HNTB Hires Positive Train Control Expert Francesco Cantatore

Francesco Cantatore, PE, joined HNTB Corp. as senior program director, rail systems. He is a technical resource for the firm, based in Los Angeles, who works with public- and private-sector clients across the United States.

“We’re pleased to welcome Francesco to HNTB’s expanding transit team,” said Ian Choudri, HNTB national rail and transit business development director and senior vice president. “He has an established track record of leadership and technical expertise on an international scale, with project management and delivery experience in the U.S., Italy, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Hungary and Bulgaria.”  

Cantatore is an expert in rolling stock, rail systems, including traditional and high-speed rail systems, with more than two decades of experience in operations, engineering, supply chain management, procurement and project delivery. He has had success in examining and re-engineering operational procedures, managing complex rail system projects, formulating operational policies and procedures.

Prior to joining HNTB, Cantatore served another firm as senior director, business operations — surface transportation management systems. He completed major projects for Caltrain, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Sound Transit and others.

He holds a doctorate in electronic engineering, University of Genoa, Italy, with a specialization in robotics and control systems. He also holds a Professional Engineer certificate.

HNTB is currently involved with many of the nation’s most high-profile transit programs, including the Los Angeles Metro Crenshaw/LAX Transit Corridor, Charlotte Area Transit System’s LYNX Blue Line in North Carolina, and the Bay Area Rapid Transit Warm Springs Extension in San Francisco.