Sarah Harlley
Associate Vice President Passenger Rail and Transit
I specialize in advancing high-speed and commuter passenger rail systems across North America.
As a Registered Professional Planner with 10 years of experience in infrastructure advisory, public-private partnerships (P3) delivery, and emerging mobility, I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to transportation challenges.
My work spans the full breadth of advisory, including contributing to projects using applied research, best practice analyses, regulatory and legislative reviews, needs-based assessments, scenario planning, policy, and cost-benefit analysis frameworks. This experience covers both traditional infrastructure asset classes and rapidly evolving mobility technologies, enabling me to bridge established methodologies with innovative approaches.
Prior to focusing on North American rail and mobility projects, I supported projects in Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia, where I navigated diverse regulatory environments and complex development challenges. This international exposure sharpened my ability to adapt methodologies to varied contexts and deliver actionable insights in dynamic settings.
In addition to my role as an employee shareholder representative on CPCS’s Board of Directors, I serve as Vice President of Programs on the Board of the Canadian Transportation Research Forum (CTRF), where I help shape national dialogue on transportation research, policy, and innovation.
Education
- Master of Engineering, Cities Engineering and Management (Transportation Systems Specialization), University of Toronto, Canada
- Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Urban and Regional Planning (Land Development Specialization), University of Waterloo, Canada
3 fun facts
- Coach high school track and field (discus)
- Love trying out new cuisines and convincing my kids to enjoy the same
- Strangely lucky with door prize contests
Contact Sarah
P: +1 (613) 237-2500
