Rail supplier news from New York Air Brake, ABB, Alstom, Bombardier and Cambridge Systematics (July 17)

New York Air Brake will incorporate Predikto Inc.'s auto-dynamic predictive analytics platform known as MAX into its Locomotive Engineer Assist/Display & Event Recorder (LEADER) train control technology. MAX is a learning machine engine that draws upon LEADER train data, in addition to capturing data external to the train itself, such as weather and line of road conditions. Predikto's technology is designed to adapt itself to rapid changes in context in near real-time, Predikto officials said in a press release.

ABB has received $90 million worth of train equipment orders to meet rail demands in Europe and the United States. The company is supplying compact traction converters with integrated power supplies for four new diesel-electric rail cars for Capital Metro in Austin, Texas. ABB's compact traction converters and transformers will also power 15 Stadler electric trains slated for Hungarian National Railways' suburban fleet, as well as Stadler's new international EuroCity trains being built for the Swiss Federal Railways.

Alstom's new remote-controlled, computer-based interlocking system has been activated at Bari Parco Nord, Italy. The $8.25 million project involved replacing a previous electromechanical system with Alstom's Smartlock 400 GP system and other related parts, including the installation of electrical power supply, telecommunications, air conditioning, fire alarm and extinguishing, and access protection equipment.

Bombardier Inc. appointed John Di Bert senior vice president and chief financial officer, effective Aug. 10. He succeeds Pierre Alary, who earlier this year announced plans to retire. Before joining Bombardier, Di Bert spent 14 years at Pratt & Whitney Canada, where he most recently served as VP of customer service. Prior to that role, he was VP of finance at the company from 2007 to 2013.

On Aug. 3, Peter Ellis will join Cambridge Systematics as executive vice president for transportation planning and management (TPM). In the new role, Ellis will be responsible for development and implementation of the TPM business line's strategy. Before joining Cambridge, he worked at the Clinton Health Access Initiative, where he most recently served as senior adviser. Ellis succeeds Steven Pickrell, who is stepping down from the role to focus on client project work.