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In 2008, the Complex Transportation Infrastructure Systems (CTIS) students participated in the first annual “CTIS Technical Tour,” accompanied by Prof. José Viegas. Students visited nine different agencies and cutting edge projects in France, England, Switzerland and Germany. This technical tour was designed to give students a first hand look at the types of projects and opportunities available for graduates of the program, as well as to familiarize them with some basic technologies and concepts in a real world setting.
TGV EST (Paris)
Students experienced a High Speed Rail link that significantly reduces travel times between Paris and the East of France. Students have been made privy to information including contractual agreements, financial documents and various regulatory documents which are key to understanding this innovative and complex project.
Tramway at Boulevard des Maréchaux (Paris)
CTIS students visited the RATP, the state enterprise responsible for the implementation of this transportation system. Representatives of RATP described the major principals of this urban project, including financing, public participation, and the different phases of construction.
VéliB (Paris)
The one-way bicycle rental scheme in Paris became an innovative solution to stimulate the use of bikes as a regular means of public transport. CTIS students visited the department responsible for the VéliB project, where they received a detailed explanation of the business model as well as of the various stages of implementation of this project.
Congestion Charge (London)
The London congestion charge is a fee paid by car drivers entering the central area of London designated as the Congestion Charge Zone. Visiting Transport for London, the authority that manages London’s transport systems, students learned how the congestion charge was established, how it works, payment methods, how revenue is spent and the technical support required the keep the system working.
Crosslink (London)
Crosslink is a new railway project for London and South-East England that will deliver an accessible, affordable, high-frequency railway service across the capital from 2017. Students were informed about the operating and financing challenges presented by this project.
High Speed Railway Extension from Waterloo to St Pancras (London)
The St Pancras Station was renovated and expanded and is now the new terminal for Eurostar trains to continental Europe, and thus the new international station in London. Students got explanations about this controversial change, and the reasons that led to it, as well as about the financing scheme and the operating concepts.
Gotthard Base Tunnel (Switzerland)
This is set to become the world's longest rail tunnel, creating a rail link for future travel through the Alps. Students visited the Alptransit Gothard, the company behind this new transalpine rail route, where they could get explanations of all the stages of the process of building a 57 km tunnel and they had the chance to visit the works and a section of the tunnel.
Stuttgart 21 (Germany)
CTIS’ students were introduced to the “Stuttgart 21”, the project that will transform Stuttgart's nineteenth century main railway station into a modern transit-hub.
Stuttgart Airport expansion (Germany)
CTIS students saw the project of expansion of the Stuttgart airport, the only major airport in the country with only one runway. The solution of building a second runway is being studied and a decision should be announced soon. All details related with this complex project were explained during a lecture held at the airport, by the Chairman and the Technical Manager of the Airport company.
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