May 5, 2026
Systems Integration the Modern Way
Article by Jesse Knaak, Systems Engineering Manager
Facing a Complex Challange
When Sound Transit needed to deliver highly technical system updates on an accelerated schedule to support four minute headways, they faced a complex challenge: keeping operations safe and reliable while meeting tight schedules. These goals required deep systems integration expertise, strong institutional knowledge, and the ability to move quickly from planning to deployment.
To meet this need, Sound Transit engaged Modern Railway Systems (MRS).
Strategic Integration Support from Day One
Jesse Knaak, Systems Engineering Manager for MRS, brought decades of experience working with Sound Transit and its operating environment. Highly recommended by the agency’s Chief of Engineering, Jesse immediately began evaluating agency concerns and advising on technical feasibility and prioritization.
We partnered closely with their engineering team from the start, helping them evaluate priorities, align scope with schedule, and focus on what could realistically be delivered within limited work windows. With multiple extensions coming online, careful planning was essential to optimize outages and make the most of available field resources. Our support helped the agency refine their project list and move key initiatives into action.
We then moved into direct support, delivering both physical system upgrades and software and procedural improvements to enhance system performance.
Signal System Upgrades for Increased Capacity
One of our first efforts focused on the signal system in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. We confirmed that only limited physical upgrades were required and helped define cab signaling criteria that improved safety while keeping station operations efficient.
By coordinating across engineering, design, construction, and testing teams, we streamlined the implementation process, reducing the timeline from years to months while maintaining quality and safety.
Improving On Time Performance Reporting
Sound Transit relied on Train to Wayside Communications loops to track train locations. While this system supported annunciation, it lacked the full dataset needed for accurate reporting. We guided the agency to use track circuit data, providing clearer metrics that support both day-to-day operations and Federal Transit Administration reporting.
“Modern Rail made what initially felt impossible achievable—implementing critical system changes without impacting operations. Their deep technical and operational expertise, trusted relationships across our agency and industry, and ability to align diverse stakeholders were instrumental in delivering enabling projects that supported safe, reliable 4‑minute headways for the Crosslake Connection, all on aggressive timelines.” - Kerry Pihlstrom, Sound Transit, Executive Director-Asset Transition Office
Enhancing Incident Recovery Through SCADA Optimization
As service demands grew, we worked with operations and the SCADA contractor to improve incident recovery. New procedures allowed trains to be rerouted strategically during disruptions, keeping feeder lines running and reducing congestion in the main corridor. By translating operational needs into technical updates, we helped the control center manage high-pressure events more efficiently.
Establishing Best Practices for Alarm Management
We also helped review and improve SCADA alarm management. By analyzing alarm logs, updating priorities, and identifying field maintenance needs, we reduced thousands of unnecessary alerts to a manageable set. This allows operators to focus on the alerts that matter most and respond quickly to prevent service impacts.
Delivering Results Under Tight Timelines
By combining experience, collaboration, and a focus on efficiency, we helped deliver solutions that could be implemented effectively under tight timelines.