Mathrail is an engineering consultancy dedicated exclusively to tram signalling. Founded in Prague in 2020 and drawing on nearly two decades of specialist experience, we support tram operators, authorities, and contractors who recognise the need for specialist signalling input.
In a sector where signalling is often treated as a secondary discipline beneath civil works or rolling stock, Mathrail demonstrates the opposite: tram signalling, done with rigour and tram-specific tools, materially changes cost, procurement outcomes, and project risk.
Mathrail can team up with your local design company or your in-house experts, bringing specialist tram signalling expertise to a team that already knows the network.
Modelling is the first step. The design follows from what the model reveals. Mathrail can deliver all of it — or any parts you need.
The system-level concept for new and brownfield networks. Matched to the operator's actual operations, not assembled from generic templates.
The first concept built on the architecture. It captures stakeholders' high-level requirements. This is the baseline for modelling before further investment.
The concept tested in microsimulation — signalling logic and operational scenarios, including stress tests well beyond current demand. Real controller behaviour, not timing approximations.
EN 50126-aligned risk analysis, hazard logs, SIL allocation, proposed safety mitigations — including risk workshop with stakeholders.
Working-level design — interlockings, vehicle detection, signal placement, supervisory layers — turned into procurement-ready specifications that open the field to qualified suppliers.
On the operator's side of the table through procurement, commissioning, and acceptance. Supplier-neutral by design.
Mathrail's tram signalling modelling and simulation tool — built in-house, and the first developed specifically for tram signalling. Real signalling-controller logic, not timing approximations.
2D layout editing with CAD/PDF backgrounds, scenario-based stress testing, and 3D visualization — including driver-cab views — for stakeholder review.
Melbourne University is one of the world's busiest tram terminuses — eight routes, six of them terminating, sharing a single island platform with three shunts on Swanston Street. Mathrail redesigned the signalling for Yarra Trams; the design was constructed and has been in revenue service since 2024.
Mathrail worked alongside HTM's engineering team to deliver the signalling design and modelling for the Zwarte Pad terminus. It was HTM's first project to apply a "model first, design later" approach — the simulation model drove the design rather than following it. The terminus entered revenue service in 2024.
Mathrail delivered the concept design, modelling and simulations for a complete new tram signalling system at Wiener Linien's Favoriten depot, ahead of a planned major reconstruction. In service since 1873 — and once home to horse-drawn trams — the depot has one of the most intricate track layouts Mathrail has modelled. After more than a year of engineering and several on-site technology test installations with Wiener Linien, Mathrail designed modern tram signalling that fits the demanding layout.
The Beverwaard depot requires complete signalling system replacement while keeping most of the existing wayside components and maintaining operations. Mathrail supported RET in the design process to deliver a solid technical specification for this extremely complex project.
The Maidstone depot was originally planned around a complex track layout. Mathrail's simulation showed Yarra Trams and DTP that a simpler arrangement met every operational requirement — saving across track, civil works, concrete, and signalling.
