Commercial Due Diligence
Symprix supported IPEX, acting on behalf of global investment firm Certares, in evaluating a strategic investment in a European open-access high-speed rail operator competing on major French HSR corridors, including the high-density Paris–Lyon axis, one of the most important and commercially significant high-speed routes in Europe.
Given the capital intensity and competitive dynamics of high-speed rail, Symprix was engaged to independently review the operator’s revenue forecasts and commercial assumptions, assessing the credibility of demand projections, pricing segmentation, load factor targets, and the robustness of the revenue-driven profitability case.
Rolling Stock Evaluation
Symprix supported CPCS, acting as prime consultant to the Rail Delivery Group (RDG), in delivering a nationally significant study to evaluate how passengers perceive and value rolling stock attributes. The project was commissioned under the Passenger Demand Forecasting Council (PDFC) to inform potential updates to the Passenger Demand Forecasting Handbook (PDFH), the industry’s core demand modelling framework.
The study addressed long-standing questions about the robustness of Stated Preference (SP) evidence and the need to strengthen forecasting guidance using real-world Revealed Preference (RP) data. It examined emerging passenger priorities — including comfort, connectivity, accessibility, and perceptions of new versus refurbished rolling stock — and assessed whether existing PDFH multipliers remain behaviourally credible in today’s operating environment.
Selected projects delivered within prior consultancy roles, demonstrating depth of experience across rail investment, strategy, appraisal and commercial modelling.
Led revenue workstream supporting the transition from franchising to Passenger Service Contracts under post-Williams reform.
Developed financial and performance mechanisms to strengthen accountability during the transition from franchising.
Led modelling and evaluation of national fare reform options to simplify pricing and improve passenger trust.
Led international market sounding for one of Europe’s largest high-speed rail programmes.
Developed a Strategic Case assessing enhancement options following major programme changes.
Supported demand forecasting and economic appraisal for a major new rail corridor.
Led stakeholder engagement shaping the Concept of Operations for a proposed light rail scheme.
Led research exploring creation of a unified multi-modal passenger advocacy body.
Supported development of a fit-for-purpose fare structure for a new strategic corridor.
Supported a major joint bid for an Automated People Mover system.
Supported bid development for high-speed rolling stock within NEOM.
Supported evaluation and assurance for major UK franchise competitions.