Coates joins SYSTRA as a VP and Sector Manager
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefRail industry veteran Wes Coates has joined SYSTRA as Vice President, Sector Manager, Planning & Operations Analysis.
Coates has 35 years of experience in managing public transportation programs, including MTA Capital Construction’s East Side Access and Amtrak’s Empire Corridor projects. As a senior manager, he has been responsible for directing both the operations and maintenance of passenger railroad systems, including developing service strategies for increasing revenues and analysis of ridership and performance measurements. He has worked for transportation consulting firms, as well as rail agencies. The latter includes Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and Conrail.
At SYSTRA, Coates, working with the consulting and engineering firm’s existing Planning and Operations Analysis teams, will provide guidance and direction for current projects and identify opportunities for future growth of these U.S. market sectors. He will also be responsible for the RAILSIM® operations simulation system and its continuing development.
“Wes Coates brings a depth of railroad and light rail operating experience that will be of great value to SYSTRA and our clients,” said SYSTRA President and CEO William Crosbie, P.Eng.
Coates holds an MBA from Sage College Graduate School; and a BA in Managerial Economics from Lycoming College. He is a member of the Transportation Research Forum; American Association of Railroad Superintendents; Railway & Locomotive Historical Society; and the National Railroad Historical Society.
