Two major projects in Brazil are helping international rail consultancy Interfleet Technology to establish a foothold in South America.

Led by Lars Walther, regional director for Germany, Interfleet is utilising intra-office expertise and language skills to carry out projects in and around Rio de Janeiro.

In the first project, Interfleet is assisting Metro Rio as it works to upgrade its 34 underground and overland stations to comply with new accessibility guidelines laid out by the Brazilian Government as the country gears up to the 2016 Olympic Games.

The second project sees Interfleet carrying out five different studies which together will help Metro Rio define its ongoing fleet strategy, and outline options such as the purchase of new vehicles or the refurbishment of existing stock.

Lars commented: "These exciting projects have enabled Interfleet to demonstrate fully its technological expertise and language skills. Staff from different regions, including Germany and the UK, have been involved in the work, both office-based and on site.

"We have offices all over the world and now to be working on more and more projects in South America shows our ability to deploy our resources to meet our client requirements, whether its rolling stock, infrastructure, procurement or training."

For the first project, Metro Rio has established its goal of ensuring that its accessibility work becomes a best practice beacon for the rail industry across the world.

For the second project, Interfleet will examine air conditioning systems, compressed air systems, door systems, propulsion and communications technology. Much of the fleet is based around 1979 and 1997 Alstom-built Metro cars.