Wes Coates Joins Systra as Vice President, Sector Manager, Planning and Operations Analysis

Systra is pleased to announce that Wes Coates has joined the firm as vice president, sector manager, planning and operations analysis.

Coates has 35 years of experience in managing public transportation programs, including MTA CC’s East Side Access and Amtrak’s Empire Corridor. 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 our existing planning and operations analysis teams, will provide guidance and direction for current projects and identify opportunities for future growth of these significant US market sectors. He will also be responsible for RAILSIM 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 William Crosbie, P.Eng., SYSTRA president and CEO.

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.