Operational foundation
Develop SOPs and support pre-operation activities to prepare the organisation, systems and processes for service
CASE STUDY | READINESS CLARITY
Building Operational Capability for Mauritius’ First Rail System
Metro Express, Mauritius
Leveraging operator expertise to build operational capability, train local teams and launch Metro Express, Mauritius’ first Light Rail Transit network
Operational readiness from first launch through phased expansion
26km
Route length across major cities
19
Stations integrated, including 2 elevated and 17 at-grade
4
Successive expansion phases audited
Complete operational readiness
Pre-operation SOPs developed to support day-one operations
THE CHALLENGE
Delivering Mauritius’ first LRT safely into service while building operational capability
First-of-its-kind network
Build capability from the ground up for a brand new transit mode, while ensuring absolute safety for phased commercial rollouts
Local capability
Develop a completely new operations team capable of running the LRT system from scratch without prior national rail experience
Road-rail integration
Integrate a new LRT safely within existing roads, traffic systems and public transport networks, while coordinating across multiple external agencies
Phased expansion
Provide independent safety oversight for multiple sequential phase launches across Curepipe and Port Louis
Creating operational clarity
A structured path from operational readiness to safe launch
Capability transfer
Train the local operations team to take on the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the new LRT network
Readiness assurance
Conduct independent safety audits across successive expansion phases before each enters commercial operation
In-service support
Carrying operator expertise from pre-operations into live service after launch for Phase 1
KEY INSIGHT
Building capability for sustainable rail operations
Operational success depends on structured capability transfer and independent oversight before passenger service begins. By embedding real-world operator expertise, comprehensive local training and rigorous safety assurance into the pre-operations phase, STRIDES supported a seamless transition to live service and long-term operational resilience.
TARGETED INTERVENTIONS
Operator-led readiness from day one
Strategic scoping
Determine a feasible alignment for the LRT, develop the reference design and assess options for future network extension
Pre-operation consultancy
Draft comprehensive standard operating procedures and support Metro Express Limited through all pre-operation activities to ensure day-one readiness
Workforce capability build-up
Provide on-the-ground support to train and develop a local operations team fully capable of independently running the LRT Phase 1 network
Independent Safety Audit (ISA)
Conduct rigorous independent safety audits for Phases 2A, 2B, 2C and 3 to support safe commercial operations as planned
REGULATORY PRIORITIES
Operational readiness and independent safety assurance embedded across successive phases
01
Operational readiness
Supported pre-operation planning, procedures and capability-building to prepare Metro Express Ltd for the safe operation and maintenance of Phase 1
02
Independent safety assurance
Conducted Independent Safety Audit (ISA) for Phase 2A, successfully completing the engagement in 2021
03
Assurance across expansion
Continued appointment for the ISA of Phases 2B, 2C and 3 provided safety assurance as the network expanded through successive stages
04
Safe entry into service
Each subsequent phase successfully entered commercial operation as planned, supporting the controlled transition from project delivery to live passenger service
Capabilities in action
Depot & Fleet Management + Integrated Digital Operations & Command Systems + Data Integration & Platforms + Maintenance Digitalisation + Predictive & Condition-Based Maintenance
OUTCOMES
Safe launch and phased expansion
Operational readiness, local capability-building and independent safety assurance supported Metro Express from pre-operations through successive commercial expansion phases
26km
Route length across major cities
19
Stations integrated, including 2 elevated and 17 at-grade
4
Successive expansion phases audited
Complete operational readiness
Pre-operation SOPs developed to support day-one operations
Ensure day-one readiness for your new network
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