Chen Zhou on building better transit systems

Connecting people, operations, and infrastructure is what make transit work.

Connecting people, operations, and infrastructure is what make transit work

When I started my career in transit, I wasn’t thinking about strategy or capital programs. I was trying to solve a problem.

Early in my role, I was tasked with investigating water leaks affecting escalators and elevators at rail stations. On one rainy day, I observed a maintenance technician standing on a stack of rubber mats in pooled water, attempting to operate a high‑voltage electrical cabinet to restart an escalator so passengers wouldn’t be stranded. I told him that it was not safe.

His response stayed with me: if he didn’t do it, someone else would have to do it.
That moment changed how I see our work.

Transit isn’t just about moving people. It’s about the people who operate systems, maintain them, and rely on them every day. And it’s our responsibility to make that experience safer and more efficient.

That mindset still shapes how I approach my work today at AtkinsRéalis.

Seeing the whole system

If you’re building a career in rail and transit, one thing becomes clear quickly: nothing works in isolation.
Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked across bus, rail, and paratransit, spanning planning, delivery, operations and customer experience. That breadth has shaped how I think.

I often describe myself as a generalist. Not because I lack depth, but because I focus on how everything connects.

Too often, projects are delivered in silos. Designers, contractors and operators all focus on their section. But passengers experience one system, not separate workstreams.

When those perspectives aren’t connected, problems show up later, in operations, maintenance or safety.

If you’re someone who enjoys solving complex problems and thinking beyond a single discipline, this is where transit careers become incredibly rewarding.

Why integration matters

Some of the biggest challenges in transit don’t come from technical complexity. They come from misalignment.

I’ve seen small cost‑saving decisions during design lead to long‑term maintenance issues. I’ve seen projects that looked successful on paper create challenges for the people running the system day to day.

That’s why integration matters so much.

At AtkinsRéalis, I’ve found a strong focus on bringing together capital delivery, operations and customer experience. When those elements are aligned, you don’t just deliver projects. You deliver systems that work better for people.

And that’s where our work has real impact.

Building trust with clients and communities

In transit, trust is everything.

Agencies that are open about challenges, with their teams and with the public, build credibility. When people understand what’s happening and why, they’re more likely to support the system, even when things don’t go perfectly.

The same applies to how we work with clients.

What stands out to me about AtkinsRéalis is the emphasis on integrity and transparency. When challenges arise, the focus is on solving them together. That creates stronger relationships and better outcomes over time.

If you’re looking for a place where collaboration and trust matter as much as technical delivery, this kind of culture makes a real difference.

Solving today’s transit challenges

Across North America, transit agencies are balancing:

• Aging infrastructure
• Funding uncertainty
• Rising costs
• Customer expectations for reliability

At the same time, there’s a shift happening.

Instead of only expanding systems, many agencies are focused on improving what they already have, making operations more efficient, improving reliability, and enhancing customer experience.

This is where engineering, digital capability and operational insight come together.

At AtkinsRéalis, we’re helping clients apply tools like predictive maintenance, digital workflows and data‑driven decision‑making. Small improvements, applied at scale, can make a meaningful difference across an entire system.

For engineers and project professionals, that creates opportunities to work on challenges that are both technically complex and people focused.

Planning smarter, delivering better

One of the biggest opportunities in transit today is moving from reactive to proactive.

Instead of waiting for failures, agencies are investing in asset management, inspections and long‑term planning, reducing disruption and improving reliability for riders.

But planning doesn’t stop there.

When work needs to happen, especially in rail systems, access is limited. Every shutdown affects passengers and operations. That means projects must be coordinated carefully.

How do you combine multiple improvements into a single closure?

How do you sequence work, resources and communication effectively?

And just as importantly, how do you keep riders informed so they understand the value of what’s happening?

These are the types of challenges I enjoy working on. They sit at the intersection of engineering, logistics and customer experience.

Being curious. Learn the system.

If you’re early in your career, my advice is simple: stay curious.

Don’t just focus on your immediate role. Take time to understand how the system works. Talk to the people operating it. Visit sites. Ask questions.

Some of the most meaningful improvements I’ve worked on came from observing how things function day to day.

When you understand the system, you’re better equipped to solve real problems, not just theoretical ones.

That curiosity is encouraged at AtkinsRéalis. You’re not expected to stay in one lane. You’re supported to grow across disciplines and take on new challenges.

Expanding your contribution to transit

What drew me to AtkinsRéalis is the opportunity to solve problems at scale.

Here, you can work across complex infrastructure programs, contribute to major modernization efforts, and help shape how transit systems evolve. At the same time, you’re supported by a global network of colleagues with deep expertise.

If you’re motivated by solving real‑world problems, improving how systems work, and making a difference for the people who rely on them, there’s a place for you in our industry.

And there’s a place for you here.

Interested in joining us? Explore our rail and transit careers in the US at AtkinsRéalis and see how you can make an impact.