Engineering the future of rail – trends, challenges, and collaboration.

You get a conversation grounded in real-world expertise – with clear insights into how the industry is adapting.

Walter Wagner, Sales Director at Endego, works at the forefront of modern rolling stock design, simulation, and modernization. From lightweight materials to digital modelling, his focus is on delivering efficient, sustainable solutions that meet the complex demands of today’s operators – and tomorrow’s passengers.

Jan Scheepers, Sales Manager Europe at Ricardo Rail, ensures that every new system or technology entering the rail network is safe, compliant, and ready for real-world conditions. With expertise spanning ERTMS, signalling, system validation and certification, his role is to ensure innovation is not only possible – but reliable.

Together, they offer a unique perspective: one focused on engineering innovation, the other on system-level assurance. It’s a combination that brings real value to complex rail projects – from design to delivery.

In this interview, they share their views on the trends, challenges, and strategic shifts reshaping the railway sector – and how collaboration is becoming essential to move forward with confidence.

Let’s start with a broad view… How do you see the railway industry evolving today, and where do you think it’s headed in the near future?

Walter Wagner: The railway industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need for sustainability, digitalisation, and integrated systems. We are seeing increased investment in electrification, automation, and innovative technologies, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The future of rail is interconnected, with seamless integration between different modes of transport and advanced data analytics shaping operations.

Jan Scheepers: I agree with Walter. The industry is moving towards more sustainable and safe solutions. Please don’t forget interoperability, ERTMS and standardisation. There is a growing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing safety, and improving passenger experience. Technologies like hydrogen and battery propulsion, digital twins, and automation are becoming central to the development of future rail systems.

Looking back over the past 5–10 years, what are some of the most significant shifts or changes you’ve seen in the rail sector?

Walter Wagner: Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed a shift from traditional rail systems to more integrated and intelligent networks. The adoption of digital technologies, such as predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring, has enhanced operational efficiency. Additionally, there is a stronger focus on sustainability, with increased investments in electrification and renewable energy sources.

Jan Scheepers: The most notable change has been the industry’s commitment to sustainability on one hand. There is a clear push towards reducing emissions and energy consumption. This has led to the development of alternative propulsion systems, like hydrogen fuel cells and battery-electric trains, as well as the implementation of energy-efficient technologies across rail networks. Interoperability with the ERTMS pillar in particular has led to a significant challenge as well.

How are those changes impacting the way rolling stock is designed, developed, or validated today?

Walter Wagner: The shift towards sustainability and digitalisation has significantly influenced rolling stock design. Designs now incorporate lightweight materials, energy-efficient systems, and advanced control technologies. Simulation and digital modelling play a crucial role in optimising designs and ensuring compliance with evolving standards.

Jan Scheepers: From a sustainability and interoperability perspective, these changes mean that the sector must adapt the processes to accommodate new technologies and standards. We are increasingly involved in the early stages of projects, assuring that designs meet safety and performance criteria before implementation.

In light of those evolving challenges, how is your company adapting its approach to engineering, compliance, or innovation?

Walter Wagner: At Endego, we are embracing digital transformation by investing in advanced simulation tools and developing expertise in emerging technologies. Our approach is centred around flexibility and collaboration, allowing us to respond swiftly to industry changes and client needs.

Jan Scheepers: Ricardo is enhancing its capabilities in system assurance by integrating digital tools and methodologies. We are focusing on developing a deeper understanding of new technologies to provide comprehensive validation and certification services that support innovation while ensuring safety and compliance.

Which emerging market needs or passenger expectations are having the most significant impact on rail development today?

Walter Wagner: Passengers are increasingly expecting faster, more reliable, and environmentally friendly services. This demand is driving the development of high-speed trains, improved scheduling systems, and the integration of multimodal transport options. It also needs international alignment and actions with a common purpose.

Jan Scheepers: Passenger expectations are also influencing the focus on comfort and accessibility on one hand and sustainability and interoperability on the other hand.  There is a growing emphasis on designing trains that are not only efficient but also provide a pleasant and inclusive experience for all passengers. Battery, hydrogen propulsion, and ETCS will have a key impact.

And how are those already shaping the way your teams approach engineering, design, or validation?

Walter Wagner: We are adopting a user-centric approach in our designs, ensuring that passenger comfort and accessibility are integral components. Our teams are also leveraging data analytics to optimise performance and maintenance schedules, enhancing overall service quality.

Jan Scheepers: Our validation processes are becoming more dynamic, incorporating real-time data and simulations to assess performance under various conditions. This approach allows us to anticipate potential issues and address them proactively, ensuring that the final product meets passenger expectations. We are investing in sustainability and ERTMS knowledge.

Railways face growing pressures around safety, cybersecurity, and operational resilience. What are some of the key risks or vulnerabilities your teams are helping to address in rolling stock or system design?

Walter Wagner: One of the key risks is the integration of new technologies without compromising safety. Our teams are focused on designing systems that are both innovative and secure, incorporating robust cybersecurity measures and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Jan Scheepers: Cybersecurity is a critical concern, especially as rail systems become more interconnected. We are working to develop comprehensive assurance frameworks that address potential vulnerabilities and ensure the integrity of both physical and digital components of rail systems.

Where in the lifecycle of a rolling stock or locomotive project does your company bring the most value, and why?

Walter Wagner: Endego adds value throughout the entire lifecycle, from initial design and simulation to final production and modernisation. Our integrated approach ensures that all aspects of the project are aligned, reducing risks and enhancing efficiency.

Jan Scheepers: Ricardo’s strength lies in the early stages and certification of the project lifecycle, where we ensure that designs meet safety and performance standards. Our involvement from the outset helps to identify and mitigate potential issues before they arise.

The pace of development is accelerating. Which technologies or trends (e.g., hydrogen and battery propulsion, digital twins, or automation) do you see as most impactful for the future of rail?

Walter Wagner: Hydrogen and battery propulsion is a game-changer, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional diesel engines. Digital twins are also revolutionising maintenance and operations by providing real-time insights into system performance. Automation is enhancing efficiency and safety, paving the way for more intelligent rail networks.

Jan Scheepers: I concur with Walter. The integration of these technologies is transforming rail systems, making them more sustainable, efficient, and resilient. At Ricardo, we are focusing on developing requirements and assurance processes that support the safe and effective implementation of these innovations.

Are there any upcoming developments you’re especially excited or perhaps concerned about from a technical or business standpoint?

Walter Wagner: I’m excited about the potential of autonomous trains and their ability to optimise operations and reduce human error. However, this also presents challenges in terms of safety and regulatory compliance, which we are actively addressing.

Jan Scheepers: The development of interoperable systems, which includes ERTMS and sustainable deployment across different regions, is an exciting prospect, facilitating seamless travel and operations. The challenge lies in ensuring that these systems meet diverse regulatory requirements and maintain high safety standards.

 And in your view, are your companies ready to meet those developments head-on?

Walter Wagner: Yes, Endego is committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. We are continuously investing in research and development to ensure that we can meet the evolving needs of the rail industry.

Jan Scheepers: Ricardo is equally prepared. Our focus on innovation and safety assurance positions us well to support the industry as it embraces new technologies and methodologies.

We know that each, Ricardo and Endego, bring distinct technical strengths, but together, you offer a powerful, end-to-end solution. How do your companies complement each other in practice?

Walter Wagner: We complement each other by offering a complete range of services. Endego brings extensive expertise in rolling stock design, simulation, and modernisation. Our focus is on the technical side of engineering—developing innovative designs, optimising performance, and ensuring sustainability. Ricardo, on the other hand, excels in system assurance, validation, and certification, providing deep expertise in ensuring that these designs meet regulatory standards and performance requirements. By combining these strengths, we can offer our clients a seamless solution that covers the entire lifecycle of a project, from initial design to final certification and implementation.

Jan Scheppers: Exactly. While Endego focuses on the design and simulation aspects, we at Ricardo ensure that these designs are thoroughly specified, validated, certified, and comply with all necessary standards. Our collaboration ensures that not only are we providing cutting-edge designs, but we’re also ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and performance efficiency. It’s this blend of creativity and rigour that makes our partnership so effective. Clients benefit from a comprehensive approach that guarantees both innovative design and rigorous assurance.

What makes the collaboration between your teams work so well, especially in large or complex rolling stock projects?

Walter Wagner: Our collaboration thrives on clear communication and a shared commitment to quality and innovation. We have established strong lines of communication between our teams, which helps in overcoming any technical challenges that arise. With large or complex projects, this seamless exchange of information and regular feedback loops are essential. We respect each other’s expertise and collaborate closely to ensure that every stage of the project aligns perfectly—whether it’s design, validation, or certification. We also adapt to each project’s unique requirements, which is crucial for meeting the diverse needs of our clients.

Jan Scheppers: The success of our collaboration is rooted in mutual respect and understanding of our distinct areas of expertise. In large projects, where the scope can be overwhelming, both companies must be aligned from the start. This allows us to tackle each aspect—design, safety, compliance, and operational performance—at the right time and with precision. Our teams can collaborate efficiently because we share a common goal: delivering the best possible solution to our clients. Furthermore, both of our organisations value innovation and reliability, which keeps us moving forward even with the most complex challenges.

 Can you walk us through a typical project flow where your combined capabilities made a clear difference for the client?

Walter Wagner: Certainly, let’s take a typical rolling stock modernisation project as an example. The first phase would begin with Endego’s design team working closely with the client to assess their needs and start conceptualising the design. We use advanced simulation tools to ensure that the designs are not only innovative but also functional and efficient. Once the design is set, our team hands over the project to Ricardo for validation and certification. Ricardo’s experts then conduct rigorous testing to ensure the design meets all safety standards and regulatory requirements. Finally, the validated design goes back to Endego for any adjustments or improvements. This end-to-end flow ensures that our clients get a product that is both cutting-edge and fully compliant.

Jan Scheppers: That’s exactly how it works. In this flow, our team adds value by ensuring at critical stages of the design process. Our involvement in the early phases ensures that we identify potential issues before they become problems, which helps in reducing the overall time to market. We don’t just verify the final product; we ensure that it meets performance and safety expectations at every stage of development. It’s a collaborative approach that reduces risk and leads to more successful outcomes for our clients.

Endego takes over where Ricardo stops, where the engineering starts and Ricardo will take over where Endego stops their engineering work with systems assurance and certification.

From a client’s perspective, what are the key advantages of choosing Ricardo and Endego as an integrated solution provider?

Walter Wagner: From a client’s perspective, the most significant advantage is that they get an integrated solution that covers all the critical aspects of a project, from design and simulation to certification and system validation. They don’t need to engage multiple vendors or manage complicated coordination between different service providers. We offer a single point of contact for all engineering needs, which streamlines the process and reduces the chances of miscommunication or delays. Furthermore, our combined expertise allows us to approach each project with a comprehensive view, ensuring that both innovation and compliance are prioritised.

Jan Scheppers: Exactly, and another key advantage is the ability to deliver faster, more reliable outcomes. By combining our strengths, we ensure that all technical and regulatory challenges are tackled simultaneously, reducing the overall project timeline. For clients, this means fewer delays, fewer cost overruns, and a greater level of certainty throughout the process. It also means we can respond quickly to any unforeseen challenges, adjusting our approach as needed, all while keeping the project on track. Clients benefit from a solution that’s not only technically advanced but also highly efficient.

Finally, what message would you like to leave with rail manufacturers, operators, or suppliers who are navigating major technical or strategic decisions today?

Walter Wagner: The railway industry is evolving rapidly, and the challenges are significant, from sustainability to digitalisation. My advice would be to embrace innovation while ensuring that safety and compliance remain a priority. Collaboration is key in this journey, and working with companies that offer integrated solutions can make all the difference. Endego is here to help guide you through the complexity of modern rail engineering, providing cutting-edge design and simulation expertise to create the best solutions for your needs.

Jan Scheppers: I would echo Walter’s message. As rail systems become more complex, it’s crucial to have a partner who can provide both technical expertise and regulatory assurance. Embracing new technologies is essential, but it must be done with a clear understanding of how these innovations impact safety and performance. At Ricardo, we are committed to ensuring that the highest standards of validation and certification are met, no matter how advanced the project. By working together, we can help rail manufacturers, operators, and suppliers make informed, future-proof decisions.

Thank you both for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that when companies like Ricardo and Endego join forces, the rail industry benefits from more innovative solutions, faster delivery, and stronger assurance.

To learn more about our integrated services or to start a conversation, visit www.ricardo.com and www.endego.com.