Editorial

Dear readers

At SMA, we believe that shaping the future of public transport requires more than just expertise; it calls for a shared commitment to innovation and long-term investment in know-how and technology. Whether we are developing concepts, refining processes, or building software, we always take a holistic view of the railway system. As the number of actors and the complexity of decision-making increase, our role is to coordinate interests, foster dialogue, and unlock new potential. Together with our clients, we are laying the foundations for the railway systems of tomorrow.

Balancing the economic needs of the public and private sectors in railway capacity planning and allocation is essential to meet the requirements of the system's stakeholders. The TTR initiative and new EU regulations aim to enhance medium-term capacity planning through structured deliverables, such as capacity models, which means leaving a “manufacturing” mindset behind and embarking on a real “industrialisation” of the capacity production process. To achieve this, systematic timetables offer numerous advantages in both the planning and operations processes. Effective coordination among key actors, supported by smart IT systems and the appropriate precision in timetabling and performance assessments, will ensure transparent and efficient capacity planning. Our lead article in this year's annual report focuses on these aspects.

Once again, we are pleased to present a selection of activities and projects from our Consulting and Software divisions that have shaped the past year. These reflect our commitment to delivering high-quality services and solutions that empower our clients and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable rail system.

Thank you for your continued interest and trust.

We hope you enjoy reading our 2024 Annual Report.

Eric Cosandey
CEO, Head of Consulting

Thomas Bickel
Head of Software