A View on the Future of Heavy Rail: A Q&A Dava Kaitala

Rail is a vital component of our transportation infrastructure, yet the challenges we face in enhancing and maintaining it are more complex than ever.

From aging rail systems and regulatory demands to sustainability concerns, our clients encounter unprecedented hurdles as they strive to deliver efficient rail services while minimizing environmental impacts. In many regions, the need for reliable rail transport is growing, necessitating innovative solutions that address both passenger and freight needs.

At Jacobs, we’re committed to providing comprehensive solutions that ensure communities benefit from robust rail systems. Our expertise spans railroad planning, engineering, operations, and environmental services, allowing us to tackle projects of all sizes with a focus on sustainability and resilience. Leaders like our Americas Market Director for Heavy Rail, Dava Kaitala, , are at the forefront of this effort, leveraging their extensive experience to drive transformational sustainability initiatives.

In this Q&A, we connect with Dava to explore the latest trends and opportunities in heavy rail, discussing how we can enhance rail infrastructure to support economic growth and environmental stewardship in a rapidly changing world.

Tell us a bit about what a day in the life is like as Americas Market Director for Heavy Rail, and what we offer to our clients in this area. 

As the Americas Director for Heavy Rail, my day revolves around leading a talented and diverse team of specialists in railroad engineering, operations, sustainability and environmental services. I’m deeply passionate about all aspects of rail—whether heavy or light, passenger or freight—and I thrive on sharing this enthusiasm with others.

My work emphasizes the critical role that rail plays in promoting environmental sustainability and boosting economic growth. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve collaborated with various organizations to drive transformational sustainability initiatives that minimize environmental impacts and enhance the wellbeing of local communities.

Before joining Jacobs, I dedicated more than 12 years to BNSF Railway, where I held multiple positions across the Engineering, Environmental and Legal departments. This diverse background equips me to offer our clients innovative solutions that address their unique challenges in the heavy rail sector.

What is the greatest challenge facing heavy rail?

The heavy rail sector is currently experiencing a renaissance in passenger rail services across the United States. This expansion is exciting, but it brings significant challenges. One major issue is the need to balance the integration of faster passenger trains with the existing freight rail network, which operates at slower speeds. This scenario can be likened to placing a race car on a farm road; while it’s feasible, it demands extensive cooperation and meticulous planning.

Another pressing challenge is congestion within the heavy rail network. The surge in e-commerce has transformed logistics, necessitating a shift toward rail transport to minimize environmental impact. However, enhancing capacity requires substantial investment, time and resources. The question remains: how can society ensure sufficient capacity for both passenger and freight movement on our railways?

How do we think differently to solve those challenges?

At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive approach to tackling these issues. From conceptualizing capacity projects to assisting clients with grant proposals, design, permitting, and construction management, we offer end-to-end solutions. Our talented team consistently generates innovative ideas to address problems in unique ways. For instance, our StreetLight team has developed a groundbreaking method to assess traffic impacts from highway projects, enabling longer work windows and faster project completion, ultimately benefiting communities.

As we explore new solutions for rail, I’m particularly excited about leveraging systems to uncover latent capacity and enhance maintenance planning. Our partnership with Praedico has demonstrated that utilizing big data for maintenance can significantly save time and resources, streamlining operations for our clients in the U.S. just as we have successfully done abroad.

Where are we headed from here? What are the biggest opportunities ahead?

Railroaders have always been at the forefront of innovation. However, many have relied on outdated legacy systems that are challenging to replace without disrupting operations. The future lies in developing comprehensive solutions that modernize these systems while maintaining seamless rail service. As we increase passenger and freight movement, efficiency will be paramount. The railroads have maximized their current systems, so the next step involves harnessing technologies like artificial intelligence and digital twins to propel us forward. It’s crucial to explore digital solutions that will secure the future prosperity of rail in North America.

Additionally, the expansion of both passenger and freight rail presents significant opportunities. There is a pressing need for new bridges, tracks, sidings and intermodal facilities to enhance the flow of goods. 

Is there a project you’re particularly proud of?

Choosing a favorite project is akin to picking a favorite child! However, one standout initiative is the Federal Railroad Administration Long Distance Rail study. This project has the potential to shape the future of long-distance passenger rail in America. It was a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and I take immense pride in the collaborative effort that ensured all voices—both from the passenger and freight world—were heard from every region of the country. I eagerly anticipate the next steps in this journey.