met. Most recently, he worked for AECOM. Seabolt also served  MTA Metro-North as director of capital engineering facilities and led high-profile projects for several transportation agencies in the region.

G.W. Peoples Contractor Co. Inc. announced Curtis Bragg joined the company as welding superintendent. He will be based out of the Carnegie, Penn., office. He previously worked for Orgo-Thermit Inc. and Tennessee Welding. In addition to track construction capabilities, G.W. Peoples also now offers welding services, rail adjustment and UT testing.