About

Understanding the operational environment is crucial to understanding the type of CBTC solution

I spend time understanding your operational environment then advise on the appropriate solution

Naeem M Ali

Welcome, I’m Naeem Ali.

I specialize in Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) and work with transit agencies to plan, deploy, and integrate CBTC technologies tailored to their unique operating environments.

With over 15 years of experience in this specialized field, I bring a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver a successful CBTC system — from technical integration to the key operational features that matter most to transit agencies.

Here are some of the CBTC projects I’ve contributed to:

  • Toronto Transit Commission:Line 2 CBTC upgrade-Owners Engineer

  • TransLink/BCRTC: Skytrain CBTC upgrade - Owners Engineer

  • Toronto Transit Commission:Line 1 CBTC upgrade-Owners Engineer

  • Metrolinx: Ontario Line - System Engineering Group

  • New York City Transit: Queens Borough Line (QBL) CBTC upgrade using I2S interoperability specification

  • Singapore NSEW: NSEW Line CBTC upgrade

  • Makkah Metro*: Green field CBTC solution

  • Las Vegas Monorail*: First radio based CBTC solution

  • Busan Gimhae*: Green field CBTC Solution

  • Newark Airport*: Extension of an existing CBTC line

  • Jacksonville Monorail*: Extension of an existing CBTC line

  • Edmonton

* While employed at Thales

However, my experience is not one dimensional. I also speak at industry conferences and exchange ideas with other experts in forums such as:

  • University of Toronto - Guest speaker for a course on Public Transit - Conventional vs CABS vs CBTC Signalling and their Impact on Capacity

  • IRSE Seminar 2016 (Toronto)- Speaker - Safe Braking Model Explained

  • IRSE CBTC Conference 2016 (Toronto) - Speaker - CBTC 2.0: Vehicle Centric CBTC Architecture & Train to Train Communication

  • Rail Safety Seminar 2016 - Co-presenter - How CBTC can Increase Safety for Railroads

  • Rail Safety Seminar 2017 - Co-presenter - AREMA vs CENELEC - What You Need to Know for Cross Approval.

  • Authored White Paper 2017 - 7 Key CBTC Functions Transit Operators Must Understand.

  • Webinar 2018 - 6 Steps to Creating a Concept of Operations

  • IRSE Australasia Section Seminar 2020 - CBTC 101: Concepts and Architectures

  • IEEE Victoria Section (Australia) Seminar 2020 - CBTC 101: Standards, Concepts and Architectures

  • Rail Live 2020 Moderator - Discussing the Reality of Autonomous Rail Technology Including Research, Testing and Applications

  • IEEE Victoria Section (Australia) Seminar 2021 - Grades of Automation in Railway Signalling

  • Created an Animated CBTC Training Course 2022 - CBTC Explained

  • CBTC World Summit 2023 - What’s so Special About Unattended CBTC?

My clients benefit from the lessons I've learned from the projects I've delivered and the experts I interact with.

I can connect you to other experts

My work has introduced me to other CBTC experts who I call upon when their expertise is needed. These connections come from a variety of backgrounds including systems, safety, software, hardware, and verification & validation engineers. 

My clients have access to this talent pool. 

 

Inquire about my Advisory services

 

 

 

Naeem was handed a project many felt was impossible to deliver on time and successfully navigated the many problems and roadblocks to achieve success. His project was even recognized by the Thales corporate group with a special award for these achievements. In my 30 years working in this industry, there are only a handful of Engineers that I would have the same confidence in handing a difficult project and such a demanding customer.

Firth Whitwam - Director of Engineering Thales Canada

Naeem did an outstanding job in performing the Principal System Engineer role for the Makkah Metro Project which was one of Thales' fastest signalling project in an extremely difficult environment and under very challenging circumstances. Not only did he an excellent engineering job but he also managed to gain respect by all parties as a competent and solution oriented leader - the Saudi Arabic end customer, the Chinese prime contractor and the various International Thales stake holders. As such he was a key member in the Project Management Organisation.

Jörg-Michael (Mike) Knabe - VP Operations Thales Canada