High-speed rail
Drawing on our experience of international best practice and deep knowledge of cutting-edge rail technologies, we help ensure high-speed systems are designed and operated to the highest standards.
Since our appointment to provide Independent Verification and Validation services during the construction of Taiwan’s high speed rail system in 1996, we have continued to support the safe introduction of high-speed railways throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
As well as full-programme safety oversight roles, we perform specialist consultancy services ranging from requirements and tender management to signalling system assessments and vehicle safety system testing.
Introducing such state-of -the art-technology requires exceptional knowledge of systems integration across every aspect of planning, construction and testing. This is why clients turn to Ricardo as their technical partner of choice for their high-speed programmes.
Projects
Taiwan High Speed Railway
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California High-Speed Railway
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Serbia High-Speed Railway
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“Professional yet adaptable in the ever-changing production environment.”
Eurostar International Limited
How we can help you
Independent Assurance
Whether assessing new products against international standards such as EN 50126 or supporting the construction of entire railways, we offer a broad portfolio of independent assurance services via Ricardo Certification, an independent business within the Ricardo group.
Operations and Maintenance
Our team enables railway operators and maintainers to make informed data-driven decisions that enhance operational efficiency, extend asset life and optimise maintenance strategies.
Systems Engineering and Integration
We partner with Railway OEMs and suppliers to provide systems engineering and integration expertise, helping to ensure projects are seamlessly integrated into the wider rail network.
Technical Advisory
Whether you are looking to develop new regional transport plans, introduce low-emission technologies or procure new fleets, we bridge the divide between core engineering disciplines and the economic and environmental challenges of rail transport.
Why choose Ricardo
Engineering high-speed railways involves significant challenges. Environmentally, minimising the impact of noise, vibrations, and carbon emissions is crucial to maintaining stakeholder support, yet the infrastructure must also uphold the highest safety standards despite the stresses of continual operation. Meanwhile, geotechnical challenges, such as tunnelling through mountains or erecting bridges spanning large bodies of water complications and cost to development.
- For government bodies procuring new systems we provide Technical Advisory services offering insights into project feasibility and execution. Throughout the delivery phase, our Independent Assurance services can evaluate compliance with international standards, offering robust safety assessments.
- For suppliers and consortiums, our Systems Engineering and Integration support ensures seamless performance across complex subsystems.
- And in the operational phase, our Operations and Maintenance services will optimise lifecycle performance and reliability and effective cost profiles.
Our clients include:
- KORAIL
- Eurostar International Limited
- Taiwan High Speed Railway Company
- Siemens Mobility
- NS Reizigers
- Hitachi Rail Europe
- CRRC Changchun
- Thalys
“Integrating the findings into our existing Safety Management System will ensure we continue to deliver safe railway services for the travelling public”
KORAIL
Choosing Ricardo as your technical partner
Global perspectives
Our international network of offices and technical centres supports the transfer of skills and experience from one region of the world to the next.
Whole-system mindset
We will help your teams apply systematic processes so that your engineering projects deliver a positive contribution to the wider rail system.
Collaborative approach
We add value by working alongside your teams in an open and constructive partnership, offering balanced and insightful perspectives on the bigger picture.
An industry voice
Our experts are leading contributors to the international committees, working groups and professional forums that define the rail industry’s technical standards.
“Highly professional and turned around a number of deliverables quickly and efficiently helping Alstom over a very difficult period.”
Alstom SSX
Other rail systems supported by Ricardo
We have brought our expertise to transit systems throughout the world - including metro, light rail, trams and people mover systems - providing support ranging from initial route planning and cost-benefit assessments to shadow operation services.
Learn more about our Urban Transit support.
On any given day, our teams are providing operators with data analytics to improve operational resilience, helping infrastructure managers increase capacity with intelligent control systems, or working with the supply chain to provide the building blocks of a low-carbon, energy-efficient railway.
Learn about how we support Conventional Rail systems.
We bring the expertise required to fully exploit the commercial opportunities of moving freight consignments by rail, whilst navigating its well-documented operational, commercial and regulatory challenges.
Find out about our work for the Rail Freight sector.