Engineering. Integration. Delivery.

Modernizing Transit Systems Safely & Efficiently

DART Unified Signaling Systems

What it is

The Unified Signal System (USS) Project will upgrade DART’s Light Rail Transit (LRT) signal system across 48 miles of track, including the Central Business District (CBD), Red Line, and Blue Line, creating a more connected transit system modernized to move the region.

Why it matters

The improvements will help create more efficient operations across the rail system while increasing reliability, minimizing service disruptions, and strengthening safety for passengers throughout the DART network.

What’s included

The project will upgrade existing Automatic Block Signaling (ABS) and Line of Sight (LOS) rail segments to a Digital Track Circuit based Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system with cab signaling. In the CBD, the existing Transit Signal Priority (TSP) system will be enhanced with improved train detection, upgraded prioritization features, and redundant power upgrades.

One Unified Team

Modern Railway Systems in association with Kimley-Horn, came together with a shared focus on safety, precision, and performance. This partnership combines deep technical expertise with proven delivery to support complex transit modernization efforts.

Transit-Focused Delivery

We deliver turnkey solutions that set the bar for safety, innovation, and reliability in transit.

Proven Collaboration

We view projects beyond their scope seeing them as stepping stones to long-term working relationships.

Long-Term Performance

We are committed, from design through commissioning, to delivering top notch services for years to come.

Proven Experience Where It Matters

Our team is supporting DART through ongoing on-call services, including installation, repair, replacement, and modification work such as:

Traction power systems
Communications subsystems and fiber optic infrastructure
Light rail signaling systems
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Fare collection systems
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV)
Bus charging stations
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
Traffic Signal Priority (TSP)
Positive Train Control (PTC) systems

We bring local insight and hands-on experience that directly supports this modernization effort.

More about DART On-Call

Building Better Connections Across Transit

Caltrain Electrification

Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board | San Francisco to San Jose, CA

MRS modified Caltrain’s entire signal, comms, and grade crossing warning systems to support electric passenger trainsets, including full design, supply, electrified track circuit replacement, installation, and regulatory testing of new wayside signal cases and houses.

Learn more

Blue Line LRT Renewal

SANDAG | San Diego, CA

Kimley-Horn served as the prime consultant for the project, which included the purchase of 57 low floor vehicles, major Blue Line corridor rehabilitation, upgrades to OCS, substations, track, signaling, and fiber comms systems, and station improvements to support low floor vehicle service.

Learn more

G Line

LACMTA | Los Angeles, CA

MRS is providing technology evaluation, proof of concept railroad systems design and implementation, installation, and commissioning of railroad type gating technologies at 13 intersections as part of this Progressive Design Build project.

Learn more

Meet the Team

Our team brings decades of experience across signaling, communications, and transit systems, supporting agencies nationwide.

Paul Rieger

Project Executive

Shon Tulik

Project Manager

Rae Faber

Lead Design Manager

Kenny Waters

Preconstruction Manager

Scott Arnold

Sam Fries

Nathan New

Partner With Us

The Modern Railway Systems (MRS) team, in partnership with Kimley-Horn, is currently seeking to connect with firms interested in design, professional services, construction, and supply opportunities for the DART Unified Signaling System (USS) project, which will modernize DART’s light rail transit signaling system.