Building a Future-Ready IT Strategy for RATP Dev’s Growth in Australia

RATP Dev is the global expansion arm of the world-renowned Paris metro operator, RATP, with over 35 years of expertise in automated metro systems. As part of their mission to shape the future of urban mobility, they are actively pursuing long-term rail contracts in major cities worldwide. RATP Dev’s strategic entry into Australia reflects its global commitment to innovation and resilience, with ambitions to implement future-ready transit solutions centered on data, cybersecurity, and sustainability across the globe, values embedded in RATP Dev’s DNA. One of their flagship projects is the driverless metro line at Western Sydney Airport, which leverages their innovative approach to connect Sydney’s new international airport with the city.

Strategic Partnership for Australia

To support their global expansion into Australia, RATP Dev partnered with Onepoint, a French-Australian IT specialist, to establish a future-ready IT strategy aligned with their long-term vision. As a trusted partner, Onepoint provides the expertise needed to drive RATP Dev’s growth via the successful delivery of complex, sustainable mobility projects, and supporting RATP Dev’s core values—innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking design in a market that demands robust cybersecurity, data management, and operational durability.

Challenges and Approach

The Australian expansion presents unique challenges, such as preparing for evolving technology needs over the next 10 to 15 years, addressing stringent cybersecurity standards, and navigating time zone difference and skills gaps. Fabien noted, “We had to deliver a long-term vision and manage the complexity of integrating cyber security, data management, and overall IT strategy within a very tight timeframe.” Working closely with Onepoint, RATP Dev designed an integrated IT solution that could meet these demands while maintaining their operational DNA. Fabien highlighted, “We faced significant challenges due to the time zone difference between Australia and France, as well as the necessity for specialised skills that were not readily available internally.” This collaboration enabled RATP Dev to establish a sustainable framework adaptable to future demands, while also addressing immediate needs.

Selection Process

Fabien explained that their network played a crucial role in the selection process, which involved drafting a detailed requirements document followed by technical and commercial evaluations. The key selection criteria included technical expertise to address their challenges, a strong relationship and shared values, occasional French proficiency to simplify communication with headquarters, experience and market understanding in Australia, and economic considerations, which were secondary but important. “We needed a partner with a broad range of skills and a deep understanding of the market,” said Fabien.

 

Solution and Execution

Onepoint delivered a comprehensive IT solution, offering a single point of contact and an end-to-end approach that reduced silos and ensured strategic alignment across all IT needs. Fabien appreciated this integrated approach, saying, “The integrated approach was highly valuable, reducing the number of contact points and ensuring a cohesive strategy.” Onepoint’s willingness to challenge assumptions and provide alternative perspectives contributed to refining RATP Dev’s vision and strengthening their plans for a resilient, data-driven transit infrastructure.

 

Outcomes and Benefits

The collaboration exceeded RATP Dev’s expectations, with Onepoint’s team consistently meeting deadlines and quality standards, despite the complexity and tight timelines. The solution provided a seamless, cross-functional approach to IT management, ensuring reliability across various domains essential to RATP Dev’s future operations. Fabien noted, “Onepoint’s ability to meet our deadlines and maintain high-quality standards was crucial to our project’s success.” He further emphasised the importance of the team’s positive attitude and partnership mentality: “The team’s positive attitude and partnership mentality were critical in navigating through difficult periods.”

 

Conclusion

Reflecting on the partnership, Fabien concluded:

This case study demonstrates how Onepoint’s tailored IT solutions and collaborative spirit provided RATP Dev with the solid foundation needed to successfully support their long-term ambitions in Australia.