AECOM's Lamiaa Eldakhly works on railway megaprojects

AECOM's People Spotlight series provides an inside look at its technical experts around the world.

Meet AECOM Senior Systems Interface & Integration Manager from AECOM's Transit and Rail business in the Canada region, Lamiaa Eldakhly.

Lamiaa and her team are working on the Finch West LRT project, which will bring transit access to an underserved community in Ontario, Canada. Learn more about Lamiaa's interest in joining the public transportation sector and her successful career with AECOM.

Specializing in systems interface and integration

Lamiaa has more than 25 years of experience in the railway industry, working on railway megaprojects in Africa and the Middle East. Throughout her career journey, Lamiaa has specialized in systems interface and integration, collaborating with colleagues from various disciplines such as architecture, communications, signals and telecommunications, as well as civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering to create cohesive systems solutions.

Lamiaa also works closely with clients and contractors to define, monitor and control systems integration processes, ensuring successful and fully integrated systems.

An interest in joining the public transportation sector

Lamiaa explains that she has always loved studying mathematics and logical thinking, which is what made her want to study engineering. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree, Lamiaa became interested in joining the public transportation sector which serves people in their daily lives, improving personal mobility and access to jobs, education and leisure activities.

"Following graduation, I was fortunate to be involved in the Cairo Metro Line 2 project where I thoroughly enjoyed learning about system and sub-system details such as traction power supply, communication and signalling – and how they are integrated to form a robust transportation system," says Lamiaa.

"For every project I work on, there are always challenges to meet and new lessons to be learned and applied in future projects. This is why I believe that this field is exactly where I am meant to be."

Collaborating with a highly motivated team

Lamiaa shares that her favorite AECOM project is the one that she is currently working on, Finch West Light Rail Transit in Ontario, where her role is as a Systems Senior Project Manager.

"As technical advisor for this project, our team has been working with our client, Metrolinx, and the contractor to successfully deliver the project while following all safety requirements and the latest technology standards," comments Lamiaa.

"The project is currently in the commissioning phase. While there have been some challenges with the systems and light rail vehicle integration, we held frequent meetings with stakeholders to discuss and resolve interface issues and worked frequently with the operator to accommodate their requirements in a timely manner. Collaborating with a highly cooperative and motivated team to meet these challenges has been the best part of this project. Once completed, this new line will bring much needed transit access to an underserved community."

Positively impacting community needing economic and social support

The Finch West LRT is located near communities designated by the City of Toronto as Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, which need additional social and economic support.

"The Finch West corridor is home to more than 3,500 thriving industrial and commercial businesses, yet its residents face high unemployment and low income rates. They are also not within walking distance of community meeting places, green spaces and healthy food stores" explains Lamiaa.

"A new LRT system in the area will improve access to amenities, recreational spaces and employment and education opportunities. The corridor will have enhanced connections into the local Humber College and adjacent neighbourhoods including feeder bus routes, pedestrian connections to the Humber River Valley, parks, mixed use areas, and community spaces."