Kebron blends her passion for transportation with the intricacies of planning and coordination

Hi Kebron, what are you working with at the moment?

I work as a Traffic Planner at MTR for the regional train Mälartåg. It brings me great joy to share my journey from KTH to my current role and shed light on the fascinating aspects of my daily responsibilities.

A typical day in my role as a planner is dynamic and engaging. My primary focus revolves around managing information flows and ensuring the seamless dissemination of accurate updates to various stakeholders. This involves sending essential information from our clients to our passengers, the transport administration, and our personnel, including train drivers and attendants. In addition to devising optimal traffic solutions, our department plays a pivotal role in providing comprehensive reports on daily traffic activities and any necessary adjustments. These reports are crucial for our clients and other operational departments, ensuring everyone remains informed and aligned. My work at MTR allows me to blend my passion for transportation with the intricacies of planning and coordination, making each day both challenging and rewarding.

Why did you choose this programme at KTH?

I chose KTH University because I thought it was the perfect place to study our field. When I picked the master's programme in Transportation and Geotechnical Information, I wasn't sure what I wanted to study because there were so many options. But as I looked through the courses, I figured out what I was interested in. Thanks to my teachers, we visited many places, like MTR's Operational Planning Centre. Seeing how things worked there helped me understand what I wanted to do.

I'm grateful for my time in the railway division at KTH. It really prepared me for my current job. Almost everything I learned at KTH has been helpful in my career. Each course and project I did there has helped me in my job.

What is the best memory of your time at the university?

Sadly, I was part of the group affected by COVID-19, so I couldn't enjoy our KTH campus like I wanted to. Despite the challenges, I am grateful for the bonds forged during my time at KTH, as my classmates and I still make it a point to meet up and spend time together, cherishing the connections we made during our university.

What are your plans for the future?

In the near future, I plan to enhance my career by taking courses and gaining more experience in my field. I believe that there is a need for more experts and decision-makers in the railway industry. With their expertise, we can encourage more people to use environmentally friendly transportation systems, which will benefit our users and the environment.

What would you say to a student considering applying for this programme?

I highly recommend studying our programme because of its vastness and the numerous opportunities it offers. I have friends working in various fields, from full-time software programs to traffic analytics and transport planning. I believe there is still a need for more expertise in the transport field to develop sustainable transportation solutions for a brighter future.

One of the wonderful aspects of graduating from KTH is that it's not a final farewell; I continue to maintain close contact and collaborate with my former teachers and advisors. This ongoing connection is what, in my opinion, makes it one of the best programs available