Systra Group Site

Our country websites

Our other websites

Systra Group Site

Our country websites

Our other websites

Contact

Vision
Vision
Group
Group
What we do
Back to menu
Our Markets

Urban Transit

Metro

From Montreal to Sydney via Santiago, London, Paris or even Cairo and Mumbai, SYSTRA has been involved in almost 1 metro line in 2 in the world. Whether it concerns networks created from scratch or new lines, extensions or optimisations going all the way to full automation of an existing infrastructure, our urban mobility experts cover all the specificities of metro projects.

Light Rail

The tramway is one of the only modes of transport that offers decision-makers and public authorities the solution to a complex challenge – how to offer a transport service that is rapid, high capacity, and reliable, operates long hours, is independent from road traffic flow and as carbon neutral as possible… all at a limited roll-out cost.

Bus Rapid Transit

The socio-economic development of cities is intrinsically linked to the ease of mobility. An efficient public transport system is one of the main structuring elements of connection between residential neighbourhoods and points of interest of the population. Thus, a high-quality public transport system is an essential element for the development of large urban centres. Modern and high-performance, BRT systems could combine the flexibility of a bus with the benefits offered by semi-dedicated or dedicated corridor transport.

Cable car, Monorail

Big drops in level, a weak hold on the ground or even short distance travel, these questions find their answers with SYSTRA and its expertise in other urban modes such as cable cars, funiculars, monorails or even people movers.

Micro Mobilities / cycle

Soft mobility or active modes of transport, such as cycling, walking or electric scooters, are sustainable modes of transport that are becoming very popular in cities. The use of bicycles is growing by 10 to 15% per year in large cities. SYSTRA has established itself as a leader in the implementation of cycling projects, from the definition of strategies to the detailed design of cycling routes and post-project monitoring.

Rail

High-Speed Rail

Rail links increase the development prospects of cities and regions. All over the world, rail is synonymous with access to employment, education, health and leisure. SYSTRA has been involved in all aspects of projects, both in the design and construction of new lines and in the modernisation and upgrading of existing links, meeting the highest technical standards and the most stringent environmental requirements.

Conventional Rail

Railways have been at the heart of SYSTRA’s vocation since 1957, the year of our very first assignment: preparing the electrification of the Indian rail network. Always at the service of economic and social development, we have since been involved in all aspects of projects, both in the design and construction of new lines and in the modernisation and upgrading of existing links, meeting the highest technical standards and the most stringent environmental requirements.

Freight

Facilitating the movement of people, rail is also a major player in the transport of freight and merchandise. The construction of huge rail networks is currently underway in the Middle East and India, overcoming topographical and climatic constraints to interconnect cities, logistics hubs and free production zones. SYSTRA is contributing all its know-how, from design to site supervision and contract management.

Stations & Buildings

Stations

Stations have become living spaces in their own right, whether they are created from scratch or renovated and fitted out. We have the expertise to manage not only passenger flows, traffic and passenger information, but also visual identity, lighting and sound. We carry out accessibility work to make it easier for people with reduced mobility to move around stations. Because a station is a living place, it is essential to make it pleasant and reassuring to facilitate the traveller’s experience.

Technical Buildings

We aim to produce an efficient design to create buildings that operate on lighter costs and fewer resources. Our approach also makes it possible to optimise the number of technical rooms while respecting availability requirements. We pursue excellence in high-performance mechanical, electrical, water and waste systems.
Using 3D modelling, we optimise structural efficiency and rapid schedule.

Depots facilities & Operation Control Centres

Depot facilities and operation control centres are the hub of operations that provide services to operate passenger trains (rolling stock) safely and efficiently and where the trains can be maintained, serviced, and stored when not in use.
Our operation and maintenance services are enhanced by an extensive experience in the planning, design, and construction of all major forms of transport infrastructure; and by an engineering approach that guarantees a strong interaction between the O&M provider requirements and the Design team from the early stage of the project and for the whole lifecycle of the system.

Tunnels & Bridges

Bridges & Viaducts

Bridges are a major product line for SYSTRA and a cornerstone of our technical excellence in providing safe, efficient and economical solutions.
We have a global network of excellence in bridge engineering, bringing together more than 350 large infrastructure experts based in the United States, France, Canada, India, Korea and Dubai. This is one of SYSTRA’s strengths. This unrivalled technical expertise enables us to work on all types of bridges.
Our services extend to all project phases, from upstream studies to full project management in close collaboration with manufacturers, and even maintenance and independent certification.

Tunnels/ Underground structures

SYSTRA has designed and built underground structures all over the world in the most demanding conditions. Whether crossing dense urban areas, mountains or the sea, railway or road tunnels or underground stations, we have solid references on all types of underground structures, designing and supervising deep excavation, whatever the geological or geotechnical context, environment or purpose of the work. We also master all methods of tunnel construction, from the traditional method to drilling by tunnel boring machine, in all types of soil or rock.

Systems Engineering

System Integration

Our approach to transport systems integration is based on over 65 years of experience in projects around the world. SYSTRA ensures that systems are fully integrated at every stage of the project, from design to testing and commissioning. System integration ensures that the system meets the initial requirements after assembly.

System Assurance

The purpose of Systems Assurance is to plan all systems aspects of engineering activities. It is an essential activity to ensure that products comply with all transport system requirements, including those of the RAMS (Reliability, Maintainability, Availability, Safety). This ensures that anomalies and gaps are minimised during system integration. Our holistic approach ensures that each sub-system will demonstrate the same level of System Assurance from design to completion to enable a safe and efficient commercial service.

Control & Communications

Signalling and telecommunication systems are essential for the safety of passengers and the performance of transport systems. Improving these systems, although complex, is the most effective way to increase passenger service and profitability, while minimising capital expenditure.

Power

The choice of traction power source is a major decision for a new build project or for the migration of diesel-powered rolling stock to cleaner energy alternatives. We design the electrical architecture to ensure cost-effectiveness and a high reliability of the transport system, even in degraded mode. We pay particular attention to electromagnetic compatibility as it can potentially heavily impact the stability and the performance of the system.

Operation & Maintenance

The commissioning of a new or upgraded line must be prepared well in advance. Before the operator welcomes users, our teams therefore set up a shadow operator, whose role will be to define or optimise operations, set resource levels and prepare time slots.

Rolling Stock & Depots

The determination of the rolling stock is the most important choice made by an operator. It is a vital link in the user experience, with an operating life of 30 to 40 years, and represents a vital investment in the commercial success of a transport offer. It is the safety and performance of the rolling stock, as well as the quality of the maintenance equipment, that make our customers’ operations efficient and optimise the experience offered to passengers.

Other sectors

Roads and Highways

SYSTRA has built up a reputation for technical excellence through the successful completion of motorway projects around the world, such as in India and Brazil.
We provide design and engineering services for all types of roads and motorways.
Our teams have experience of designing in accordance with various international codes.

Urban Infrastructures / Real estate, logistics

The creation of transport hubs is accompanied by more global urban projects including new urban functions, whether residential, tertiary, retail or service. Accompanying urban development therefore requires a multi-disciplinary and comprehensive approach.
This is why SYSTRA has integrated teams of architects, town planners, landscape architects, ecologists, civil engineering, hydraulic engineering, engineering structures, building, environmental and biodiversity experts, acousticians, as well as furniture and signage designers, and also acts as a land operator.

Mining

Our role is to improve railway efficiency to maximise mine profitability. Our expertise in railway engineering and technical services for the mining industry originates from experience acquired with major mining companies worldwide, thanks to our knowledge of heavy rail standards and practices. We provide reliable and cost-effective solutions during every stage of a project cycle, from preliminary planning to ongoing operations.

Airports, Ports and marine

As an engineering company, SYSTRA supports its clients in all transport infrastructure projects, including airports and ports.
Our network of experts, located in all regions of the world, can help you to design and organise airport terminals, model port terminals, carry out environmental studies or provide building expertise.

Our Services

Planning & Consulting

Planning today for efficient travel tomorrow is the key to the consultancy work entrusted to SYSTRA. Our network of more than 1,000 consultants is located throughout the world to deal with all your problems and provide tailor-made support.

Design

Choosing SYSTRA for the design of a project means opting for a global leader in the design of infrastructure, both railway lines and civil engineering structures. From preliminary studies and sketches to execution studies and independent review, our design departments are involved at every stage of the studies and in every field. Layout, geotechnics, earthworks, underground or overhead infrastructures, systems, but also the design of rolling stock, buildings, operating and maintenance schemes, with constant attention paid to the environment, and sustainable design and construction.

Project Management & Construction

SYSTRA is an expert in Project Management and Construction Supervision services. From Light Rail and Mass Transit to High Speed Lines, not to forget Conventional Rail and Exceptional Infrastructure, our Engineers have managed the delivery and supervised the construction of some of the largest and most complex transportation projects. With blended teams of Project Management and Technical experts, we tackle your challenges as a true partner, always keeping in mind the best project interests.

Testing & Commissioning

SYSTRA is committed to the quality of the transport service offered to passengers and supports its clients throughout the testing and commissioning process. Our integration experts define the test strategy, then plan, manage and conduct the tests from the factory to the site, manage the overall tests, organise the handover of the transport system to the operator and supervise the start of commercial operation.

Asset Management & O&M Assistance

Tomorrow’s infrastructure is also what exists today. Indeed, the transport networks we use on a daily basis may be decades or more old. Yet the risks associated with poor asset management are real, from the design of the assets to their end of life. Taking care of existing networks and implementing good asset management is therefore a prerequisite for the development of sustainable mobility, guaranteeing the safety of users and respecting the environment.
From Montreal to Sydney via Santiago, London, Paris or even Cairo and Mumbai, SYSTRA has been involved in almost 1 metro line in 2 in the world. Whether it concerns networks created from scratch or new lines, extensions or optimisations going all the way to full automation of an existing infrastructure, our urban mobility experts cover all the specificities of metro projects.

The tramway is one of the only modes of transport that offers decision-makers and public authorities the solution to a complex challenge – how to offer a transport service that is rapid, high capacity, and reliable, operates long hours, is independent from road traffic flow and as carbon neutral as possible… all at a limited roll-out cost.

The socio-economic development of cities is intrinsically linked to the ease of mobility. An efficient public transport system is one of the main structuring elements of connection between residential neighbourhoods and points of interest of the population. Thus, a high-quality public transport system is an essential element for the development of large urban centres. Modern and high-performance, BRT systems could combine the flexibility of a bus with the benefits offered by semi-dedicated or dedicated corridor transport.

Big drops in level, a weak hold on the ground or even short distance travel, these questions find their answers with SYSTRA and its expertise in other urban modes such as cable cars, funiculars, monorails or even people movers.

Soft mobility or active modes of transport, such as cycling, walking or electric scooters, are sustainable modes of transport that are becoming very popular in cities. The use of bicycles is growing by 10 to 15% per year in large cities. SYSTRA has established itself as a leader in the implementation of cycling projects, from the definition of strategies to the detailed design of cycling routes and post-project monitoring.
Rail links increase the development prospects of cities and regions. All over the world, rail is synonymous with access to employment, education, health and leisure. SYSTRA has been involved in all aspects of projects, both in the design and construction of new lines and in the modernisation and upgrading of existing links, meeting the highest technical standards and the most stringent environmental requirements.

Railways have been at the heart of SYSTRA’s vocation since 1957, the year of our very first assignment: preparing the electrification of the Indian rail network. Always at the service of economic and social development, we have since been involved in all aspects of projects, both in the design and construction of new lines and in the modernisation and upgrading of existing links, meeting the highest technical standards and the most stringent environmental requirements.

Facilitating the movement of people, rail is also a major player in the transport of freight and merchandise. The construction of huge rail networks is currently underway in the Middle East and India, overcoming topographical and climatic constraints to interconnect cities, logistics hubs and free production zones. SYSTRA is contributing all its know-how, from design to site supervision and contract management.
Stations have become living spaces in their own right, whether they are created from scratch or renovated and fitted out. We have the expertise to manage not only passenger flows, traffic and passenger information, but also visual identity, lighting and sound. We carry out accessibility work to make it easier for people with reduced mobility to move around stations. Because a station is a living place, it is essential to make it pleasant and reassuring to facilitate the traveller’s experience.

We aim to produce an efficient design to create buildings that operate on lighter costs and fewer resources. Our approach also makes it possible to optimise the number of technical rooms while respecting availability requirements. We pursue excellence in high-performance mechanical, electrical, water and waste systems.
Using 3D modelling, we optimise structural efficiency and rapid schedule.

Depot facilities and operation control centres are the hub of operations that provide services to operate passenger trains (rolling stock) safely and efficiently and where the trains can be maintained, serviced, and stored when not in use.
Our operation and maintenance services are enhanced by an extensive experience in the planning, design, and construction of all major forms of transport infrastructure; and by an engineering approach that guarantees a strong interaction between the O&M provider requirements and the Design team from the early stage of the project and for the whole lifecycle of the system.
- Bridges & Viaducts
- Tunnels/ Underground structures
Bridges are a major product line for SYSTRA and a cornerstone of our technical excellence in providing safe, efficient and economical solutions.
We have a global network of excellence in bridge engineering, bringing together more than 350 large infrastructure experts based in the United States, France, Canada, India, Korea and Dubai. This is one of SYSTRA’s strengths. This unrivalled technical expertise enables us to work on all types of bridges.
Our services extend to all project phases, from upstream studies to full project management in close collaboration with manufacturers, and even maintenance and independent certification.

SYSTRA has designed and built underground structures all over the world in the most demanding conditions. Whether crossing dense urban areas, mountains or the sea, railway or road tunnels or underground stations, we have solid references on all types of underground structures, designing and supervising deep excavation, whatever the geological or geotechnical context, environment or purpose of the work. We also master all methods of tunnel construction, from the traditional method to drilling by tunnel boring machine, in all types of soil or rock.
Our approach to transport systems integration is based on over 65 years of experience in projects around the world. SYSTRA ensures that systems are fully integrated at every stage of the project, from design to testing and commissioning. System integration ensures that the system meets the initial requirements after assembly.

The purpose of Systems Assurance is to plan all systems aspects of engineering activities. It is an essential activity to ensure that products comply with all transport system requirements, including those of the RAMS (Reliability, Maintainability, Availability, Safety). This ensures that anomalies and gaps are minimised during system integration. Our holistic approach ensures that each sub-system will demonstrate the same level of System Assurance from design to completion to enable a safe and efficient commercial service.

Signalling and telecommunication systems are essential for the safety of passengers and the performance of transport systems. Improving these systems, although complex, is the most effective way to increase passenger service and profitability, while minimising capital expenditure.

The choice of traction power source is a major decision for a new build project or for the migration of diesel-powered rolling stock to cleaner energy alternatives. We design the electrical architecture to ensure cost-effectiveness and a high reliability of the transport system, even in degraded mode. We pay particular attention to electromagnetic compatibility as it can potentially heavily impact the stability and the performance of the system.

The commissioning of a new or upgraded line must be prepared well in advance. Before the operator welcomes users, our teams therefore set up a shadow operator, whose role will be to define or optimise operations, set resource levels and prepare time slots.

The determination of the rolling stock is the most important choice made by an operator. It is a vital link in the user experience, with an operating life of 30 to 40 years, and represents a vital investment in the commercial success of a transport offer. It is the safety and performance of the rolling stock, as well as the quality of the maintenance equipment, that make our customers’ operations efficient and optimise the experience offered to passengers.
SYSTRA has built up a reputation for technical excellence through the successful completion of motorway projects around the world, such as in India and Brazil.
We provide design and engineering services for all types of roads and motorways.
Our teams have experience of designing in accordance with various international codes.

The creation of transport hubs is accompanied by more global urban projects including new urban functions, whether residential, tertiary, retail or service. Accompanying urban development therefore requires a multi-disciplinary and comprehensive approach.
This is why SYSTRA has integrated teams of architects, town planners, landscape architects, ecologists, civil engineering, hydraulic engineering, engineering structures, building, environmental and biodiversity experts, acousticians, as well as furniture and signage designers, and also acts as a land operator.

Our role is to improve railway efficiency to maximise mine profitability. Our expertise in railway engineering and technical services for the mining industry originates from experience acquired with major mining companies worldwide, thanks to our knowledge of heavy rail standards and practices. We provide reliable and cost-effective solutions during every stage of a project cycle, from preliminary planning to ongoing operations.

As an engineering company, SYSTRA supports its clients in all transport infrastructure projects, including airports and ports.
Our network of experts, located in all regions of the world, can help you to design and organise airport terminals, model port terminals, carry out environmental studies or provide building expertise.

Planning today for efficient travel tomorrow is the key to the consultancy work entrusted to SYSTRA. Our network of more than 1,000 consultants is located throughout the world to deal with all your problems and provide tailor-made support.

Choosing SYSTRA for the design of a project means opting for a global leader in the design of infrastructure, both railway lines and civil engineering structures. From preliminary studies and sketches to execution studies and independent review, our design departments are involved at every stage of the studies and in every field. Layout, geotechnics, earthworks, underground or overhead infrastructures, systems, but also the design of rolling stock, buildings, operating and maintenance schemes, with constant attention paid to the environment, and sustainable design and construction.

SYSTRA is an expert in Project Management and Construction Supervision services. From Light Rail and Mass Transit to High Speed Lines, not to forget Conventional Rail and Exceptional Infrastructure, our Engineers have managed the delivery and supervised the construction of some of the largest and most complex transportation projects. With blended teams of Project Management and Technical experts, we tackle your challenges as a true partner, always keeping in mind the best project interests.

SYSTRA is committed to the quality of the transport service offered to passengers and supports its clients throughout the testing and commissioning process. Our integration experts define the test strategy, then plan, manage and conduct the tests from the factory to the site, manage the overall tests, organise the handover of the transport system to the operator and supervise the start of commercial operation.

Tomorrow’s infrastructure is also what exists today. Indeed, the transport networks we use on a daily basis may be decades or more old. Yet the risks associated with poor asset management are real, from the design of the assets to their end of life. Taking care of existing networks and implementing good asset management is therefore a prerequisite for the development of sustainable mobility, guaranteeing the safety of users and respecting the environment.
Careers
Careers
Experts’ Insights
Newsroom
Newsroom

Home Careers Catherine LAPLANTE, Transport Economist, Canada

Catherine LAPLANTE, Transport Economist, Canada

Catherine LAPLANTE
Transport Economist,
CANADA

“I would not be a Transport Economist at SYSTRA today if…”

I would not be a transportation economist if it wasn’t for my father’s encouragement. He believed in me and encouraged me to go to graduate school and pursue engineering.

“What motivates me on a daily basis at SYSTRA is…”

I love my job! I also feel that I belong in the team and that I am very respected by my colleagues and staff. Regardless of role, hierarchy or experience, we all have a role to play and we are a united group.

“I realised how meaningful my job was when…”

I have seen that, as an Economist, I bring a different and complementary perspective to our projects.

For example, by looking at asset management and the life cycle, I encourage my colleagues to raise questions about the materials choices.

At the moment, I am also happy to be working with the Cree indigenous communities in Quebec, and more particularly the women, on a major project called “La Grande Alliance“, which aims to connect, develop and protect the territory by placing social acceptability and community engagement at the forefront.

*SYSTRA is part of a consortium conducting a study to assess the feasibility of Phase 1 of “La Grand Alliance” infrastructure projects.

“My message to those considering this job”

Find a field in which you will flourish. Find yourself. Follow your passions, stay curious, engaged and positive. And don’t be discouraged! No challenge is insurmountable.

Consult all testimonies