Rail supplier news from Fugro, Alstom, Uber, TekTracking, Rajant and RSI (May 28)

ProRail awarded Fugro a three-year framework contract for geotechnical investigations to support renewal work of existing rail lines across the Netherlands. Under the contract, Fugro will work with ProRail to identify and develop geotechnical solutions, such as faster cone penetration test techniques, that will increase efficiencies and reduce line closures, Fugro officials said in a press release.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit's (DART) board approved a contract with Alstom Signaling Operations LLC to upgrade the agency's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Alstom will replace software, servers, workstations, tunnel ventilation control systems, an overview display wall and a cyber security program, as well as provide data backup with remote-site archive sub-systems. Meanwhile, DART awarded Uber Technologies Inc. a three-year contract for rideshare services to supplement the agency’s GoLink on-demand shuttle service. 

Finger Lakes Railway has selected TekTracking LLC’s Track Inspection, Maintenance, Planning and Scheduling Software (TIMPS). The TIMPS mobile application assists track departments in managing and prioritizing track inspection and maintenance tasks, company officials said in a press release.

Rajant Corp. hired Jon Lederman as vice president of artificial intelligence (AI). In this newly created position, Lederman will enable new applications and capabilities for Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh wireless network partners to enhance productivity through machine learning. Target markets for these technologies include transportation, warehouse automation, robotics, energy, public safety, military and mining customers. Lederman is the chief executive officer and founder of AI developer Spinor.

The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) named Lee Verhey director of regulatory and industry affairs. Verhey will manage RSI’s American Railcar (ARCI), Equipment Leasing and Quality Assurance committees while overseeing the association’s development and response to technical and regulatory policy issues. Verhey previously served as senior vice president of quality at TrinityRail and has 43 years of experience in rail-car operations, manufacturing and maintenance.