A global view Insights, projects and people from across the world of Rail & Transit at SNC-Lavalin ETCS first for Scandinavia recent events SNC-Lavalin Rail & Transit Verification has issued certificates for the installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) in several Swedish and Norwegian vehicles. SNC-Lavalin Rail & Transit Verification is the first notified body to issue full certificates for ETCS installations in Sweden and Norway. In Sweden, the certificates were issued in time to protect the Swedish vehicle owners from repayment obligations for EU contributions. The repayments could have totalled tens of millions of euros. In Norway, the certificates were issued in time to support the opening of the first European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) route in the country. Several countries are poised for major expansion in respect of ERTMS. SNC- Lavalin Rail & Transit Verification is already involved in discussions about several new projects in the UK, as well as new and ongoing projects in Sweden and Norway. Jernbaneforum 2016 SNC-Lavalin exhibited at Jernbaneforum 2016 in Norway, which attracted delegates from Oslo and the surrounding area. The theme of the 2016 conference was ‘railway future’. This was apt, as the Expo was the first official outing for the Norwegian Rail & Transit team since the rebrand at the beginning of the year. AfricaRail 2016 CIPR Awards Interview, the transport industry magazine from Interfleet, was shortlisted for Best Print Magazine at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) #insidestory awards 2016. The ceremony celebrated the achievements of professionals in internal communications and employee engagement. Interview has been relaunched as Viewpoint following the rebrand. The South African team are exhibiting at AfricaRail in Johannesburg. Now in its 19th year, AfricaRail is the continent’s longest-running rail-industry event. The exhibition is growing year on year, with the number of attendees at the last show up by 30%. The 2016 conference is the third outing for the SNC-Lavalin team, after the company exhibited in 2014 and 2015. Accreditation success at Connected Business Awards SNC-Lavalin’s Rail & Transit team in the UK achieved Gold Accreditation at the 2016 Connected Business Awards. The annual event, held at the Derby Roundhouse, celebrates the efforts of businesses to promote sustainable travel. The judging panel awarded the highest level of accreditation to SNC-Lavalin. This was in recognition of the work done to provide healthy and sustainable ways for employees to commute. The company was Highly Commended in the Large Employment Site of the Year category. Bike sheds and shower facilities have been enhanced at the Rail & Transit Derby office, to encourage staff to cycle to work. Bike MOTs were also offered to staff at multiple sites. UK Health and Safety, Quality and the Environment (HSQE) Manager, Ian Phillips, was Highly Commended in the Travel Champion of the Year category. The judges were impressed by the initiatives Ian has led since he was promoted to his current role in January 2014. Michael Grace, Regional Director, Rail & Transit UK, said: ‘We’re committed to making our offices great places to work, as well as supporting local communities and the environment. Ian and the HSQE team play a key part in this; we’re very proud of their achievements.’ PWI Seminar Representatives from SNC-Lavalin’s Track Engineering and Survey teams exhibited at the Permanent Way Institution North West Technical Seminar in Manchester. With unprecedented levels of rail investment planned over the coming years, the seminar explored new techniques and technologies for modernising the railway network. The exhibition stand attracted considerable interest from delegates, and Head of Track and Survey, Phil Ransom, presented on the day. YRP Awards Emma Taylor, from the UK Rolling Stock Enhancements team, was shortlisted for Young Rail Professional of the Year at the Young Rail Professionals Annual Dinner 2016. The award is designed to celebrate rising talent within the industry. Emma joined the graduate development scheme in 2013, after completing two summer placements with the company. Presentations at APTA 2016 Rail Conference Representatives from the Rail & Transit team in the USA are presenting at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) 2016 Rail Conference, in Phoenix, Arizona. The event is a key date in the industry calendar. It brings together more than 2,000 senior figures from across North America and spans all rail modes: urban, commuter, high-speed and intercity. Principal Consultant Paul Jamieson will present an ‘Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) Brake Standard Development and Testing Update’ during the Rolling Stock: Mechanicals, Commuter Rail Brakes and Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs) session. Principal Consultants John Smatlak and John Swanson are returning with a co-authored session on the ‘State of the Art in Light Rail Transit (LRT) Crashworthiness Standards’. Last year, the pair gave a joint presentation at the 13th National Light Rail & Streetcar Conference. snclavalin.com