--- title: High Speed Rail url: "https://www.systra.com/uk/markets/transport/high-speed-rail/" type: markets date_published: 2023-05-09 date_modified: 2026-05-21 schema: @type: WebPage language: en-GB word_count: 1949 reading_time: 10 min canonical: "https://www.systra.com/uk/markets/transport/high-speed-rail/" featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/05/high-speed-rail_header_v3.jpg" --- # High Speed Rail ![High speed Eurostar train traveling through countryside](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/05/high-speed-rail_header_v3.jpg) #### Making long-distance travel faster, safer and more sustainable **SYSTRA is a pioneer of high speed rail. We have been at the forefront of high speed rail engineering for more than 40 years – planning, designing, overseeing and testing almost half of the world’s high-speed rail lines.** #### Key contacts ![Sébastien Vecchiato](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/sebastien-vecchiato.jpg) **Sébastien VECCHIATO ** Technical Director > [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/s%C3%A9bastien-vecchiato-ceng-cmgr-fiet-fcmi-0866b92/) ![Jonathan Scott profile headshot](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/05/jonathan-scott.jpg) **Jonathan SCOTT** Managing Director – Engineering > [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-scott-rail/) High speed rail is the reliable, efficient and sustainable alternative to air travel – shortening distances between cities, reducing journey times and opening up new economic opportunities. With high speed rail, distances are measured in minutes, not miles. High speed rail emits little CO2, relieves congestion on roads and establishes sustainable, long-term infrastructure fit for the future. But there are challenges in delivering high speed rail. Schemes are complex and often impact large numbers of people and places. Transport developers need to work with the market to design and build high speed schemes that minimise those impacts and overcome the technical challenges of integrating systems, track and trains. [connect with our HIgh speed rail specialists](https://www.systra.com/uk/contact/business/) [keep up to date with systra](https://www.systra.com/uk/newsletter/) [Learn more about our team](https://www.systra.com/uk/markets/transport/high-speed-rail/#h-let-s-work-together) #### Related markets - [Conventional Rail](https://www.systra.com/uk/markets/transport/rail/) - [Highways & Roads](https://www.systra.com/uk/markets/transport/highways-roads/) - [Transport hubs & interchanges](https://www.systra.com/uk/markets/cities-urban-mobility/transport-hubs-interchanges/) - [Water & Environment](https://www.systra.com/uk/markets/water-env/) ![bridge-and-viaducts](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/06/bridge-and-viaducts-1024x645.jpg) _services Bridge and Viaduct Engineering and Design Read more sur Bridge and Viaduct Engineering and Design_ ![geotechnical-engineers-systra](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/06/geotechnical-engineers-systra-1-1024x645.jpg) _services Geotechnical Design & Ground Engineering Read more sur Geotechnical Design & Ground Engineering_ ![](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/05/l3-service-headers_technical-systems-1-1024x645.jpg) _services Technical Systems Read more sur Technical Systems_ ![](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/05/l3-service-headers_infrastructure-engineering-1-1024x645.jpg) _services Infrastructure Engineering Read more sur Infrastructure Engineering_ **Our world-leading experience in high speed rail enables us to support all aspects of high speed rail design and construction, with expertise in all current technical solutions, infrastructure and systems.** #### High speed rail feasibility, planning, design and delivery The work delivered by SYSTRA in developing and engineering high speed rail networks has been widely influential, helping to define the European standards governing high speed rail. SYSTRA can support projects from the earliest phases – including appraisals, engineering feasibility studies, traffic forecasting, socio-economic and  [environmental assessments](https://www.systra.com/uk/services/environmental-services/environmental-impact-assessments/) . We collaborate with clients from early  [modelling](https://www.systra.com/uk/services/data-modelling/strategic-traffic-modelling-and-simulation/)  through to the determination of high speed routes. Our specialists can prepare robust patronage forecasts and produce successful business cases for new routes, line extensions and stations. We support clients throughout the execution and completion of projects, overseeing construction phases, testing and commissioning #### Improving high speed rail costs and efficiency SYSTRA is committed to developing the future of high speed rail to make it more affordable and faster to build, with infrastructure that is resilient and easier to maintain. We are continually developing new concepts for high speed rail, such as short-span bridges adapted for trains speeds of up to 350-400 km/hour. Other innovations include standardising and prefabricating some elements, which helps to reduce the quantity of materials consumed, accelerate the scheduling of works and reduce construction costs. #### SYSTRA’s added value in high speed rail High speed rail is a complex system that relies on the coordination of multiple, interdependent components to ensure success. The network is the centre of the system made up of environmental, contextual and legal factors, as well as technical elements. Everything revolves around it and contributes to its effectiveness. SYSTRA has successfully demonstrated on projects around the world that it’s specialists can manage all constituents of this eco-system. - Holistic approach, including environmental studies and public consultation - Capability to manage the entire project lifecycle, with strong testing and commissioning and operation and maintenance knowledge - Knowledge transfer from operational and successful projects underpins the design of our HSL projects - Diverse roles: client-side, contractor-side, PMC/delivery, design/construction - Through our subsidiary MESEA, we have access to real-time knowledge, feedback and lessons learned of the operation and maintenance on a HSR we have designed and built. - SNCF legacy and world record in high-speed rail - We have helped write the European standards for ultra-high-speed railways and adapt them to local contexts. #### Digital innovation in high speed rail We embrace data and digital technologies to help reduce project completion times and support real-time operational data monitoring. Through Building Information Modelling (BIM), we help to accelerate the design phase and develop more accurate cost forecasts and development plans. Using BIM also enables us to react quickly to changes resulting from consultations with residents and other stakeholders. It makes high speed rail design and development more adaptable and responsive to the needs of those impacted by the new infrastructure. ## Projects in action - ![HS2: Engineering the future of high-speed rail in the UK](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/09/hs2-carousel-thumb-474x474.jpg) - [ HS2: Engineering the future of high-speed rail in the UK ](https://www.systra.com/uk/project/hs2-high-speed-line/) - ![Southern Europe Atlantic High Speed Line](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/06/toursbordeaux-474x474.png) - [ Southern Europe Atlantic High Speed Line ](https://www.systra.com/uk/project/southern-europe-atlantic-high-speed-line/) - ![HS2 Marston Box Bridge Slide](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/10/hs2-vl-50976-dji_0084-474x474.jpg) - [ HS2 Marston Box Bridge Slide ](https://www.systra.com/uk/project/hs2-marston-box-bridge-slide/) - ![California’s High-Speed Rail: A Long-term Engineering Partnership](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/03/california-high-speed-rail-viaduct-systra-474x474.jpg) - [ California’s High-Speed Rail: A Long-term Engineering Partnership ](https://www.systra.com/uk/project/california-high-speed-rail-united-states/) - ![Paris-Bordeaux High Speed line – France](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/09/lgv_paris_bordeaux-1-474x474.jpg) - [ Paris-Bordeaux High Speed line – France ](https://www.systra.com/uk/project/paris-bordeaux-high-speed-line-france/) - ![HS1 - London to the Channel Tunnel](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/06/creditunionrailwayseurostaronmedwaycrossingr570151003-4-5300-474x474.jpg) - [ HS1: Pioneering Britain’s first high-speed rail line ](https://www.systra.com/uk/project/hs1-london-to-the-channel-tunnel/) #### Support for lifetime operation and maintenance Our understanding and experience of high speed operation means that we factor in maintenance and operations from the start of design. We use digital predictive maintenance solutions to help clients define and plan their maintenance strategies. We can support more efficient maintenance by installing temperature, pressure and voltage sensors to collect data that is analysed in real time. This enables maintenance teams to continuously improve the safety of the infrastructure and minimise disruption to travellers, by targeting maintenance interventions precisely where they are needed. #### HS1 and HS2 design and build SYSTRA played a major role in HS1 in the UK, including leading the design and construction of engineering structures, track and catenary, signalling, control-command and power supply, and supervising the construction phase. We are now applying this expertise to the design and construction of HS2 – the Great Britain’s flagship high-speed railway project connecting the UK’s two largest cities, Birmingham and London, with services continuing on to Manchester, the North West and Scotland using the conventional railway network, cutting journey times. ### We’d love to help with your next High speed rail project ![Sébastien Vecchiato](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/sebastien-vecchiato.jpg) **Sébastien VECCHIATO ** Technical Director ![Jonathan Scott profile headshot](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/05/jonathan-scott.jpg) **Jonathan SCOTT** Managing Director – Engineering [Connect with our High Speed Rail specialists](https://www.systra.com/uk/contact/business/) ![Colne Valley Western Slopes Elevated View with HSR cover](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/05/hsr-doc-image-block-template-1024x683-1.jpg) ##### Let’s work together SYSTRA is a pioneer in high-speed rail, leading the field for over 40 years by planning, designing, overseeing, and testing nearly half of the world’s high-speed rail lines. [View brochure](https://www.systra.com/uk/publication/systra-high-speed-rail-over-40-years-of-pioneering-and-delivering-hsr-solutions-worldwide/) ## Insights ![Red high speed rail train in France. Motion blur in background.](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/lessons-from-france-making-the-case-for-rail-investment-in-the-uk-featured-image-1024x645.png) - Expert Insights Mike MULDOON ### Lessons from France: Making the case for rail investment in the UK [ Read more ](https://www.systra.com/uk/expert_insights/lessons-from-france-making-the-case-for-rail-investment-in-the-uk/) ![featured-image-gbr-devolution-and-private-funding-expert-insight](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/featured-image-gbr-devolution-and-private-funding-expert-insight-1024x645.png) - Expert Insights James JACKSON ### Great British Railways, Devolution and Private Funding [ Read more ](https://www.systra.com/uk/expert_insights/great-british-railways-devolution-and-private-funding/) ## our Services ![](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/05/l3-service-headers_engineering-management-2-1024x645.jpg) _services Engineering & Design Management Read more sur Engineering & Design Management_ ![](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/05/l3-service-headers_environmental-services-1-1024x645.jpg) _services Environmental Services Read more sur Environmental Services_ ![header_digital-engineering](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/12/header_digital-engineering-1024x645.jpg) _services Digital Engineering Read more sur Digital Engineering_ ![African,American,Office,Employee,Auditor,Using,Spreadsheet](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/06/project-controls-1024x683.jpg) _services Engineering Project Planning and Controls Read more sur Engineering Project Planning and Controls_ ![dubai-metro-modern-methods-of-construction-systra](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/11/dubai-metro-modern-methods-of-construction-systra-1024x646.jpg) _services Modern Methods of Construction Read more sur Modern Methods of Construction_ [JOIN OUR COMMUNITY](https://www.systra.com/uk/register/join-our-community/) ![](https://www.systra.com/uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/03/careers-1024x323.jpg) Find out what its like to work at SYSTRA, rewards, benefits and about different career pathways including [apprenticeships](https://www.systra.com/uk/careers/early-careers/apprenticeships/) and [graduate](https://www.systra.com/uk/careers/early-careers/graduates/) opportunities. 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