Rail supplier news from Wabtec, Rail Vision and Alstom (March 12)

Wabtec Corp. has named Kyra Yates vice president of investor relations effective March 18. Yates will be responsible for communicating the company's vision, strategy, financial performance and future expectations to shareholders and the financial community. Since joining Wabtec in 2008, she has held leadership positions within the finance team, according to a press release. Most recently, she served as VP and chief financial officer for the company’s global operations. As VP of investor relations, Yates succeeds Kristine Kubacki, who has held the role since 2019.

Rail Vision Ltd. has received an order for its artificial-intelligence-driven switch-yard system from a Class I. The railroad will install and use the AI system on its locomotive for evaluation and testing different scenarios related to safety, according to a Rail Vision press release. The switch yard system uses electro-optic sensors combined with AI, machine learning and advanced drive-assistance system solutions that expand the range of sight and decrease downtime, while also increasing punctuality, efficiency and safety.

Alstom has been chosen by Le Mans Metropole in France to extend existing Citadis trams. The 34 315-foot-long Alstom trams — acquired in 2007, 2010 and 2013 — will be extended 144 feet, increasing passenger capacity by 85 passengers per tram. Valued at 57 million euros, the contract also calls for specific systems (CCTV, tachometric control unit) to be modernized and new ones (lubrication and anti-drift systems) to be installed.