A behind-the-scenes look at transit projects shows that in-house staff and government interests are not the only ones with input into a project’s final results. The role a consultant plays has much to do in determining where a route should run, how a station should be built or if a rail system should be constructed above or underground. They often take on a role that has them measuring public interest, assessing the latest technology or taking a project from planning to construction. METRO’s first Top Consultant Achievements in Transit takes a look at eight notable projects worked on by consultants over the past several years. Those include the construction of rail systems in Puerto Rico, Toronto and Arizona, the revitalization of streetcars in New Orleans and the largest transportation project in Colorado history. Read on to see some of the planning that goes on before the seamless transportation service is put out on the streets. Entries for the article were submitted by readers via our Website, www.metro-magazine.com.