Parsons Brinckerhoff, a leading program management, engineering and professional services consulting firm, will begin work on a seven-year, $700 million rail delivery partner contract awarded by the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) earlier this month.
Responsible for program management, integration, delivery, as well as operations and maintenance planning, Parsons Brinckerhoff and its teaming partners Network Rail Consulting and LeighFisher bring extensive experience developing and managing high-speed rail projects on four continents.
“Parsons Brinckerhoff is very pleased to bring innovation, forward-thinking and a world-class team to partner with the Authority on this historic rail delivery program, which will address the needs of Californians for years to come," said Gregory Kelly, President/CEO.
Parsons Brinckerhoff has helped shape high-speed rail in California for decades — from the earliest feasibility studies to the business plan, according to the company. Network Rail Consulting is the international consulting arm of Network Rail, the owner and operator of Britain’s s rail network and infrastructure operator and maintainer of High Speed 1, Britain’s next-generation high-speed rail line between London and the Channel Tunnel. LeighFisher brings expertise in high-speed rail procurement, integration and commercial advice, gained through experience on European high-speed systems.
In addition to its international partners, Parsons Brinckerhoff is committed to working with multiple small businesses, thereby creating jobs and supporting the Authority’s small business program.
“Together with our partners Network Rail Consulting, LeighFisher and our large team of specialty sub-consultants and small businesses, Parsons Brinckerhoff is honored to support the Authority as its rail delivery partner,” says Gary Griggs, program director.
The California High-Speed Rail system will connect the mega-regions of the State and contribute to economic development and a cleaner environment. Phase 1 service will connect the San Francisco Bay Area to the Los Angeles Basin in under three hours at speeds of over 200 mph. The system will eventually extend to Sacramento and San Diego, totaling 800 miles with up to 24 stations.
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Crews completed a significant portion of the testing required before commissioning the new, digital signaling system, which will bring important upgrades that strengthen Red Line service reliability for riders and provide Red Line Operations the ability to route trains more quickly, turn trains around faster, and recover from unplanned disruptions more efficiently, said MBTA officials.
In addition to new projects, progress continues on a multiyear effort to upgrade track, electrical, and signal systems on the Metra Electric Line to accommodate the expansion of service on the South Shore Line.
The Maryland Transit Administration is advancing the nearly $1.4 billion Light Rail Modernization Program, which modernizes the Baltimore Central Light Rail Line from Hunt Valley to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport with new, low-floor vehicles and upgrades to all light rail stations, systems, and maintenance facilities.
The Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board recently met for a budget workshop, during which staff outlined the significant service reductions Caltrain could be forced to make without new external funding.
Funding for the purchase of the railcars comes from the nearly $220 million in additional capital dollars Gov. Josh Shapiro allocated in November 2025 to support urgent safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
